The anticipation is building for a monumental event as the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This World Cup will not only feature a record 48 teams but is heralded as the biggest in history, often described as akin to hosting “104 Super Bowls in just one month.”

For U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson, the task of communicating this magnitude to audiences back home is vital: “I compare it to a grand version of multiple SEC championships, as everyone understands that level of excitement.”
Translation: In conveying the massive scale of the World Cup to audiences in Atlanta and beyond, Batson uses relatable comparisons, grounding the event in familiar terms.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the vast audience that the World Cup attracts, saying, “The World Cup’s viewers soar into the billions, vibrating with excitement far beyond any single Super Bowl.”

Likewise, FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani noted that, once the tournament progresses to the knockout stages, it becomes significantly larger than any Super Bowl event, illustrating the intense competition and passion that ensues.

Former USMNT legends like Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas also underscored the event’s cultural significance, anticipating an expansive draw that showcases not only soccer but the festival-like atmosphere surrounding it, capable of captivating Americans from all walks of life.

In summary, while the World Cup might seem distant, its impending arrival in June 2026 promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will significantly impact the soccer landscape, reflecting both sport’s growth and the interconnectedness of cultures.