May 28 – Brazilian legend Neymar isn’t featuring in new coach Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup plans at the moment, but he believes the 2026 tournament can revolutionise how football is experienced by fans.
The former Barcelona star argues that American sports entertainment should serve as inspiration for football after his experience with the NBA. Speaking as a special guest on Disney+’s NBA Western Conference Finals coverage, Neymar highlighted the comprehensive entertainment value of American sporting events.
“There’s a show. There’s a break, people come out dancing. Then there’s another break, fans come out shooting hoops. Before the game, someone really famous sings the national anthem,” Neymar explained. “They make it worth your while to go.”
He contrasted this with traditional football experiences: “In soccer, you have a 90-minute game and there’s nothing during halftime. Everyone goes to the stadium gates to hang out. Why not inside the stadium? Do something different? Entertainment can be used in many ways without detracting from everyone’s focus.”
Neymar’s vision appears to be coming to fruition. FIFA recently announced that the World Cup Final in New York will feature a half time show, marking a significant departure from tradition, but something that Concacaf introduced for its Nations League final in March with Will Smith providing the entertainment in the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the initiative as historic, even if not ground breaking: “This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show worthy of the world’s greatest sporting events. We all know the power of football in uniting the world, but we wanted to go one step further by merging football and entertainment for some very special, very unique moments at the FIFA World Cup in 2026.”
Neymar’s response was enthusiastic: “I think it’s going to be crazy! I think it could change things! It’s good for everyone!”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1748505245labto1748505245ofdlr1748505245owedi1748505245sni@r1748505245etsbe1748505245w.kci1748505245n1748505245