The Guardian unveiled a significant expansion of its U.S. soccer coverage in anticipation of the 2026 Men’s World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This strategic move reflects the publication’s commitment to enhancing its soccer content and reaching a broader audience as soccer’s popularity continues to grow in North America. The upcoming World Cup, which will be the first ever to feature an expanded field of 48 teams, promises to be a pivotal moment for the sport in the region, and The Guardian is taking steps to ensure it is at the forefront of coverage.
As part of its expansion, The Guardian is bringing on new staff members to bolster its soccer reporting. This includes hiring U.S.-based correspondents who will focus on covering the U.S. national teams, both men’s and women’s, as well as Major League Soccer (MLS), which has seen rapid growth in recent years. In addition to coverage of domestic soccer, the new hires will bring a fresh perspective to the international scene, providing comprehensive reports on global tournaments and key matches that could impact U.S. soccer. The publication has also appointed a global sports business correspondent, tasked with providing insights into the economic side of soccer. This new role will examine the increasing commercialization of the sport, from broadcasting rights to sponsorship deals, and how these trends influence the development of soccer in the U.S. and abroad.
The decision to expand soccer coverage comes at a critical time, as soccer continues to capture the attention of more American fans. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, expectations are high for the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT), as they aim to build on their performances in past international tournaments and potentially make a deep run in their home continent. At the same time, the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT), long a powerhouse in international women’s soccer, continues to be a major force on the global stage. The growing popularity of the sport across the country has led to increased interest in both domestic and international leagues, and The Guardian’s expanded coverage aims to meet the demand for more in-depth and engaging soccer content.
The 2026 World Cup will be a historic event for North America, and it is expected to be the largest and most-watched edition of the tournament to date. The U.S. is poised to play a central role in the event, with matches scheduled to be held in major cities across the country, including Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. The anticipation surrounding the tournament is already palpable, and The Guardian’s decision to invest in expanded soccer coverage reflects the growing recognition of soccer’s place in American sports culture.
This expansion of coverage not only benefits U.S. readers but also caters to the global audience that closely follows the intricacies of soccer’s development in North America. The Guardian aims to deliver high-quality journalism that goes beyond the headlines, offering deep dives into the tactical, economic, and cultural aspects of soccer. As American soccer fans become increasingly sophisticated in their knowledge of the game, there is a clear demand for a more nuanced understanding of the sport’s impact both domestically and globally.
With the new staffing additions and a more focused editorial approach, The Guardian is poised to play a leading role in covering the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup and beyond. As the tournament nears, soccer fans across the U.S. can look forward to in-depth analysis, breaking news, and comprehensive coverage of the event itself. This move demonstrates The Guardian’s commitment to providing valuable content for an ever-expanding and engaged audience, ensuring that it remains a key source for soccer journalism in the U.S. and worldwide.
