Goooooal!: Wright community on the 2026 World Cup

With the upcoming quadrennial World Cup drawing attention from soccer fans all over the world, many Wright community members are looking forward to supporting their favorite teams.

Alicia Barrera and Yesslin Bahena are both third semester students, and they said they watch the world cup every four years. Bahena  added that they support Mexico because “of their Mexican heritage and connection to our country.” 

“The world cup is something we like watching because it brings people together and is another way to support our culture,” Barrera said. 

When asked how hosting games in the U.S.

could affect the tournament, Barrera and Bahena said, “Some people may not be as welcoming to visitors from other countries, but they could also bring people together and create a sense of unity with their mutual love for soccer.” 

They also predicted that hosting World Cup matches could lead to more traffic and crowded areas around public transportation because of the number of fans traveling to attend games.  

Yarely Martinez, a 19-year-old student at Wright said she has watched the World Cup since she was young, “My brother and I would watch together and it helped us bond closer.” 

Like Barrera and Bahena, Martinez is supporting Mexico.

Her favorite player is Mexico's national team goalkeeper Gullermo Ochoa. “He's the G.O.A.T, he's been my family player because he's really talented and has always stood out to me. He is also a strong representation of Mexico”

Ochoca, one of Mexico's most well known goalkeepers, is expected to make his sixth and last World Cup appearance in 2026.

Martinez said she “ is excited to continue supporting Mexico throughout the tournament”. 

Luke Straube, the enrolment services representative said, “I recently went on a trip to Uzbekistan” he chuckled then added, “so I’m rooting for them, even though they’re probably not going to win. 

When asked on his thoughts of the games being held in the U.S. Straube said, “It’s an interesting decision, given that we’re not a big soccer country”

Ricardo Chavez also contributed to this article.

 the U.S. Men's National Team’s warm-up against Germany in Soldier Field 2026 . Photo credit: Layla Tovar

Editor note: We mistakenly said that FIFA world cup games would be played in Chicago's Soldier Field. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel withdrew the city from the bidding process due to strict FIFA demands, according to Yahoo Sports.