Henry Winter's World Cup Diary, Day 3

In his World Cup Diary for June 12, 2026, Henry Winter reported on the increasing interest in the 2026 World Cup among American fans. In a Kansas City bar, a couple of middle-aged soccer enthusiasts expressed their belief that the tournament would gain their full support once the group stage concluded and knockout matches commenced. They dismissed concerns such as expensive tickets and the politicization of sporting events, citing instead the group format as a primary factor for their current indifference.

The fans pointed out that many games have not captured local interest, with one noting a particularly unengaging matchup between DR Congo and Uzbekistan. However, they actively engaged in the South Korea versus Czechia game, trying to add personal stakes to the contest. They acknowledged that competition outcomes, including potential bets on games, were pivotal to their enjoyment.

Kansas City has embraced the World Cup atmosphere more than certain parts of Florida, with the airport extensively decorated for soccer fans and prominent FIFA merchandising displayed. A large poster of Lionel Messi greeted arrivals, although the “severe weather shelter” signage at the baggage claim was a stark reminder of Kansas City’s unpredictable weather.

The opening matches of the tournament had been engaging and had sparked conversations. As the USMNT prepared to take the pitch, excitement around the event was expected to grow. Winter reminisced about the 1994 World Cup in the US, which initially had a sluggish start but ultimately thrived. He recalled being invited to discuss soccer on a local Chicago radio station while the opening match between Germany and Spain was at Soldier Field. The show’s focus shifted when the first caller diverted the topic to O.J. Simpson's infamous police chase during that World Cup opening match.

Winter noted that the US still needed to cultivate soccer icons, pointing to players like Christian Pulisic and Landon Donovan, while suggesting that there remains an opportunity for a true American soccer superstar to emerge.

In Florida, the England team's training sessions were marked by a sweltering 35ºC and a plethora of severe weather events, including lightning and a tremor that unsettled the media. England's next location was Kansas City, known for its extreme weather. Lastly, Winter highlighted why Fox Sports sought Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a pundit for its coverage of the tournament, emphasizing his charismatic presence.