A Fan's View
The buzz around the upcoming World Cup is impossible to ignore, even for those who keep a wary eye on the political undercurrents and the steep price of tickets.
At Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, the matchup between Iraq and Norway promises a clash of styles, and the prospect of watching Erling Haaland, the Premier League’s prolific scorer, adds extra intrigue.
While the United States men’s team carries the unofficial rallying cry "Do You Believe? Everything Can Happen on Home Soil," the odds suggest they will not finish among the top earners, despite the hype from corporate media.
The US side may soon meet a squad that knows how to play the beautiful game, perhaps the Netherlands, and will rely on players such as Christian Pulisic at AC Milan and goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Tim Weah, son of former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah, is also part of the American roster, while the author’s own favorite, Mexico, is expected to face stiff competition from the United States and Canada as co‑hosts.
In a nod to pop culture, the writer quotes Cristo Fernandez’s line from "Ted Lasso" — "Futbol is life" — reminding us that soccer, with its winners and losers decided in ninety minutes, can be more dramatic than any scripted drama.