Learn the sport

Every question you were afraid to ask.

Straight answers, US-sports translations, zero gatekeeping. Each explainer links back into the map so you can see the answer, not just read it.

Competitions
How does the Champions League work?
36 teams, one giant table — and the answer to why City keeps playing German teams on a Wednesday.
The Rules
Why do soccer games end in a tie?
Because a tie is a result, not a failure — and sometimes it's a masterpiece.
The Pyramid
What is relegation?
The rule US sports refuse to adopt: finish last, lose your job.
National Teams
What conference is the USMNT in?
It's called Concacaf — and once you can pronounce it, the international calendar makes sense.
The Pyramid
Why doesn't MLS have relegation?
It's not that MLS hasn't gotten around to it. The league was built to make relegation impossible.
The Lingo
What is a clean sheet?
Soccer's word for a shutout — and a stat entire fantasy and betting markets run on.