Special Edition: World Cup in America — What to Know
The 2026 World Cup, set to be the largest sporting event in history, is arriving in North America with unprecedented scale and controversy. Host Erica Mandi sits down with soccer expert Leander Sharlockens to unpack what makes this tournament different—not just in size, but in how it’s being governed. FIFA’s centralization of revenue, from tickets to concessions, has driven ticket prices to $1,500 and shifted the burden of fan festivals and security to host cities, raising concerns about accessibility and exclusivity. Despite the U.S. men’s team’s historic underdog journey—from a 1950 upset over England to a possible quarterfinal run—many fear the event will become a '1% World Cup,' deterring casual fans and international travelers. Political tensions, including Iran’s participation amid ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and visa hurdles, add further complexity. Yet Sharlockens remains hopeful: beneath the corporate and political noise, the World Cup still holds the power to unite people across borders through sport. The real success, he argues, isn’t just in wins on the field, but in preserving the spirit of global connection that made the tournament legendary in the first place.
FIFA is keeping 100% of ticket, broadcast, sponsorship, and concession revenue, shifting all non-profit costs to host cities—making the 2026 World Cup the most expensive in history.
A family of four could spend $1,000+ to attend games, making the event inaccessible to most fans and risking a '1% World Cup' with empty stadiums.
The U.S. men’s team’s best chance at success is reaching the quarterfinals—something they’ve only done once before in 2002—making it a historic milestone.
Iran’s participation is in jeopardy due to ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, with players potentially needing to cross U.S. territory for games, creating unprecedented diplomatic tension.
Visa requirements and proposed $15,000 deposits for foreign visitors have deterred international fans, threatening the global spirit of the tournament.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The World Cup’s Unprecedented Scale
“You could plausibly make the argument that it's the largest event that mankind has ever put on.”
The U.S. Men’s Soccer Journey
The U.S. men’s team has come a long way since their 1950 upset over England, but still hasn’t matched the women’s team’s success. The 2026 tournament could be their best chance yet to reach the quarterfinals.
Key Players and Team Depth
Christian Pulisic, Weston McKenny, and Ricardo Pepé represent a new generation of American talent, but the team still lacks depth. Injuries could derail their chances, despite their improved competitiveness.
The Cost of Entry and Fan Access
“For a family of four, it's going to cost at least $1,000 to go to this thing.”
FIFA’s Profit-Driven Model
“They're keeping the ticket money, they're keeping the broadcast money, they're keeping the sponsorship money, they're keeping the parking money and they're keeping the concession money.”
“And without getting too hyperbolic about it, you could... plausibly make the argument that it's the largest event that mankind has ever put on.”
“So, they're keeping the ticket money, they're keeping the broadcast money, they're keeping the sponsorship money, they're keeping the parking money and they're keeping the concession money.”
“This is going to be my fourth World Cup. And what I love about it is that it's just a celebration of humanity channeled through this beautiful sport.”
Host
Guest
FIFA
organization
Leander Sharlockens
person
United States
place
Iran
place
Mexico
place
Canada
place
1994 World Cup
other
Christian Pulisic
person
Johnny Infantino
person
Title IX
other
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