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How America is shaping the World Cup

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.
The podcast previews the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, highlighting the expanded field and the U.S. team's potential to reach the quarterfinals with players like Christian Pulisic in their prime. However, significant political and logistical hurdles loom, including visa delays and travel bans under the Trump administration that affect teams from Iran, Haiti, and Senegal. Geopolitical tensions force some teams to base in Mexico, while fears of ICE presence at stadiums create a climate of anxiety among immigrant communities, despite DHS reassurances. FIFA's high ticket prices are also criticized for being exclusionary. Despite these issues, excitement remains for classic matchups like Argentina vs. Brazil and underdog stories like Morocco, with hopes that fans will embrace the tournament's impact on U.S. cities.
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Soccer acts as an unofficial religion and social mobility tool.
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FIFA's high ticket prices exclude many fans.
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Excitement for classic matches like Argentina vs. Brazil.