How the 2026 World Cup Captivated America, Birthed a New Generation of Soccer Fans | Mirjam Swanson
- Jack Vita
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Los Angeles Times columnist Mirjam Swanson makes her Jack Vita Show debut, discussing the staying power of soccer in the United States, coming off a highly successful World Cup.
Jack caught World Cup fever and couldn't miss a game of this tournament, after years of neglecting soccer. Surely, he isn't the only born again soccer fan. So, what happens now? Where do all the new soccer fans go? Is soccer here to stay? Mirjam is here to talk all things World Cup, a day after Spain won its second World Cup in 17 years. Mirjam covered the World Cup this summer for the LA Times, where she recently started as a columnist, after many years spent with the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News and the Southern California News Group. Her work included a compelling column she wrote two weeks ago titled Trump’s World Cup meddling only made matters worse for rattled U.S. squad.
Mirjam and Jack discuss why they believe so many people caught World Cup fever, and what they think the staying power is for soccer. Should new soccer fans turn their attention to the MLS, or to European soccer?
Later, Mirjam and Jack chat Big Brother 2, with special guest, Big Brother 15 fan favorite and Amazing Race alum Elissa Reilly Slater! It's a fun episode that you will not want to miss!
You can follow Mirjam on Twitter (@MirjamSwanson) and find her work in the LA Times!
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