FIFA 2026 World Cup – Has Changed Americans' Feelings About Soccer and How the World's Fans Feel about America

 

The FIFA 2026 World Cup has taken the game of soccer – or football for most of the rest of the world – into the American consciousness. Shattering attendance records in stadiums and drawing the viewership of millions of Americans on television, the 2026 tournament has irrevocably altered Americans' attitude toward the sport, and – due to the influx of fans from all over the world – it has changed the way people feel about America. 

My Experience with Soccer

Personally, my experience with watching soccer came down to my children playing the sport. I never played soccer as a kid, and none of my friends did either. As a NYC kid, I played in the street or on a paved city park field, and the sports we cared about were baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. 

Growing up my teams were the New York Mets, Jets, Knicks, and Islanders. I never had any thoughts about playing or watching soccer. But when my kids were little they wanted to join soccer teams – until this day I don't know why because they never saw me watching that sport, but I think it had more to do with their peers.

Once my kids were on teams, I went to practices and matches. I had interest in the sport because they were playing it, but that didn't make me want to go home and try to find matches to watch on TV. 

Of course, the FIFA 2026 World Cup has changed my attitude about the sport. I dare say it has changed millions of Americans' feelings about soccer too.

Viewership and Cultural Change

Millions of Americans are watching 

This 2026 FIFA World Cup has drawn a massive television audience. It is estimated that every match has had an audience of 100 million or more Americans. In my opinion the only other case of this kind of national attention would be the NFL Super Bowl – an estimated 124.9 million Americans watched Super Bowl LX in February 2026. 

A recent Gallup Survey revealed that around 40% of Americans were watching some of the matches. That is comparable to 38% of Americans who watched it in 1994 when the World Cup was held in America. In other years when the event was held elsewhere viewership was around 30%.

Neglecting My Other Sports 

Personally, I have neglected other sports that I would have been watching because of the World Cup. I have not watched a Mets game at all during this time, and I have had no time Wimbledon this year. My late father would not believe that I didn't watch any tennis or Mets' games, but I have been so involved in these cup matches. 

The Knicks Win the Championship

Of course, I watched every Knicks' playoff game as they eventually brought a championship home, but I wonder if timing isn't everything. The World Cup was just kicking off when the Knicks beat San Antonio, and then my attention quickly shifted to soccer. I cannot believe I'm even saying that. 

Changed Attitude

I think that I – and many other Americans – used to feel that the game was boring. With the other sports I've previously mentioned, games are broken down into innings, quarters, or periods. There are numerous opportunities for breaks in those games – which means opportunities for getting a snack, going to the bathroom, or checking your phone.

I appreciate soccer now

Also, soccer is very low scoring. 1-0 matches are common rather than rare. In American football, we are used to high scores. Even in baseball we are not used to seeing 1-0 games. In basketball 100 points – or even more – are quite common for both teams. 

However, this tournament has taught me to respect the game of soccer. There is so much precision and strategy to the sport. I – and think now millions of Americans – have found an appreciation of the game and realize the depth of talent needed to play it competitively.

American Influence on the Tournament

If the World Cup changed how Americans viewed soccer, it can also be said that America changed some aspects of the game. Consider the following:

-FIFA installed extended half time 

-Hydration breaks (which allowed more TV commercials)

-Championship rings (like the Super Bowl winners receive) – this is the first time FIFA will give the champions rings

-Working with Nike and Adidas during the tournament for promotional reasons

Economic and Cultural Boost for America

It is estimated that the boom in hospitality for American host cities was a financial juggernaut. The host cities received a welcome boost from the visitors coming there to view the matches. 

Those cities also learned about having to be ready for a huge crowd. Consider the situation in Boston – the city ran out of beer due to the enthusiastic Scottish World Cup fans visiting there. You can bet that will never happen in that town again! Next time they will be prepared. 

It is believed that each city had $600 million or more dollars spent because of the visitors coming to watch the matches. This is an amazing amount of money spent, but there was also another long term benefit – a new found love for America.

Visitors Appreciate America

As a traveler for many years – having visited six continents – I have always found locals to be friendly with me wherever I went. I've never had a problem, but I found that people do have a lot of reservations about America. They've heard a lot of negative things about my country, and I always felt sad about that.

Yet now – if you have seen numerous positive videos on YouTube – visitors found that America is very different from what they expected. People from countries all over the world – and especially from Europe – have found that America is nothing like they perceived it to be. 

Please check out this video about visitors' reactions to being in America.

I find it heartwarming to see people gushing over visits to Walmart, Costco, Waffle House, Target, McDonald's and other places we probably take for granted. They are overwhelmed by visiting local malls and the size and amenities found in our stadiums. The good news is that these people don't only want to come back – some of them never want to leave!

Impressive Impact on America and the World

The FIFA 2026 World Cup has left a lasting impact on America and the way the world perceives us. It has changed the way Americans feel about soccer – leaving an overwhelmingly positive perception for many people, including those who never gave the sport a chance. 

AT&T Stadium in Texas 

It has changed the way people from other countries feel about America, and it has provided host cities with a welcome economic boost. Millions of soccer fans from Europe visited places like Kansas City and Dallas that would have never neem visited before, and they fell in love with these cities and American culture. 

Globally, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached between 5 to 6 billion viewers, whether they were watching TV or streaming the matches. In the United States, FOX and Telemundo broke previous records for viewership, and it has brought soccer to the attention of Americans like never before.

And in the End

Americans will never think of soccer as that other sport ever again. It has been brought it into focus like never before, and I think that will last long after the World Cup 2026 is over. There will be a new interest in Major League Soccer – let's not forget Lionel Messi plays in Miami now – in this country that will good for the sport and good for us as well.

The FIFA 2026 World Cup will have a lasting impact on Americans and people who visited here. It has brought about a feeling of good will and sportsmanship that will never be forgotten. 

Please watch another video about World Cup fans' reaction to America. 

The Odyssey – Before You See the Movie, Get to Know About the Epic Poem First

 

The Odyssey is one of two epic works of ancient Greek literature – the other is the Iliad – and both are said to have been created by the blind Greek poet Homer. It is one of the oldest surviving works of literature, and many people may recognize the title but know little or nothing about the actual story – or think about the Honda minivan. 

Odysseus' 10-year journey home

The story basically follows the hero Odysseus – who is also known as Ulysses in the Latin version of the story – on his voyage home after the 10-year battle of Troy – which is the story told in the Iliad. Realistically speaking, 10 years to fight a war must have been the most brutal, inhuman way of life for that bloody decade. Anyone who survived that horror would have deserved to go home.

It will take Odysseus another 10 years to get back to Ithaca where he is the king. During that time he encounters creatures good and evil, faces many dangers, and loses all of his men. As the sole survivor, Odysseus has the incentive to return home not just to see his wife and son but also to tell the news of what happened to him and his crew.

While he is away – and presumed dead after so many years – his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a large group of potential suitors for Penelope's hand in marriage.  

The Poem's Composition

The blind Greek poet Homer

When trying to find the time that both epic poems were composed, there is no totally agreed upon answer. According classics scholar Robert Lamberton, the poems were probably composed – written down – much later, but they were certainly told long before that time in what is called the oral tradition – the poems were conceived by Homer some time in the 8th Century BC, but he would have told the stories by reciting them from memory. 

The poems would then be handed down over generations, told by bards who performed them also from memory, but adapting them sometimes for a particular audience. At some point someone decided to sit down and write the long 24 chapter poems. These poems would have been transcribed in Homeric Greek sometime between the 8th and 7th Century BC. 

Impact on Culture and Education

Homer's work can be considered some of the most influential literature in history because of its impact on culture and education. The poems provided the framework of what to teach during the classical age, and they also affected Greek culture for generations.

We can make connections to how the Greeks passed the torch to the Romans as Homer's work still was honored and taught, continuing to be important as Christianity spread in the Roman Empire. 

Homer would be rediscovered by the Byzantine Empire in the 8th Century CE, and would also have a tremendous impact on Renaissance Italy. From that time going forward many different translations of the epic poems were made, causing them to be part of classical education throughout Europe and eventually the rest of the world. 

Books, Television, and Film Adaptations

Notable Books

Margaret Atwood

-The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood tells the story from Penelope's point of view. It offers a feminist perspective of the tale, highlighting the oppressive patriarchal aspects of the original work

- Circe by Madeline Miller focuses on the life of Circe, the witch whom Odysseus encounters on the island of Aeaea.

-Ithaca by Claire North is a historical fiction that also tells the story from wife Penelope's point of view as she tries to maintain the kingdom of Ithaca while Odysseus is away.

- The Lost Books of the Odyssey by Zachary Mason provides alternate versions of the stories told in the original epic poem.   

 Television Series

- Odyssey (1968) is an Italian miniseries that captures the essence of the original work.

- Ulysses 31 (1981-1982) is a French-Japanese animated series that transports Odysseus to the 31st Century, where he battles space monsters.

Armand Assante as Odysseus

- The Odyssey (1997) is a Hallmark produced NBC miniseries starring Armand Assante that is faithful to the spirit of the original epic poem. 

Films

Ulysses (1954) is an Italian-American film starring Kirk Douglas in the title role. It is considered a classic and faithful adaptation of the story.

The Return (2024) is a film starring Ralph Fiennes as a bruised and weary Odysseus who returns to reunite with his wife and son and reclaim his throne.

Matt Damon as Odysseus

The Odyssey (2026) is master filmmaker Christopher Nolan's retelling of the tale. With an all star cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Mia Goth, and many more stars in the hands of one of our greatest living directors. It will be exciting to see what Nolan has accomplished in retelling the classic tale. 

Nolan's The Odyssey premieres in the United States on July 17, 2026. For tickets and showtimes, please check here. 

Reading the Original

I know there's not much time until the premier, and the original work is rather long, but I encourage you to try to read some of Homer's classic tale. Here are some tips on reading or at least getting familiar with the story. There is always a benefit of at least being aware of the highlights of the source material when viewing Nolan's film.

Please watch this video about approaching a reading of the Odyssey.

And in the End

The impact of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey cannot be denied. Although created more than 3000 years ago, the works tell the story of the human condition. War, greed, love, lust, and death are all omnipresent in the stories told. 

The fact that we are still living with many of the conditions Homer describes tells us that human life – while greatly changed by technology and history – is still very similar to those times.

Recognizing ourselves in great works of literature – no matter now old – relays the notion that human beings have always been much the same over the centuries. Hopefully we can learn from the mistakes that occurred before our time, but sadly many times we find that we continue to repeat them. That is what is called being human.

Please check out the trailer for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.  

Tipflation – Tipping Culture in the United States is Out of Control!

 

There's pressure to tip at the counter

The concept of tipping has never bothered me. I believed that if someone performed a service in a good and meaningful way, I would show my appreciation with a good tip. I had no issues with that situation until recently.

I'm basically bothered about tipping requests for most purchases that I make in a store. While I can understand tipping a waitress who served me at a table, someone handing me a takeout order in the diner or a cup of coffee in Starbucks is a different story. Why should a screen pop up asking me to choose the percentage of tipping I want to give? In those cases, I hit the "No Tip" button, but it is always awkward.

The History of Tipping in the United States

Tipping started with serfs

To understand the concept of tipping in the United States, it is a good idea to look across the pond. Tipping started in Europe during the Middle Ages between masters and their serfs. If servants did excellent work for the master, it was customary for the master to give a gratuity to the serf as a reward. 

Many years later, well to do Americans traveling in Europe during the middle 19th century encountered the tipping custom, and they thought it was an excellent idea. They brought that custom home because it made them feel like the aristocrats that they saw in Europe when they tipped someone. 

Tipping Was Unpopular at First

Many Americans resisted the idea of tipping in the beginning. Eating in a restaurant was expensive even in those days, and the notion of making it cost more was unpopular. 

There was also a sense that the idea of a gratuity was a way of showing off or making it seem that someone had more money than they actually had. It also made some people who didn't have the money to tip feel uneasy in those situations. 

The Civil War Changed Things

With the end of slavery after the Civil War, many freed Black people sought jobs in the hospitality industry. These jobs paid little or nothing to the workers, so they would do an excellent job for their customers and hope they would give them a gratuity. 

Tipping spread from Pullman trains

George Pullman started the Pullman Company of luxury railroad service, and this caused an explosion of tipping as a popular practice because he hired many former slaves as porters and servers for his trains. While Pullman at least paid them a low wage, the concept of tipping became the norm on all of his trains, causing the practice to spread across the country.

20th Century Challenge

Despite tipping being widespread by the end of the 19th century, in the early 20th century there was more outrage from many in the public feeling that they had to pay for things twice. Eventually, 48 states passed laws to get rid of tipping. 

In 1926 the state governments overturned those laws because there was difficulty to enforce the ban because the practice had become so widespread.  Restaurant owners capitalized on these overturned laws, paying their workers less and making them rely on tips for good service. 

Many Americans Are Feeling Annoyed about Tipping

Must tip a table server

A recent Pew Research Center survey indicates that 72% of Americans feel like tipping is more prevalent in a variety of places than it was just five years ago – like the dry cleaner or the corner deli. This rise of requested tipping in places that never asked for gratuities before is called Tipflation. 

A recent survey by Bankrate – a financial services company – finds that two thirds of Americans now have negative feelings about tipping and prompts to tip. Because of this pressure, people are reluctant to tip according to the electronic prompts forced upon them, and even in some restaurants with sit down service some people are not leaving any tips – I do not agree with that practice at all. If someone has served me at a table, I'm going to be leaving a tip for that service. 

Tipping in Hotels

Hotel tip placement

I have traveled on six continents, and stayed in many hotels – although in recent years I have preferred staying in an Airbnb – and the questions about tipping are really a difficult call depending on where you are staying. 

According to Conde Nast Traveler, tipping rules in hotels vary "by country, by region, and by scenario." For example, in countries like Japan or South Korea, leaving a tip in a hotel may seem offensive. In the United States, a tip is expected – $2 to $5 per night – and should be left on the nightstand or pillow. 

In Western and Southern Europe, tips are not expected due to wages being higher for hotel workers, but a tip of $1 to $2 a night will not be unwelcome, and in China tipping is not customary and may cause unnecessary confusion as to why the tip is left.

In general, I try to check on the customs of the place I am visiting, and if someone does bring my luggage to my hotel room – I always feel obliged to give a tip no matter where I'm staying. 

Feeling Pressure to Tip

The pressure is real here

Sometimes I feel like a Hamlet-like customer at my time to pay at the counter – To tip, or not to tip? That is the question! This becomes even more of a dilemma especially at counters in a variety of establishments when the cashier is waiting for you as the screen appears to request a tip at varying percentages or no tip, and sometimes they turn the screen with tipping options in order for you to see it. 

In what circle of hell has this situation been devised? This person is waiting to see if I tip or not. There is no more awkward ten seconds in my daily life. If I hit one of the tip percentages, I'm going to walk away feeling cheated. If I hit on "No Tip," then I'm going to feel like Scrooge. Oh, this is just simply madness personified. 

What to Do Going Forward

I'm not sure that I know what to do moving forward. Even when I order a meal to be delivered, the person on the phone will ask, "Do you want to include a tip?" I always say, "No, I will tip at delivery." If I place the order online, that tip box pops up as always, and I hit "No Tip." When the order arrives, I always give the tip in cash, and I see delivery people smiling, so I think that's appreciated. 

I just think that something has to give. I believe in tipping in the proper places at the appropriate times, but what's happening now seems like a tipping epidemic, and I'm feeling like a victim. It's so pervasive right now that it seems like there's no turning back. 

The Brown Bag Prescription

My lunch option now

After much contemplation, I could only think of one thing to do – the brown bag prescription. When I go to work, I bring my lunch in a brown bag just like a kid going to school. If I go to a park or the pool, the brown bag is coming with me. This way I don't have to face that awful situation of the electronic screen with tip suggestions. 

I encourage you try the brown bag prescription. At least you know the food is what you like and made the way you like it. There's nothing wrong with that!

* Please watch this video about how Americans feel about tipping!

FIFA 2026 World Cup – The USMNT Eliminated with 4-1 Loss to Belgium

 

USMNT players stunned by loss

I had on my USA jersey and the popcorn was all popped. I foolishly sat down and wanted to watch the the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) plow their way into the quarter finals to play against Spain. I was all in and excited about them defeating Belgium and then moving on. How naive was I to think that would happen? Well, up until this point I had no reason to doubt that it would happen as I envisioned.

In front of a capacity crowd at Lumen Field in Seattle, head coach Mauricio Pochettino's team unraveled before his obviously stunned eyes as the they made severe defensive blunders and individual lapses that defied expectations. This cut their previously exciting tournament run short of the quarterfinals for what would have been a repeat visit like in 2022.

Key Match Moments

- Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scored the first point at the 9-minute mark.

- USMNT's Malik Tillman tied the score with a free kick at 31-minute mark. 

- A little more than a minute later, De Ketelaere struck again giving his team a lead they would not relinquish.

Freese can't believe what he did!

-  In the most disastrous moment for USMNT, goalkeeper Matt Freese inexplicably abandoned the goal to try to control the ball, setting up an easy goal for Belgium's Hans Vaneken at the 57- minute mark

- The coup de grace happened when Belgium's Romelu Lukaku scored the final goal, shoving a dagger into the USMNT's players and fans' hearts. 

The Balogun Controversy

Before the match even started, something weighed heavily upon the USMNT in the form of the Folarin Balogun red card incident. Balogun had received a red card in the match against Bosnia Herzegovina – which meant that he would have an automatic suspension. 

Reviewing the video over and over again, I had a hard time believing that this play – involving Balogun stepping on his opponent's ankle – happened deliberately. There is even video footage of a previous match in the tournament showing Argentina's Lionel Messi doing basically the same thing, and he received no penalty. 

Check out this video to compare the Messi play with Balogun's red card moment. What do you think?

United States President Donald J, Trump made a phone call to FIFA to ask for the play to be reviewed. In a highly unprecedented move, FIFA overturned the suspension clearing Balogun to play in the match against Belgium. Ironically, his presence barely had an impact on the game making the decision to allow him to play seem meaningless. 

I'm sure if Balogun had a greater impact on the outcome of the game that Belgium would have protested his presence.  

Moving Forward in the Tournament

At this point, the host countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – are out of the tournament. Belgium moves on to meet Spain in the quarterfinals – a match that would have proved to be a significant challenge for the USMNT. 

I still would have liked to see my team take on Spain, but I have now no interest in that match between Belgium and Spain in Los Angeles on Friday. My focus will now be to follow Argentina and root for Messi and company to head to the finals. 

Final Thoughts

Disappointed fans processing the loss

The USMNT had a great run and thrilled American fans along the way. This was a disappointing loss, and I know loyal fans including me feel like our bubbles have burst.

I believe this World Cup being played in North America has brought a new awareness about the sport to a wider audience – especially a wider American audience. That is good for the sport and good for Americans as well. 

*Please check out this video regarding the USMNT's loss to Belgium.

 

Happy Birthday America – Some Ways to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary This Fourth of July

 

There's something about birthdays that are very personal. When you were born is important in every person's life, and your identity is framed by when – and where – you were born. Some of us identify with the month and day we were born as a badge of honor – saying I'm a proud Virgo, for example. But what about our country?

The United States will celebrate its 250th Anniversary/Birthday – it's called the Semiquincentennial to be official about things. This day marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence – a document that is as significant as any ever produced in history. So, to start your celebration, that is the first stop on your journey this Fourth of July. 

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

This document is our document – it is both personal and collective. While we love celebrating our own birthdays, and they are distinctly ours, July 4 is jointly celebrated by all Americans, and The Declaration of Independence was the catalyst to spark our path to freedom. It is our birthright, and it is unlike any other document ever created.

Spelling and punctuation are unique in this document, but that matters less than what the words mean. Freedom! Justice! Liberty!  These are big ideas and necessarily and compellingly explored in the document. So, your first order of business is to read it now!

If you want to see it in person – which should be a pilgrimage for every American at least one time – you can find it displayed in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum in Washington D.C.

Sail 4th 250 in NYC

To celebrate America's 250th Anniversary, there will be the largest maritime parade ever of tall ships from around the world. These majestic and beautiful ships will be seen entering New York Harbor. 

Sale 4th 250

There are also free tickets available for tours of the ships. They will be located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. It is strongly advised to get your tickets online because the demand is expected to be heavy. Get your tickets here ASAP! 

MACY'S 50th Annual Fireworks Display in NYC

There is nothing like MACY'S July Fourth fireworks display. The viewing is free, but the crowds are always overwhelming. The fireworks can be seen along the East River, by the Brooklyn Bridge, and also along the Hudson River. If you've never seen this impressive display of fireworks accompanied by great music, you owe it to yourself to not miss it. 

Times Square Ball Drop in NYC

If you have watched the ball in Times Square drop on New Year's Eve on TV, this is an event you won't want to miss. 

For the first time in history the ball will drop on a night other than New Year's Eve. It will drop eight times on July 3-4, 2026, to mark all American time zones' celebrations of the 250th Anniversary! Check out how you can watch it live here. 

America's Time Capsule in Philadelphia

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, America's Time Capsule will be dedicated at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Led by America250, the goal is to preserve a look at life in America in 2026. 

The capsule will be buried in Independence National Historic Park, where it will remain for 250 years. It will be opened in 2276 as a gift for future generations to understand what life was like at this moment in our history. 

July 4 Benefit Show in Los Angeles

America's Block Party in LA

Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary in Los Angeles with "America's Block Party Benefit Giving 4th" hosted by Queen Latifah. You will be able to see The Smashing Pumpkins, Chris Stapleton, Chaka Khan, and Anthony Ramos live at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 

Explore America's Block Party to find celebrations in your area, and if you're excited about the idea, you can even host your own block party. America250 wants to connect as many Americans as possible to celebrate this event. 

They are striving for "350 for 250" – the goal is to connect all 350 million Americans for the celebration on July 4th, 2026.

Salute to America 250 Aviation Spectacle in Washington D.C.

Blue Angels Will Participate

Salute to America 250 will feature the most complex and entertaining aviation show in American history. The skies above the National Mall in Washington D.C. will be transformed into a demonstration performed by America's best military pilots.

The aerial program will feature flyovers and fleet reviews of planes from every branch of service. The celebration on the ground will include live stage moments, patriotic music, and ceremonial moments throughout the day. 

For more information, check here for the official Salute to America 250 website. 

Other Events in Washington D.C. on July 4th

The National Independence Day Parade will start at 10:30 AM. There will be marching bands, military units, and floats going along Constitution Avenue. For more details check here. 

State Fair on the National Mall

The Great American State Fair continues running on the National Mall. There will be music, food tents, and interactive exhibits. It will open for visitors at 1 PM on July 4th. 

Main Stage Concert and Speakers will begin at 7:00 PM with music from the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra followed by speakers including President Donald Trump.

Guinness World Record Fireworks will be a massive fireworks display and aerial drone performances that will be the largest of its kind in history, and this will conclude the day's activities.  

The Verdict

I give all these terrific events 5 out of 5 stars! July 4th, 2026, is going to be a memorable day for all Americans and all foreign visitors who happen to be here during this historic time. 

I've covered events in New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. in this post, but there is also so much more going on all across the country. Please check here for the full calendar of scheduled events. 

Happy Fourth of July to everyone! I hope you enjoy the day and make memories that last forever!

FIFA 2026 World Cup – Celebrate with New LEGO Sets

 

I went to the mall this past weekend, and like I always do, I checked out the LEGO store to see what is new, and what to my wondering eyes did appear – brand new LEGO sets celebrating the FIFA 2026 World Cup competition!

While I was delightfully surprised to find the sets, I have to say that I was a little disappointed that I did not have advanced notice about these sets. Being a loyal LEGO VIP card holder for many years, I thought that I should have been sent an email announcing these sets weeks ago.

Thanks to my forgiving nature and love of LEGO, I put these feelings aside and decided to enjoy the moment and get some of the great sets that are currently available – there are 11 sets in all, but I am just including my personal favorites here. You can look at all the sets that are available at LEGO.com.

My Favorite LEGO 2026 World Cup Sets

LEGO Editions FIFA 2026 World Cup Official Trophy (43020) $199.00

Official Trophy with hidden figure

The size of this 2,842-piece set says it all – it's huge like the competition itself. Standing 14.5 inches tall and consisting of special molded golden bricks, it has the size and heft befitting the real thing. Oh, and there is special feature – a hidden 2026 World Cup mini-figure holding a small World Cup

I'd say this one is my favorite, and it is the essential one for your collection. Think about how great it will look on display surrounded by the other sets!

FYI - this set is only available for backorder now. 

Official Emblem Wall Art

LEGO Editions FIFA 2026 World Cup Official Emblem (43032) $24.99

If you want the cup for a lesser price, this 298-piece set is a good option for you. It will display nicely on the wall above the other World Cup sets that you are displaying.

Lego Editions Soccer Ball (43019) $129.99

Soccer Ball with micro stadium

This 1,498-piece set is a collector's dream. It's based on size 5 soccer ball used in official games. Inside there is a micro stadium scene!

I'm definitely starting my 2026 World Cup display with this ball and the trophy in the middle of the table!

Lego Editions U.S. Soccer Team Jersey (43033) $24.99

The U.S. jersey set

For those of you who are rooting for the home team – I'm definitely watching all the U.S. Team matches – this is the set for you. Reasonably priced too!

This 167-piece set features the team jersey and two players. You can customize your design with any numbers – 0-99 – to make the set your own. Great for display on your wall next to your World Cup Emblem set!

Player Sets

LEGO Editions Lionel Messi - Celebration (43018) $199.99

This set has 1,427 pieces and becomes a 3D colorful wall art showing Messi in his signature move of pointing to the sky – after he scores a goal it's a way to honor his late grandmother – and he is seen against a colorful jersey background. 

Messi Legend set

LEGO Editions Lionel Messi - Soccer Legend (43015)  $79.99

This 958-piece set gives you two building options – Messi pointing to the sky or dribbling the ball across the pitch. 

Lego Editions Cristiano Ronaldo - Soccer Legend (43016) $79.99

You get 854 pieces for this set that also allows you to pose Ronaldo in two positions – his famous "Siuuu" celebration or making a mid-air kick. 

The Verdict

All the sets are exciting, colorful, and bring your favorite players to you. These and other sets that are available allow you to enjoy the World Cup experience while participating in some fun builds along the way. 

These are my favorite LEGO Editions 2026 World Cup sets. There are more to choose from. Get your favorite ones today!

*Please check out this video which includes all the LEGO Editions 2026 World Cup sets but also shows you how long it takes to build each one. Enjoy!