From Egypt to... Spokane? How the World Cup is building bonds that go beyond the soccer pitch

Soundside · Jun 30, 2026 · 6m

How much soccer have you been watching these days?

For millions of American soccer fans (and probably billions elsewhere), the World Cup has already been memorable: Cabo Verde advancing against the odds, Messi setting records, the U.S. team displaying some world-class offensive magic. In fact ALL of the host countries’ teams – USA, Canada and Mexico – have made it to the knockout rounds.

Seattle has played host to four matches so far, and things seem to have gone smoothly here. That’s despite all the anxiety in the lead up, over things like crowds and security.

Now…