War in Iran and US sports blunt World Cup buzz, people are not talking about soccer | OneFootball

In the US, the war in Iran, baseball’s return and domestic political rows are muting early World Cup enthusiasm. According to L'Équipe, specialists still expect the tournament and crowds to measure up.

France have been in Boston and Washington for four days and will stay until Sunday. They hope to remain in the country until 19 July, the date of the final.

Promotion is scarce and conversations centre on petrol prices linked to the conflict, baseball’s opening week and college basketball, not soccer. An Ethiopian immigrant, Abaka, said prices make it feel out of reach and he may watch at home, before asking when it starts.

Closer to the game, demand is building. MLS youth director Frédéric Lipka said people around him have chased tickets for six to eight months and that the event could spark something if the USA stir emotions.

Confidence is strong among local hosts. Bentley’s sports chief Vaughn Williams, who will host France, expects a major occasion, and New England Revolution’s Rémi Roy believes Americans will be ready, with atmospheres driven by communities.

Barriers persist, from starting prices of at least 150 dollars for group games to anxiety over ICE operations around MLS stadiums in recent months. Big cities, including New York, plan fan-zones, while the US administration has moved to simplify visa processes.

For San Diego-based Dom Rotundo, father of Luxembourg-based Franco-American Evan, football should be inclusive, yet deep divisions remain. Whether reassurances convince wary supporters could shape how the World Cup lands here.

Source: L'Équipe