I think it is more the travel effect that the American players might be more used too. Imagine a team going from San Francisco to new York then to Seattle to play their group games. Then to Miami for the next round. There are lots of players that probably will never have to travel that far and that often.

US could be a good shout with their home world cup. Distance travelled for the tournament could be a key factor in how far teams go. Mexico too.

Japan and South Korea with more of their players playing in Europe and doing well. Australia are always a team that can challenge. A bit of luck and the green and gold will be on another World Cup trophy.

African teams are getting better and if they can get the infrastructure behind them, they could challenge. Morocco got to the semis, with a bit more luck who knows.

A bit old but Berwick rangers beating Glasgow rangers 1-0 back in 1967 in the Scottish fa cup.

Syria beating North Korea seems like a bit of a shock

Damn, this is terrible news. For St Mirren, they might have finished second.