‘There isn’t as much excitement as in other World Cups’ – Mexico legend Hugo Sánchez concerned about lack of enthusiasm for 2026 World Cup
“There Isn’t as Much Excitement as in Other World Cups” – Mexico Legend Hugo Sánchez Concerned About Lack of Enthusiasm for 2026 World Cup
The world should be buzzing, but according to Mexico’s football icon Hugo Sánchez, “There isn’t as much excitement as in other World Cups” when it comes to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This candid admission has raised eyebrows across the football community and sparked conversations about what could be causing the subdued anticipation. As we edge closer to the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concerns like Sánchez’s are becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
In this in-depth article, we explore the reasons behind the perceived lack of enthusiasm, what it could mean for the tournament’s success, and whether 2026 can still deliver the magic we associate with the world’s biggest sporting event.
Quick Wiki Data Table: Hugo Sánchez and the 2026 World Cup
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hugo Sánchez Márquez |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Career Highlights | Real Madrid legend, 5x La Liga Top Scorer, 1986 World Cup star |
| Quote | “There isn’t as much excitement as in other World Cups” |
| Event | 2026 FIFA World Cup |
| Host Countries | USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Scheduled Dates | June–July 2026 |
Why Hugo Sánchez Says, “There Isn’t as Much Excitement as in Other World Cups”
When a figure as respected as Hugo Sánchez voices concern, it carries weight. His comment — “There isn’t as much excitement as in other World Cups” — highlights a broader sentiment that has quietly been growing among fans and insiders alike. Traditionally, the World Cup builds electric anticipation years in advance, yet the lead-up to 2026 feels muted.
Factors Behind the Lack of Enthusiasm
Several reasons might explain the current mood:
- Geographical Spread: Unlike single-country World Cups, the 2026 edition will be split across three nations, potentially diluting the localized excitement that a singular host can generate.
- Over-saturation of Football: With tournaments like the UEFA Nations League, expanded club competitions, and back-to-back major events, fans might be experiencing a form of “football fatigue.”
- Political and Economic Concerns: Travel costs, visa complications, and political tensions between the host countries could be dampening global excitement.
- Changing Fan Expectations: Younger audiences expect more than just great matches — immersive experiences, digital engagement, and immediate access to stars are now mandatory.
“There Isn’t as Much Excitement as in Other World Cups” – Mexico Legend Hugo Sánchez Calls for Action
Sánchez didn’t stop at simply voicing concerns. He urged FIFA and the organizing committees to rethink their marketing strategies and invest more in fan engagement across the globe.
Key suggestions he made include:
- Localized Campaigns: Special efforts in traditional football-strong nations to build regional excitement.
- Affordable Ticketing: Ensuring that match tickets are priced accessibly for fans from different economic backgrounds.
- Cultural Integration: Celebrating the diversity of North American cultures to make the event more relatable worldwide.
If these steps are not taken, Sánchez warns that the 2026 World Cup could risk becoming the least memorable tournament in recent history — a disastrous outcome for a sport that thrives on passion.
Is the 2026 World Cup Format to Blame?
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanded from the traditional 32, for the first time ever. While this move was intended to give more nations a chance to shine on the global stage, it has introduced skepticism:
- Concerns About Match Quality: Critics fear that more teams could mean more one-sided matches in the early rounds.
- Complex Logistics: With more games spread across three massive countries, the logistics for fans and teams alike could prove overwhelming.
All these factors contribute to the feeling that “there isn’t as much excitement as in other World Cups”, and Sánchez’s warning comes at a crucial time.
Will the Magic Return Closer to Kick-Off?
History shows that World Cup fever often peaks as the event nears. Major promotional campaigns, the finalization of star-studded squads, and the start of pre-tournament friendlies usually set the stage for mass global excitement.
Organizers hope that despite early concerns, the 2026 edition will eventually ignite the passion that makes the World Cup unique.
Factors that could reignite the excitement:
- Iconic Moments: Every World Cup births moments of magic — from Maradona’s “Hand of God” to Mbappé’s stunning 2018 final performance.
- Home Field Buzz: Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. have passionate fanbases ready to light up stadiums.
- Global Stars: The possible final World Cup appearances for legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — or the emergence of new heroes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Hugo Sánchez say, “There isn’t as much excitement as in other World Cups”?
Hugo Sánchez believes that the 2026 World Cup lacks the traditional buzz because of factors like geographic spread, football oversaturation, political concerns, and changing fan expectations. He has called for increased efforts to boost engagement.
How can the 2026 World Cup organizers address the lack of enthusiasm?
Organizers can focus on better localized marketing, making tickets more affordable, integrating cultural experiences, and using digital media to create global excitement months before kickoff.
Will the 48-team format affect the excitement of the 2026 World Cup?
While the expanded format allows for greater global participation, it also raises concerns about diluted match quality and logistical challenges. However, strong performances and new storylines could counterbalance these worries.
Is it normal for World Cup excitement to build closer to the tournament?
Yes, it’s very common. Typically, World Cup fever surges during the final year leading up to the tournament, especially after the final draw reveals the matchups and major campaigns launch worldwide.
Conclusion: The Call to Action Is Clear
“There isn’t as much excitement as in other World Cups” — Hugo Sánchez’s words are a warning, but they also present an opportunity. The 2026 World Cup can still become an iconic chapter in football history if organizers, fans, and players rally to recapture the magic. As anticipation grows and preparations sharpen, the stage is set for North America to prove the doubters wrong and host a spectacle worthy of the world’s love for the beautiful game.
External backlink suggestion:
To learn more about Hugo Sánchez’s legendary career, visit his FIFA Profile.