The Athletic Writers Weigh In on the World Cup’s Global Appeal

The upcoming men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is poised to be a monumental event, capturing the attention of sports fans worldwide. In anticipation, The Athletic, a prominent sports publication, gathered insights from several of its writers who primarily cover sports other than soccer. Their collective perspectives underscore the World Cup’s unparalleled ability to unite nations, generate intense sporting drama, and transcend the boundaries of individual sports fandom.

A Worldwide Spectacle

The men’s World Cup is recognized as the largest global sporting event in history. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 cities over more than five weeks, its scale is unprecedented. The Athletic is committed to providing extensive coverage, with reporters slated to be present at every game. They are also developing content tailored to various fan engagement levels, including specific guides for North American NFL and baseball enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the tournament.

Diverse Voices on the Beautiful Game

Writers from different sporting disciplines within The Athletic shared their enthusiasm for the quadrennial event. Ken Rosenthal, a respected baseball writer, declared the World Cup to be “the ultimate sporting event, the World Series times 10, or even more.” His deep appreciation for the sport is rooted in a personal history that includes playing soccer and working for the iconic New York Cosmos during their glory days. Rosenthal anticipates that many Americans new to soccer will soon understand its global appeal and why it is often referred to as “the beautiful game.”

Michael Silver, who covers the NFL, views the World Cup as an opportunity for his family to become fully “immersed and obsessed with the greatest men’s sporting event on the planet.” He highlighted the unique exhilaration of witnessing the world’s elite athletes compete for national pride, emphasizing that the profound significance of the competition elevates the viewing experience. Silver also pointed to the captivating narratives often provided by underdog teams, citing Croatia’s performance in 2018 as a prime example of a team that captured worldwide attention.

Bruce Feldman, an American football writer, admitted that soccer was not a sport he followed closely during his upbringing. However, through friendships and his son’s participation in club soccer, he has developed a growing appreciation for the game. Feldman finds himself drawn into international tournaments, similar to his experience with Copa America in 2024, and is particularly captivated by the atmosphere and sense of camaraderie that accompanies international matches.

John Hollinger, a basketball writer, lauded the World Cup as “the best sports tournament on the planet,” drawing comparisons to a hybrid of the Olympics and the NCAA Tournament. He noted the tournament’s capacity to provide moments of triumph for smaller nations, akin to “One Shining Moment,” even while acknowledging the historical dominance of traditional soccer powerhouses. Hollinger contrasted this with sports like gymnastics or figure skating, emphasizing that the World Cup showcases the world’s most popular game.

Hannah Vanbiber, whose personal connection to soccer stems from family involvement and experiences abroad, described the World Cup as “the beautiful game on its biggest stage.” She observed that the tournament possesses a remarkable ability to quickly engage new fans, fostering an environment of celebration and rivalry that can instantly captivate any sports observer.

Exploring the Game’s Intricacies

Beyond the broad appeal, some writers also focused on specific aspects of the game they are eager to observe or understand better. Ken Rosenthal expressed a particular interest in the methodology behind calculating extra time. Michael Silver, on the other hand, voiced strong reservations about the extensive implementation of VAR (video assistant referees), questioning its use beyond objective factual determinations and finding its “overreach nauseating.” He prefers a more fluid, less interrupted style of play.

Bruce Feldman addressed common criticisms leveled against soccer, specifically mentioning “flopping” and the complexities of stoppage time. He likened some instances of players exaggerating fouls to the theatricality of professional wrestling and noted a perceived inconsistency in the application of yellow cards for such behavior, suggesting it could be more rigorously enforced.

The World Cup Briefing Newsletter

For dedicated fans seeking comprehensive daily updates and expert insights throughout the tournament, The Athletic offers “The World Cup Briefing,” a specialized newsletter designed to keep every fan informed.

Key Tournament Details

Event: FIFA Men’s World Cup
Host Nations: United States, Canada, and Mexico
Format: 48 teams, 104 matches, spanning over five weeks
The Athletic’s Coverage: Reporters at every game, content for all fan levels

The World Cup’s remarkable capacity to unite diverse fan bases and generate compelling narratives solidifies its position as a central focus for sports enthusiasts globally. The varied perspectives from The Athletic’s writers highlight the tournament’s extensive reach and appeal, even among those whose primary professional focus lies in other sports. This inclusivity is a testament to football’s dominant global presence and the inherent drama of international competition.

Source: The Athletic Football – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7302827/2026/05/26/world-cup-the-athletic-roundtable/

Key facts

• Source: The Athletic Football
• Date: 2026-05-26T09:30:22+00:00
• Topic: What do The Athletic’s writers think of the World Cup? ‘The ultimate sporting event’