The United States has already lost this World Cup.
The U.S. men's national team could make a historically deep run and the tournament could be filled with wondrous goals and compelling games. It will not change the fact that we have shown ourselves to be a hateful and greedy nation, one where leaders are only willing to welcome a world as they want to see it rather than as it exists, and the love of the game is exploited for top dollar.
That will be the legacy, and the shame, of this World Cup. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the best of the United States and embrace the joy that soccer brings the rest of the world and, instead, we chose to be ugly Americans.
Related Coverage
AllSides Picks
Headline Roundup
Macklemore Kicked Off Ed Sheeran Tour for Saying 'Free Palestine' During Show
September 16th, 2026
Headline Roundup
Report: Median Household Income Reached Record High in 2025
September 15th, 2026
Announcement
Everything You Need to Research Your 2026 Ballot, All in One Place
AllSides Staff
September 14th, 2026
Recommended Reading
When a Convention Vanishes Without a Trace
Dan Schnur
September 14th, 2026