The World Cup is coming to North America: So in 2026, is it ‘football’ or ‘soccer’?

The Athletic has live coverage of the FIFA Men’s 2026 World Cup draw.

In Gianni Infantino’s Swiss hometown, it is “fußball.” In his family’s homeland, Italy, it is “calcio.” In the official name of the organization he runs, FIFA, it is “association football,” and near their office in South Florida, it is often “fútbol.” But to most Americans, the sport that will charm the United States next summer is “soccer,” and so, when Infantino steps onstage at Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw, or whenever he speaks at this North American tournament, he will have a decision to make.

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“Soccer” or “football”?

The question, for years, has been everything from a subject of etymological study to fodder for polarizing debate. It has fascinated professors and fans, puzzled executives and triggered ridiculous rants. It has even inspired playful jokes between American and foreign diplomats. Alex Lasry, a New Yorker who worked for the presidential administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, recalls using the word “soccer” in conversations abroad as a “fun joust.”

But now, he admits, “with the World Cup being here, it probably takes on a more interesting idea.”

Lasry is CEO of New York and New Jersey’s host committee, one of many organizations tasked with selling the 2026 World Cup to locals (many of whom call the sport “soccer”) and welcoming foreigners (most of whom know it as some variation of “football” or “fútbol.”)

So, he says, in promoting the tournament, “I think you’ll s