New Delhi: The situation has always been somewhat unusual. Despite being the world’s most popular sport, football has traditionally held a niche status in the wealthiest nation on the planet. For years, the sport has aspired to make its presence felt in the United States. However, as the 2026 World Cup draws closer, it appears that the USA is now making a significant impact on the game of football.
Event Context
While the terms may be interchangeable, the distinction remains clear. The United States has long maintained that what the rest of the world calls football is known as soccer in the US, to avoid confusion with American football, the country’s major sport. Clearly, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has embraced this terminology.
Infantino has displayed a willingness to accommodate American interests, despite some controversial decisions like the reversal of a red card for Folarin Balogun. Nevertheless, the tournament has proven financially successful, generating impressive revenue figures.
A report from The Guardian reveals that FIFA is set to announce record revenues of $15 billion from this summer’s World Cup, surpassing initial predictions of $11 billion. This remarkable financial performance strengthens Infantino’s chances of securing a fourth term in office.
One of the most visible changes in this World Cup is the introduction of championship rings for the winning team, akin to honors in the NBA, NHL, and NFL. Crafted from high-quality materials, these rings will feature diamonds and gold, along with engravings of the player’s name, shirt number, the World Cup logo, the final match score, and the victorious nation.
The adjustments in tournament format extend beyond rings. Following the announcement that the US, Canada, and Mexico would host the 2026 World Cup, Diego Maradona critiqued the North American sports model, expressing concerns that traditional football formats might be compromised by commercial pressures.
This concern is reflected in the tournament’s recent adaptations, such as the introduction of three-minute hydration breaks during each half, allowing for advertising opportunities that have drawn criticism from purists. Additionally, the potential for halftime shows lasting up to 20 minutes could alienate some dedicated football fans while appealing to a broader audience.
Ticket prices for the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium reached historic levels, with official tickets listed between $30,000 and $33,000, while resale markets saw prices ranging from $10,000 to $2.3 million—a point of contention among supporters.
Hollywood-style glamour has been prominent throughout the matches, but political controversies have also made their mark, impacting the overall experience. Entry restrictions on certain foreign nationals created a tense atmosphere, influenced by former President Donald Trump’s unique approach, which FIFA appeared to endorse.
Overall, while FIFA has capitalized on these changes financially, many question the long-term effects of American influence on football and which modifications will endure. Trump remains optimistic about the future, expressing the United States’ intention to bid for the 2038 tournament, suggesting, ‘You should choose the United States of America again. This time, we will leave Canada and Mexico out.’
As the sport evolves, it raises the question: will football ever truly feel like soccer in the eyes of the world?
