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Can Soccer Save the World?

July 12, 2026 • 52m

Summary

⏱️ 12 min read

Overview

Tommy Vietor interviews soccer legend Gary Lineker about the 2026 FIFA World Cup being held in the United States. They discuss the tournament's success despite initial concerns, the state of American soccer, FIFA's corruption issues, racism in the sport, and Lineker's legendary playing career including the famous 'Hand of God' game against Maradona.

The 2026 World Cup Experience and Global Fan Culture

Gary Lineker reflects on how the 2026 World Cup has exceeded expectations despite pre-tournament anxieties about Trump administration policies, ticket prices, and FIFA controversies. The conversation highlights how once play began, the focus shifted to exceptional football and the remarkable unity of fans from around the world celebrating together in American cities, from Scottish supporters at Fenway Park to Mexican fans embracing English visitors in Mexico City.

  • Despite concerns about ice raids, visa restrictions, and FIFA controversies, the tournament has gone spectacularly well with great football and brilliant underdog stories
  • The real joy has been fans celebrating together and showing humanity across cultures, perhaps sending a message that the world can get along
  • Pre-tournament anxieties are typical of every World Cup, from Brazil 2014's infrastructure protests to Russia 2018's Crimea concerns to Qatar's human rights issues
" I think the real joy has probably been the way the fans have celebrated, not just their own victories, but celebrated together and kind of shown a lovely humanity and togetherness that we've probably not seen previously. And perhaps it's a little message to the world that we can get on, even if we're on from all parts of the world. "

The Unmatched Emotion of Playing in a World Cup

Lineker describes representing your country at a World Cup as the most special thing an athlete can do, comparing it to Olympic competition but noting football's unique global reach. He vividly recalls the overwhelming emotions of walking onto the pitch, hearing the national anthem, and experiencing what he calls an indescribable explosion of joy and pride when things go well.

  • Representing your country at a World Cup is the most special thing you can do, with football being a truly global sport where even America is now showing interest
  • When you walk out representing your country and the national anthem plays, it creates an indescribable explosion of joy and pride
  • Lineker had a hat trick against Poland in the 1986 World Cup and admits he didn't feel particularly bad about beating them badly despite their troubles
" When you walk out, you know, representing your country, and you stand there and they're playing the national anthem, and especially if things go well, I mean, it's hard to describe. It's just like this huge explosion of joy and pride. It's amazing. "

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