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What if NFL stars played soccer instead?

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday in Moscow. Unfortunately, the United States did not qualify, so American soccer fans will miss out on traditions like hoards of bandwagoners crowding sports bars and doing chants they recently learned. However, on Wednesday morning, it was announced that North America (us and our friends north and south of our borders) will be hosting the 2026 World Cup.

So, in light of these events, we've morphed American football with "the beautiful game." From J.J. Watt as goalkeeper to Aaron Rodgers the striker, check out our soccer team of NFL stars.

1 / 8

Baker Mayfield - Cleveland Browns

2 / 8

Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys

3 / 8

Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers

4 / 8

J.J. Watt - Houston Texans

5 / 8

Todd Gurley - Los Angeles Rams

6 / 8

Stephen Gostkowski - New England Patriots

7 / 8

Marshawn Lynch - Oakland Raiders

8 / 8

Antonio Brown - Pittsburgh Steelers

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