At World Cup 2026, soccer will be more than just a game
Briefly

The article discusses the cultural evolution of soccer, highlighting how clubs like Manchester City FC have transformed from mere sports entities to entertainment brands. This shift has enhanced connections with fans by producing off-field value and redefining the game's influence globally. As clubs, players, and brands now receive significant revenue from entertainment ventures, rather than just traditional gameplay, this signals a new era for soccer. The upcoming World Cup in 2026 is viewed as a pivotal moment for the sport's evolution and its cultural significance across the globe.
When we thought of ourselves as an entertainment property with soccer capability, it reframed our operations and led to meaningful connections with fans.
Clubs, players, and brands are now gaining as much from off-field entertainment as through traditional football, reflecting a shift in the sport's business model.
The cultural evolution of soccer is generating impacts beyond the field of play, reshaping how the sport connects with its 3.5 billion fans globally.
As we approach the 2026 World Cup, soccer's evolution continues to resonate globally, signifying its transition from a mere sport to a powerful cultural phenomenon.
Read at Fast Company
[
|
]