How America is shaping the World Cup

Up First from NPR

Jun 07

Overview Shownote Highlights Transcript Chapters Pins

Shownote

The World Cup is back in North America for the first time in over 30 years. It’s the most popular sporting event on the globe and with 16 additional teams competing this year, it will be the biggest World Cup to date. But in Trump’s America, visa issues an...

Highlights

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a historic event, returning to North America for the first time in over three decades with an expanded 48-team format. This episode brings together NPR's soccer enthusiasts to explore the tournament's cultural significance, the challenges facing teams and fans in a politically charged environment, and the excitement surrounding the competition.

03:14

Soccer acts as an unofficial religion and social mobility tool.

18:02

FIFA's high ticket prices exclude many fans.

20:57

Excitement for classic matches like Argentina vs. Brazil.

Chapters

A Historic World Cup Returns to North America: What to Expect from the Expanded 48-Team Tournament

00:00

Navigating a Political Minefield: Visa Delays, Travel Bans, and the Fear of ICE at the Stadiums

11:47

Beyond the Politics: The Thrill of the Game, Underdog Stories, and the Cost of Admission

20:57

Transcript

Ayesha Rascoe: I'm Ayesha Rascoe, and this is The Sunday Story from Up First. In just a few days, billions of people from around the globe will tune in to the most watched sporting event there is, the FIFA World Cup. This year, three nations will co-host t...