World Cup 2026 Faces Existential Threat: Will Anyone in the US Care About a Messi–Müller Final?
the 2026 FIFA World Cup,slated for a North American debut across the united states,Canada,and Mexico,is sparking concern that the tournament’s electric atmosphere could fall flat. A looming fear is that even a marquee matchup – envision a final showdown between Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller – might be lost amidst the established dominance of American sports, failing to ignite the fervent national passion typically associated with the global event.
This potential disconnect stems from football’s position within the US sporting landscape.While the sport’s popularity is growing,it remains largely viewed as a spectacle rather than a cultural cornerstone,raising questions about whether the World Cup can transcend its status as simply another entertainment option for American consumers. The stakes are high: a muted reception in the host nation could fundamentally alter the tournament’s spirit and impact, potentially creating a two-tiered experience – an exclusive event for dedicated fans and a largely indifferent public.
Critics worry the 2026 tournament risks becoming a “sterile show event,” lacking the unifying national fervor that defines a successful World Cup. Instead of a summer-long national obsession, the concern is that the event will be overshadowed by the continued popularity of baseball and othre established American sports.
“I fear we will see a two-speed World Cup: inside, an elite party for those who can afford the expensive tickets, and outside, a country that shrugs its shoulders and continues watching baseball,” one observer noted. The challenge lies in converting casual interest into genuine enthusiasm, fostering a sense of national pride that transcends the event’s commercial aspects.
Claudio Thoma/KEYSTONE/dpa captured the anticipation surrounding the declaration of the 2026 venues.
