The recent World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was a logistical success despite potential challenges. The tournament featured 48 teams and 104 games across 16 stadiums, drawing nearly 7 million spectators and maintaining high TV ratings, even after the U.S. team’s elimination. Star players like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé captivated audiences, and the final between Spain and Argentina attracted a record Spanish-language viewership. Despite some hot weather and wildfire smoke, the event proceeded smoothly. The expanded tournament format did not dilute the competition, with underdog teams like Cape Verde making notable impacts. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the host nations for their efforts, highlighting the global reach of the event, which was watched by billions worldwide.
QUESTION: How might hosting such a large international event influence the perception of soccer in North America?
This year’s supersized World Cup had some things go wrong. There was also a lot that went right
