The 2026 World Cup

Photo from Unsplash

The World Cup is back! The upcoming soccer matches will be hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico. Not to mention, there are some matches being held at Lumen Field in Seattle. There are six games scheduled here, including group stage games Belgium vs. Egypt, USA vs. Australia, Quatar vs. UEFA Playoff Winner A, Egypt vs. Iran, along with a round of 32 game and a round of 16 game.

Unique to Seattle, the Seattle World Cup organizing committee has dedicated the Egypt vs. Iran game as the pride match, celebrating LGBTQIA+ community during pride month. This decision has brought up many concerns as Egypt and Iran are both notorious for heavily criticizing and punishing homosexuality. In Iran, the punishment for homosexuality could be as harsh as death and morals laws in Egypt often condemn people of LGBTQIA+ community. According to BBC, the Egyptian Football Association has publicly called for the cancellation of the event, but the International Federation of Association Football have yet to respond. The Seattle Pride Match Advisory Committee claims this event is part of the local culture, which is how FIFA ruled a similar situation in Quatar 4 years ago. Quatar had laws banning same-sex relationships and FIFA chose to respect that, giving yellow cards to those who openly supported the LGBTQIA+ community, wearing the OneLove armband.

Adding on to controversy, a vice president of the Germany football federation threatened with intention of pulling Germany out of the games after President Trump announced his intention to take over Greenland. This was resolved after the federation reemphasized the importance of global unity and positivity the World Cup brings.

Even with all these concerns, Bellevue students are still looking forward to cheering on their favorite teams. Senior Fabian Navarro was asked about his plans for watching the games along with predictions for the winner.

“I am for sure watching all the games; my prediction is that Argentina is winning it again,” said Navarro.

Seems like Argentina is a popular pick for the winner. Sophomore Katelyn Moore also gives her take on favorites and potential teams for the win.

“I'm rooting for Argentina or Brazil. I feel like Argentina is going to win,” says Moore.

With their win at the last World Cup, Argentina fans are pumped up for another win, especially with this potentially being forward/right-winger Lionel Messi’s last World Cup.

The first game is going to be on Thursday, June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa held in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The games will be streamed on FIFA+ and FOX Sports.