Legendary broadcaster Andrés Cantor joins Alex Sherman to assess the legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its potential to accelerate soccer’s growth in the United States. Cantor also discusses the U.S. men’s national team, Lionel Messi, Argentina’s dramatic run, future World Cup media rights, and his plans to continue calling major matches.

Episode Notes

Telemundo lead FIFA World Cup play-by-play broadcaster Andrés Cantor joins Alex Sherman to reflect on the 2026 tournament and what it could mean for the future of soccer in the United States.

Cantor explains why the expanded 48-team World Cup exceeded his expectations, highlighting the competitiveness of first-time participants and the relative lack of one-sided matches. He also compares the logistical challenges of traveling across the United States, Mexico, and Canada with the compact experience of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The conversation explores whether the tournament represents a true turning point for American soccer. Cantor considers how new and casual fans may begin following MLS, the Premier League, La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and international stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Alexis Mac Allister.

Cantor also shares his perspective on the U.S. men’s national team’s performance, including the emotional effect of FIFA’s decision to overturn a red card before the team’s match against Belgium. He discusses his enduring enthusiasm for broadcasting, the emotional connection he feels when calling Argentina and the United States, and why retirement is not currently part of his plans.

The episode also examines the next cycle of FIFA World Cup media rights. Cantor addresses the possibility of calling future tournaments in either Spanish or English, whether at Telemundo, NBC Sports, or another broadcaster.

Later, Cantor revisits Argentina’s dramatic victory over England, Lionel Messi’s possible final World Cup, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s open letter responding to criticism of the tournament. The interview concludes with Cantor delivering his signature goal call for Sherman.

Topics discussed:

• The legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Soccer’s growth and popularity in the United States
• The impact of the expanded 48-team format
• MLS, Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League viewership
• The U.S. men’s national team and the Belgium match
• FIFA officiating decisions and tournament controversies
• Andrés Cantor’s broadcasting career and future plans
• FIFA World Cup media rights for 2030 and 2034
• Argentina’s rivalry with England
• Lionel Messi’s international future
• Gianni Infantino’s response to World Cup criticism

Timestamps:

01:34 The expanded 48-team World Cup format
02:29 Comparing the 2026 World Cup with previous tournaments
03:43 Why the World Cup could transform American soccer
05:21 Do Americans love soccer or only the World Cup?
07:03 Which soccer leagues could benefit most?
08:05 FIFA’s overturned red-card decision
09:34 Cantor’s passion for calling major matches
10:45 Retirement plans and English-language broadcasting
11:24 FIFA World Cup media rights for 2030 and 2034
12:48 Argentina’s dramatic match against England
14:31 Lionel Messi’s possible final World Cup
15:42 Gianni Infantino’s open letter
19:21 Andrés Cantor delivers his signature goal call

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