
The World Cup’s Arrival in America: A Half‑Century Cultural Shift in Soccer
The 2026 World Cup marks the culmination of a decades‑long transformation that turned soccer from a niche pastime into a cornerstone of American culture.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Lionel Messi across Soccer, Football.

The 2026 World Cup marks the culmination of a decades‑long transformation that turned soccer from a niche pastime into a cornerstone of American culture.

From Columbia to Kansas City, Missouri’s soccer fever is palpable as the World Cup draws near, with local camps shaping the next generation of players.
The exhibit features match‑worn jerseys from Messi, Ronaldo and Beckham, a limited‑edition ESB x CFS jersey, and special lighting tied to MetLife Stadium results.

At a Rockefeller Center event, Alessandro Nesta, Eli Manning and Shaun O'Hara promoted Panini's World Cup sticker collection, revealing personal sticker histories, predictions for the tournament and plans to watch the action live.
A new Michelob Ultra commercial reimagines a hotel lobby as a soccer field, starring Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and other international icons ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

A look at the career, personality and lasting impact of the footballer who redefined greatness on and off the pitch.

From record‑breaking fan engagement to the rise of MLS and USL, the 2026 World Cup is reshaping soccer’s landscape in the U.S. and beyond.

In Latin America, soccer fandom is more than entertainment; it is a devotional act that blends family tradition, personal ritual and collective identity, often reaching the intensity of spiritual devotion.

The first 48‑team World Cup will be staged across three nations, with the United States, Mexico and Canada sharing the spotlight. As Spain, France and England headline the list of favorites, the U.S. team, featuring stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, aims for a quarterfinal breakthrough.

Lionel Messi will appear at Texas A&M’s 102,733‑seat Kyle Field in a World Cup‑style friendly against Honduras, an event officials hope will spark a new surge in American soccer interest.

The FC814 U-19 girls Team Energy have concluded a decade-long run of championships, securing multiple national titles while nine players commit to collegiate programs and the broader soccer world turns toward the 2026 World Cup.

Betting analyst Martin Green predicts Mexico can reach the Round of 16 at +125 odds as the 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams.

The Argentine national team’s landing in Kansas City triggers a cascade of preparations, from record‑breaking hotel bookings to heightened law‑enforcement vigilance and local cultural events.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s push to expand the World Cup to 48 teams reflects a strategic bid to double the revenue of the Paris Olympics, yet critics warn that the federation’s growing power and close ties to autocratic regimes could undermine accountability.

The U‑19 girls Team Energy concluded a storied run with a state‑cup victory, while Penn State Altoona shines in Costa Rica and the 2026 World Cup looms with marquee matchups.

Canada will host the opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, entering a historic group stage with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland while aiming to break new ground on home soil.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, fantasy managers are blending humor and strategy to build squads that not only score points but also stand out with clever names.

Lionel Messi’s latest honor underscores a career defined by trophies, records, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Lionel Messi has been awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, adding to his collection of 47 trophies and cementing his status as the 'King of Football.' The recognition comes as he prepares to help Argentina defend its World Cup crown, while speculation swirls around Jose Mourinho's potential return to Real Madrid and the emergence of Lamine Yamal as his successor.

KCTV’s Marleah Campbell and Gabe Swartz discuss KU baseball’s Super Regional, the Royals’ close loss, the Diamonds’ upcoming opener, Coach Dan Fitzgerald’s strategy, KU’s challenging basketball slate and Argentina’s World Cup base camp in Kansas City.

From a few thousand Instagram followers to millions, Tim Payne's unexpected fame is reshaping the narrative around New Zealand's first World Cup appearance since 2010.

A recent fan‑driven poll ranks the sport’s all‑time icons, with Lionel Messi topping the list. The rankings weigh team triumphs, individual honors and lasting impact, while notable shifts reveal how supporter opinion can rewrite football history.

Major League Soccer boasts a historic 44 players selected for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, spanning 21 clubs and 17 countries, with key stars and emerging talents set to feature in matches held in MLS venues.
FIFA releases final World Cup squad lists, highlighting record‑breaking appearances, age extremes and coaching milestones across 48 nations.