The Guardian · California · Original story
The World Cup is being played in my hometown. Can’t say I’m excited | Dave Schilling
I love soccer. But absurd ticket prices and odious politics are keeping me away from the stadiums
Forgive me if I’m not excited for the World Cup. After a heartbreaking loss for my beloved Arsenal in the Champions League Final, I’d love a break from soccer. A respite from the drama and misery of the beautiful game would do a lot of good for my soul right now. But Fifa, the sport’s sprawling governing body, doesn’t have time for me to lick my wounds. They demand my wallet.
With the World Cup coming to North America, I have no chance of escaping the monstrous hype, even if I can’t even imagine affording the exorbitant ticket prices. Thousands of seats remain available for the US’s opening group stage match against Paraguay in Los Angeles, which was an unthinkable result when the competition was awarded to the US, Mexico and Canada.
Dave Schilling is a Los Angeles-based writer and humorist
This article was corrected on 6 June 2026 to reflect the fact that Bukayo Saka, unlike Marc Guéhi, is not an immigrant
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Dave Schilling · Sat, Jun 6, 2026, 4:00 AM
California | The Guardian
I love soccer. But absurd ticket prices and odious politics are keeping me away from the stadiums
Forgive me if I’m not excited for the World Cup. After a heartbreaking loss for my beloved Arsenal in the Champions League Final, I’d love a break from soccer. A respite from the drama and misery of the beautiful game would do a lot of good for my soul right now. But Fifa, the sport’s sprawling governing body, doesn’t have time for me to lick my wounds. They demand my wallet.
With the World Cup coming to North America, I have no chance of escaping the monstrous hype, even if I can’t even imagine affording the exorbitant ticket prices. Thousands of seats remain available for the US’s opening group stage match against Paraguay in Los Angeles, which was an unthinkable result when the competition was awarded to the US, Mexico and Canada.
Dave Schilling is a Los Angeles-based writer and humorist
This article was corrected on 6 June 2026 to reflect the fact that Bukayo Saka, unlike Marc Guéhi, is not an immigrant
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