2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Begins with Upcoming Capitol Cup Soccer Games

“Fox & Friends” is gearing up to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup, building anticipation for this massive global soccer event. Former USMNT midfielder Stu Holden is set to join live from Audi Field to discuss the upcoming Capitol Cup Congressional Soccer games. He highlighted the increasing enthusiasm for soccer in the U.S. and touched on the possibility of the national team losing in the World Cup—all while taking the penalty kick with a lighthearted attitude.

With the World Cup approaching in less than a week, teams are making their final preparations for this prestigious soccer championship.

As teams from different countries arrive in North America, it will be intriguing to see which cities will welcome them.

The contrast of a Middle Eastern team taking on Kansas City, or a South Korean squad facing off with Philadelphia, has been an exciting prospect ever since it was revealed that the U.S. would host the World Cup back in 2022.

On Saturday, the Spanish national team breezed through the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Chattanooga, Tennessee, fulfilling the wishes of soccer fans on social media. However, there was a bit of confusion surrounding the team and venue assignments.

Interestingly, Arrowhead Stadium looks completely different as it prepares for FIFA World Cup matches. It’s amusing to picture those millionaire players from the Spanish top leagues arriving in East Tennessee, yet the sight of their bus being escorted through downtown Chattanooga—where a significant number of locals might not even recognize the star players—is quite striking.

It seems the internet shared this sentiment too, as fans on social media reacted enthusiastically to videos emerging from the Volunteer State.

Now the European soccer fans are quite flabbergasted to see a World Cup-winning nation booked into an ordinary hotel like the Embassy Suites in Chattanooga.

And there’s been some amusing footage of a very passionate fan cheering on young superstar Ramin Yamal as he left the team bus. Perhaps I was wrong about the football knowledge of Tennessee fans—they do seem to be engaged.

It’s genuinely funny to think about so many folks from Tennessee supporting an 18-year-old player from Barcelona, but, really, the game has changed a lot since the last time America hosted the World Cup 32 years ago.

Overall, it’s exciting to see these teams making their way to America, and the upcoming World Cup promises to be an entertaining experience.

Let’s hope the Spanish visitors enjoy their time in the Smoky Mountains. And don’t forget to enjoy some BBQ while you’re here!