The World Cup of Ugh The upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is surprisingly lacking in public enthusiasm, marked by exorbitant ticket prices, low hotel bookings, and security concerns, compounded by political interference and strained international relations. Despite past optimism and the sport’s growing popularity in the US, the tournament is overshadowed by various anxieties, from potential terror attacks to the impact of the war in Iran. Organizers and fans hope that the sheer excitement and beauty of the games themselves will ultimately overshadow the current negativity and political drama.

• The World Cup, returning to the US after over 30 years, is experiencing a notable lack of public excitement.
• High ticket prices, low hotel bookings, and security concerns (including potential terror attacks and travel bans) are contributing to the dampened enthusiasm.
• Political factors, such as President Trump’s involvement and strained international relations due to the war in Iran, are casting a shadow over the event.
• Despite the lack of buzz, soccer’s popularity has grown in the US since the 1994 World Cup, with a developing MLS and a dominant NWSL.
• Organizers hope that the transcendent nature of the games and the skill of star players will ultimately capture public attention and overcome the prevailing anxieties, similar to how previous tournaments have.
• A significant portion of Americans surveyed expressed no interest in the World Cup, with ticket prices being a major barrier for many.