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Overview

In this lesson, students will discuss the United States hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup (alongside Canada and Mexico). Students will watch News Hour segments exploring the ways the tournament brings in people from around the world as tourists, and the ways the U.S. has responded to these visitors. Then, students will brainstorm ideas to improve the tournament to make it more appealing to viewers, more welcoming or more beneficial to U.S. residents.

Estimated time

One 50-60 minute class period

Grade level

6-12

Essential question

What are some ways to improve a global event like the World Cup? How could it be a better experience for visitors and for hosts?

Warm-up activity

Show students this video (also at top of lesson) outlining the three major ways play has changed during this iteration of the World Cup. They can use the following questions to guide their thinking.

• What changes has FIFA made to the format of the World Cup this year?
• What impact have these changes made? Do you think they were a good idea?
• If you were coaching a World Cup team, would the new rules alter your approach to the tournament?

Main activity

Have students take a look at the Council of Foreign Relations graphics below displaying which World Cup nations face limits in traveling to the United States. Then, show them this News Hour clip about Americans welcoming World Cup fans from across the globe. After watching the segment, discuss the following questions in small groups.

Discussion questions

1. Why do you think fans from some countries were worried about traveling to the United States for the World Cup?
2. How has the U.S. government's approach to hosting the World Cup differed from the attitudes of Americans residing in host cities?
3. Which American cities have built particularly strong bonds with the fans of teams they are hosting?
4. What are some ways the United States and the residents of host cities might benefit from the World Cup? What are some costs or drawbacks of hosting the tournament?

Brainstorm

After discussing the questions above, students should work individually at first to brainstorm 2-3 ideas to make the tournament better, if it is ever hosted in the U.S. again. You might consider ways to make it more welcoming for visitors, better for participating athletes or more beneficial for host communities. You might also suggest ways to improve the tournament structure and format — how could it be more exciting or more fair for teams involved? Once everyone in small groups has 2-3 ideas, discuss as a group.

Debrief

Have each group share 1-2 ideas that they generated. Then, as a class, vote on the top three suggestions!

Extension activity

Students might also enjoy this News Hour clip outlining the United States' historically impressive start to its own World Cup campaign. Ask students: What are the pros and cons of playing a World Cup on home territory?

Written by Henry Mode, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern, and News Hour's Luke Gerwe

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