It is that time of year again, the World Cup is here! Despite actual matches not starting until June, friendlies have begun to start preparing the international teams for the intense tournament that will take place this summer.
At the last World Cup in 2022, Argentina won the coveted trophy, and fans saw Lionel Messi, who is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, finally win a World Cup trophy. This was a monumental moment, and with this, people are looking forward to seeing who will lift that same trophy this year.
“Yes, of course. I’m excited to watch some soccer games that are close to home,” said soccer player and sophomore Ella Leyte-Vidal. “My dad watches a lot of soccer, so I can catch them on the TV.”
This tournament takes place at many stadiums across the world. Some of the stadiums include Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, USA, and many more. But the one stadium that fans will be happy to hear that the games will be held at is the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, known as Levi’s Stadium, in Santa Clara County. This allows fans to watch their favorite teams not on TV, but in person, which is a special and unique experience.
Even if one cannot make it in person to Levi’s Stadium, many of the games will be streaming on TV, and Tigers will be rooting for their teams as they play on the 49ers’ turf.
“Yes, I’m super excited,” said senior Anna Street about whether she is excited for the 2026 World Cup. “I would like the United States or Argentina to win.”
The World Cup, especially the final, is one of the most-watched events in the world, as it is such an important occasion for fans and for the teams. The trophy is coveted, and winning means you are the best of the best…the best in the entire world. That is why, every 4 years, this tournament takes over the world, and it is watched by millions.
Make sure to check out some games, on the TV or in person, and root for your team as friendlies continue to occur and the actual tournament takes place this summer!
