Baya Ahmidatou, August 6 2026—The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end and it was one for the books. One thing this tournament will be forever remembered for is that this was the summer soccer tried to become American. Unlike many North American sports, soccer has traditionally resisted becoming a product of nonstop entertainment. The focus was often shifted from preserving the traditions that make soccer unique to maximizing its entertainment value and advertising opportunities. The introduction of the first ever FIFA World Cup halftime show marked another departure from soccer tradition.