Opinions are cheap, but nuance is few and far between.
The 2026 World Cup has already generated millions of opinions, before a single ball has been kicked. The tournament has become a referendum on the United States, on FIFA, and on who the game belongs to. As such, nearly everyone has something to say about it. Myself included, of course.
This World Cup is perhaps the most politically driven edition of the tournament ever. With this comes more eyes not just on the tournament itself, but on American soccer fans, the American way of life, and the United States as a whole. To properly comment on the discourse surrounding the 2026 World Cup, one must not only live and breathe football, but also understand the culture, political landscape, and historical background of the United States.
As such, I feel uniquely qualified to comment on some of the discourse surrounding this World Cup. Below are a few of the most pressing topics surrounding this World Cup, and my subsequent thoughts.
Travel visas and common sense
In the leadup to this World Cup, the biggest topic has almost certainly been the general unwelcomeness of the United States government towards foreign players, coaches, and staff.
Before a single ball has been kicked, the following incidents have already taken place:
- Somalian referee Omar Artan denied entry into the country
- Iranian squad denied accommodation in the United States, currently scheduled to play three games inside the country
- Iraqi player Aymen Hussien questioned for ‘seven hours’ by American immigration officials
These incidents are not isolated matters, but rather a pattern of xenophobia and racism.
Granted, the American government should not disregard security measures and throw caution to the wind, either. Through much fault of their own, the United States has many enemies around the world. Meddling in foreign affairs for nearly half a century has served the dollar well, but has also invited a number of bad actors. Therefore, preventive security measures should and must be taken to prevent these bad actors from entering the country. Rules must be followed, period.
Certainly, it is not out of the ordinary for a global superpower to restrict the number of approved visas before such an event. Prior to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China tightened their visa policies, banning visitors from various third-world countries from applying for visas in China. Instead, those wishing to attend the Olympics were required to apply at their local Chinese embassies in their home countries. As such, the number of accepted visas significantly dropped in the months leading up the Games.
However, China also loosened restrictions for those working on the Games, granting such parties a one-year work permit, no questions asked. In other words, common sense prevailed.
In contrast, the Iranian squad are currently scheduled to play two World Cup games in California, and another in Washington. Yet, the team is not allowed to book a hotel room in either of those states. The implication here being that 90 minutes is not enough time to act against America’s interests, but an overnight stay at a Hilton is?
The difference between those wishing to attend such events as a fan, and those who are actively taking part in such events cannot be understated. There has always been an unspoken agreement between the hosts and attending athletes, coaches, and staff, to allow entry into the country on a temporary basis. The United States has now broken this unspoken agreement.
It is clear to me that logic is not taking precedence in these matters. The treatment of such parties is abhorrent, and goes against the very nature of the tournament.
Hypocrisy, a two-way street
One cannot mention the problems associated with this World Cup without also mentioning the discourse surrounding said problems. In observing this discourse from afar, one theme starts to emerge—hypocrisy.
First, the hypocrisy from major media outlets in their coverage of the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cups. The former two were heavily scrutinized (albeit for good reason) by major media outlets, but the latter has escaped criticism. I am not going to get into which host deserves more blame, which host was more committed to sportswashing, or anything of that nature.
However, it is the duty of the media to report on the truth, facts and circumstances of such an event in an unbiased manner. Plainly, they have not done so.
That said, it should be noted that hypocrisy is a two-way street. While it is true that major media outlets have stayed silent on the problematic nature of this World Cup, fans have not. The only problem is, those pointing fingers at the United States should also have been pointing fingers at Qatar in 2022 for their treatment of migrant workers and pattern of human rights abuses. The same can be said for Russia in 2018, for their then-recent display of geopolitical aggression in the annexation of Crimea, and concerns surrounding racism and homophobia.
If this blame is not shared, or at least not accounted for, such complaints should fall on deaf ears.
Our game, not your game
Football is often described as “the world’s game”. Certainly, the phrase is well deserved. No sport is more popular, no sport is more intertwined with global politics, and no sport can quite explain the world like football can. Football fans will parade around this idea, and rightly so.
And yet, when it comes to the United States and American soccer fans, the land of the free is often shut out. It’s everyone’s game, until the United States is involved. Every culture is allowed to leave their mark on the beautiful game, but Americans are not.
Some of you might be reading this and thinking “Woe is me, you poor Americans.” In some ways, you may be right.
Certainly, the feeling of being “other” is not one that Americans are used to. American hegemony has reigned supreme since the end of the Cold War, and Americans will let you hear it. Such an attitude has likely turned off the rest of the world, and sullied any chances of inclusion. It also means that American soccer has a very short leash in the eyes of the world.
Americans can take part, but only just. Americans can cheer, but will be mocked when they do. The United States can host a preseason game, but not a competitive tournament. Americans don’t have any football culture, and aren’t equipped to host the World Cup.
This attitude is antithetical to the very nature of football, yet is the general consensus among most football fans. It is the eagerness to exclude Americans that bleeds into such beliefs, which can often be disproven in seconds.
As mentioned, there are many real, valid criticisms of this World Cup. There are also many wildly inaccurate, infinitely trivial criticisms of this World Cup. The focus should be on the former, yet it’s almost entirely on the latter. Contrary to popular belief, the American people are wildly accepting of foreigners. Americans love sports, and Americans will take to the World Cup in a way that most countries would not for their fourth or fifth most popular sport.
So yes, Americans may cheer a little differently. Their songs may not be the same as yours. Their stadiums may look a little different. But at the very least, it’s authentic. They are Americans, being American. They deserve the right to leave their mark on the beautiful game, just like everyone else.
Red, white, and blue
One of my earliest soccer memories is running around my house as Landon Donovan scored that goal against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup. 12 years ago, I remember crying in my living room as the United States lost to Belgium in the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup. Nine years ago, I sat and cried in my room as the United States failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
In a lifetime of supporting the USMNT, I have experienced the full spectrum of human emotion. This summer, I don’t expect anything different.
Paraguay, Turkey, and the Aussies await the Americans in the group stage. As a collective, it is certainly the best squad that the men have ever assembled. For the first time, there is a genuine belief that the USMNT can go toe-to-toe with the world’s best, and potentially kickstart the second wave of soccer interest in this country.
The first wave came in 1994, off the back of the first ever World Cup hosted by the United States. The MLS’ inaugural season took place two years later. Since then, a sort of plateau has emerged. Though fan interest is at an all-time high, and the talent pool is larger than ever, the actual product on the field hasn’t changed. The USMNT haven’t reached a quarterfinal since 2002, having been eliminated in the Round of 16 in their last two World Cup appearances.
Perhaps, that changes this summer. Perhaps, a second wave is upon us.
Dark horses
I always found the phrase “dark horse” particularly bemusing. Dark horse? When’s the last time you saw a horse that wasn’t dark? Every horse race I’ve ever watched contained almost exclusively dark horses. It is entirely possible I’m missing some important historical context here, so do inform me.
Anyhow, my dark horse for the 2026 World Cup is Ecuador. The South American side have not lost a game since 2024, and boast one of the best defenses in the tournament. They finished as runners-up in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, certainly no easy feat. They are battle tested, likely will not face issues with the heat, and should keep most games close.
Viva Ecuador, I say.
My best takes, my worst takes
It would not be a World Cup article without some predictions. Some of these takes are rooted in some level of truth, while others are formulated on vibes alone. I will let you decide which is which.
- France winners, Brazil runners-up
- Michael Olise wins the Golden Ball
- Julian Alvarez wins the Golden Boot
- South Korea will be the last Asian team standing, not Japan
- England to exit before the quarterfinals
- Argentina and Portugal meet in the quarterfinal for the last ever edition of Messi vs. Ronaldo, and the latter wins
- Two CONCACAF nations reach the quarterfinals, USA and Mexico
Final thoughts
Children often have a very idealistic view of the world. As one gets older, such ideals take a backseat to reality and the harsh truths of life. But sport is different. We play, consume, and love sports because it makes us feel like children again.
In that regard, a global tournament like the World Cup should make you feel like a child again. It should make you want to come together with the world, to make the unlikeliest of friends, to rejoice with your fellow countrymen.
Nobody knows what the 2026 World Cup will hold. It could be a disaster, or it could be the greatest sporting event in human history. Likely, it will end up somewhere in the middle. But for six weeks this summer, millions of us will get to be children again. That alone, is enough for me.