This summer, you can think of The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports as your trusty companion to help guide you through the myriad of action and countless storylines that will undoubtedly emerge from the 104 matches being played across the continent

June 7, 2026 by admin

If you’re already a soccer fan, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. But if you’re not, get involved. Fall in love with the world’s game, you won’t regret it (or maybe you will when you’re hiding behind the sofa unable to watch the USMNT’s penalty shootout).

This summer, you can think of The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports as your trusty companion to help guide you through the myriad of action and countless storylines that will undoubtedly emerge from the 104 matches being played across the continent.

I, Ben Church, will not be in North America but will instead be following along from London, likely wrapped in an English flag, hoping my beloved Three Lions can finally win their first men’s World Cup since 1966 (It’s Coming Home!).

But you’ll also be hearing from our stellar team live on the ground from host cities across North America, with an email dropping into your inbox every morning that will deliver behind-the-scenes reporting, expert analysis and point you towards the biggest storylines of the day.

And finally, to address the ball-shaped elephant in the room. Yes, we are calling it soccer. And yes, as an Englishman who has called it football his entire life, it does physically hurt me (this despite me being readily aware that “soccer” as a term was also invented in England). But here we are.