By Karolina Mroczek, Grade 12
Summertime is the ideal season for relaxation. The weather is hot and sunny, beaches and waterparks are full of visitors, and school is out of session. While most of the world is enjoying these seasonal traditions, Americans, Canadians, and Mexicans (along with their visitors) have the opportunity to revel in the excitement of the World Cup. The three nations are hosting the tournament, with the matches split evenly among them. Kickoff for the first match will take place in Mexico City on June 11.
This year’s World Cup will be one to remember: the long-awaited tournament is returning on a scale larger than ever. Forty eight countries will be represented over the course of 104 matches, which will be held across 16 host cities. There are 12 groups consisting of four teams each. Notable teams include Qatar (previous host country, Group B) and Argentina (2022 champion, Group J). In addition, four teams are making their World Cup debut this year: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
The roughly one-month long tournament begins in just a few weeks. Tickets are still available for regional games in the New York and New Jersey area. Alternatively, a family road trip to a World Cup match in Boston or Philadelphia is another great way to spend the summer. Either way, supporting a team from the stadium–or the couch–will be extra special this year.
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