As Los Angeles prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup, Andrés Martinez and Faith Pinnow discuss how immigrants, women, and multinational companies pulled the United States and the world's most popular sport closer together. They also touch upon the centrality of Los Angeles -- the venue of the 1994 and 1999 World Cup finals -- as the hub of America's global footballing ties.
Why America Finally Embraced Soccer Before the 2026 World Cup
Andrés Martinez spoke with the Los Angeles Times ahead of the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup about America's long and winding road to embracing the world's game.