2026 World Cup focuses on celebrities over players amid complaints

The 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles has drawn attention for prioritizing celebrity appearances over player performances during matches. Coverage has depicted stars like Brad Pitt and Paris Hilton more prominently than football athletes. Critics argue that this focus detracts from the sport itself, leading to a warped perception of fan interests. With an increase in participating teams and players, many footballers receive less screen time compared to celebrities. The controversy raises questions about the broadcasting priorities and the cultural significance of soccer in the U.S.

• 4:06 PMYahoo Sports — The 2026 World Cup has a problem: celebrity-spotting