World Cup kicks off this summer

Joshua Miller and Euan Sinclair • May 29, 2026

Billions of people watch it, and no, it’s not the Super Bowl. The World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet. Once every four years, countries from all over the world send their best lineups to compete for a trophy only the best take home. Starting on June 11, for the 23rd edition, the World Cup is coming to your backyard.

48 teams, 48 countries and only one winner. With the best players in the world defending their respective countries, does the USA have any chance of winning it all?

The short answer is probably not. Teams like France, Spain and Argentina are slated way better than the US; however, the American squad is one of the best American teams.

“I like Weston McKennie, Haji Wright, and I’m especially excited for Tyler Adams!” said senior Silas Lacey.

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The US has never been one of the top contenders in soccer, but with Paraguay, Turkey and Australia filling out the rest of Group D, the US has a strong shot of making the knockout rounds.

The US’s first match is June 12 in Los Angeles. The closest stadium where live games will be held is Lumen Field in Seattle. With the immense popularity, ticket prices can rise exponentially. Tickets range anywhere
from $380 to $4,000 each, but that doesn’t stop countless fans from across the globe from supporting their nation.

“I am going to Egypt vs. Belgium,” said senior Jairus Barnes. “I’m excited to watch players like Omar Marmoush and go to Lumen.”

LHS students should expect that much of the West Coast will be busy and backed up, as Seattle and San Francisco will host 12 matches, including numerous nations.

Although Portland is not hosting any World Cup matches at Providence Park, the city will be hosting a training camp for one of the underdog nations, Jordan. They will be training for the tournament at the University of Portland’s Merlo Field.

The World Cup final will be at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 at 3 p.m. Eastern time. FIFA is also going to be sponsoring a half time show for the first time in history, featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

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About the Contributors

Joshua Miller, Sports Section Editor

Joshua Miller, junior, is the sports editor for the Newspacer. Josh is passionate about solving problems, hence why he enjoys math and the sciences. In his free time you can find him playing soccer, running track, playing video games or hanging out with his friends. Josh is like a hatching bird, he’s shy when you meet him, but as you develop connection you uncover a whole new world of adventure. Spreading his wings is one of the many attributes Josh has acquired throughout his heroic challenges and triumphs. As Joe Schloetter, sophomore honors teacher, would say, “high school is just his threshold guardian, and nothing is gonna stop him now!”

Euan Sinclair, Staff Reporter

Euan Sinclair is a senior in his first year of writing for the Newspacer. Euan is social, outgoing, and friendly to all. In his free time, Euan can be found playing for the school soccer team or hanging out with friends around Lake Oswego. Euan is excited to graduate so he can start a major in journalism at the University of Oregon!