By Zach Kershaw
Recently, the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada were announced by FIFA as joint hosts for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The last time two or more nations shared the honor of hosting the World Cup was in 2002, when Japan and Korea were responsible for hosting.
Additionally, North America will also host the 2024 Copa América.
The World Cup is an event that millions watch. Watching your respective home country take the pitch is a special moment for fans and citizens alike.
Jennifer Gellock, Sports Management professor at UT, identifies the significance of such a large-scale event.
“There are both social and psychological impacts for the hosts cities,” said Gellock.
“For example, there is research that demonstrates residents of cities that host major events report social benefits of uniting residents.”
The World Cup is an event where fans of a nation can become family, if only for a brief time.
Lucia Sacerdoti, a sophomore at UT majoring in communication, has a special interest in the World Cup and the Copa América.
Sacerdoti is from Argentina and is excited to get to see her home country play in the U.S.
“We support our team with our whole heart and passion. It’s something that unites Argentina as a whole.” said Sacerdoti. “We say Es un sentimiento, ‘It’s a feeling’”
When the World Cup last came to North American soil in 1994, FIFA established a record average attendance of roughly 68,991 fans per match. A record that stands today.
“Hosting a mega event like the World Cup provides an opportunity for these cities in North America to be highlighted across the world in front of millions,” said Gellock.
Almost two full decades later, the World Cup will return to North America and take place in 16 different cities across the nation.
“I think it’s a good idea that the U.S. is hosting the World alongside Mexico and Canada because it will give a lot of tourism to those countries,” said Sacerdoti.
But before any of that happens, a different major international soccer tournament will arrive in the US.
On Jan. 27, 2023, the announcement from Concacaf and Conmebol came that the United States of America would host the ‘24 Copa America, the third most watched competition in the world.
The tournament mainly features national teams from South American countries, but in recent years, teams from North America and Asia have been invited to compete.
The previous ‘21 Copa América was disrupted slightly by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally, Argentina was set to host. Concerns related to the pandemic caused enough concern for Conmenbol to decide to relocate.
Ultimately, Brazil ended up hosting the event. Regardless, all matches except the final had no spectators. During the final, 10% of the stadium Maracanã was permitted entry.
Argentina bested Brazil 1-0 in the final to win their 15th Copa America title.
The ‘24 Copa América dealt with a similar location debacle when Ecuador was rumored to be hosting the tournament only for the United States to emerge as the host after a flurry of speculation and rumors.
Now, the US will host two major soccer tournaments within two years of each other. Fans of soccer will find little shortage of high stakes action on the pitch for the next few years.
In the states, soccer has struggled to gain the spotlight and fandom that other sports have garnered such as basketball, football, and baseball.
According to thesportingblog.com, “21.6% of US citizens are fans of soccer.”
However, soccer has been rising in popularity with the recent success of the USMNT and USWNT. Not to mention, the MLS, which is the United States’ professional soccer league.
Now, two of the three largest global tournaments will be taking place nearby. These tournaments are important to the countries, the teams, and the fans alike. Thousands of fans fill stadiums in waves of colors aligned with their countries.
Patricio Gonzalez, a junior sports management student, is excited for both events.
“I am definitely rooting for Mexico,” said Gonzalez. “For young generations, it’s a chance to see high-level soccer. And we are only used to the MLS, so it is a good chance to grow the game here.”
According to share.america.gov, “With more youth playing soccer, attendance at U.S. professional matches is also rising,”
The game is beginning to gain popularity in the youth and in turn, Major League Soccer has seen growth alongside the sport itself.
Prior to the upcoming World Cup, the Copa América will serve as a dry run to determine the country’s capability of hosting such a large-scale event.
“The Copa is a big deal, and other teams are trying to win to qualify for other tournaments,” said Gonzalez.
Most countries recognize the importance of the Copa América.
“The Copa América is the first step to the World Cup, so people in my country get really excited for our team and want them to win every match,” said Sacerdoti.
When the Copa América arrives in the summer of 2024, all eyes will be on “The World’s Sport” and North America will be responsible for putting on the show.