The 2026 FIFA World Cup is getting closer, and excitement is already beginning to build across the world. This year, for the first time, 48 teams will compete for the world title across three different host countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. The event will begin on June 11 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and conclude July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, making it the longest edition to date with a total of 104 matches.
The fact that more countries are participating this year means that more fans are looking forward to this tournament and are excited to see their national teams on the field. Teams from countries like Argentina, Colombia and France always generate a lot of excitement, but smaller nations like Ecuador have also shown that they can pull off a surprise. This enthusiasm is particularly strong at Southern Utah University, especially among international students, for whom this event is one of the most anticipated.
“It’s a feeling that can’t be described, but it’s felt throughout your entire body and it’s wonderful,” said Andrea Tapia, a Peruvian SUU international student. “It’s special for me because I am a huge soccer fan, and seeing all that excitement online and in person reminds me why I love this sport so much.”
Beyond just games, soccer serves as a universal language that everyone understands. Every time the World Cup starts, people come together to support their national teams, breaking down barriers by uniting people from very different cultures. At SUU, this is evident because a soccer game is the perfect excuse for students from different continents to come together and socialize.
“I love how the World Cup always brings us together,” said Camille Martinez, an Ecuadorian SUU international student. “It’s so fun to cheer for your country and feel the passion of soccer.”
The 2026 World Cup will be the perfect excuse for the SUU community to come together and have fun. When the tournament kicks off on June 11, the most important thing won’t be who wins or loses, but seeing students from all over the world come together to share their passion for the sport and their love of their home countries.
Author: Gianna Martinez
Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Editor: Payson Davis
