arts
Let’s Have a Ball
By Anthony Mariani at Fort Worth Weekly
· June 10, 2026
· 1 min read
In the 1970s and ’80s up north where I’m from, soccer wasn’t even a thing. We’d heard of Pelé, but that’s about it. It was all football (American-style), baseball, hockey, and basketball. That’s it. And, individually, swimming and golf. Having never been taught soccer, I spent most of my life ignori
Key takeaway We’d heard of Pelé, but that’s about it.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to bring people together, and for Fort Worth residents, there's a unique opportunity to experience the unifying power of sports. With TCU's strong athletic programs and the city's diverse cultural scene, Fort Worth is well-positioned to host watch parties and events that celebrate the World Cup. The Fort Worth Stockyards, Sundance Square, and the Cultural District could all be potential venues for community gatherings to cheer on Team USA and other favorite teams. As the city looks to put aside its differences and come together, the World Cup can serve as a catalyst for social unification, much like the Steelers and Pirates did for Pittsburgh in the 1970s. With its own rich history and cultural heritage, Fort Worth can use the World Cup as a chance to promote its values of inclusivity and community, and to show that even in a diverse and sprawling metroplex, people can come together to support a common cause.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Weekly . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Fort Worth Weekly . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 10, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Weekly ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In the 1970s and ’80s up north where I’m from, soccer wasn’t even a thing. We’d heard of Pelé, but that’s about it. It was all football (American-style), baseball, hockey, and basketball. That’s it. And, individually, swimming and golf. Having never been taught soccer, I spent most of my life ignori
When was this published? This article was first published on June 10, 2026 by Fort Worth Weekly and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Anthony Mariani at Fort Worth Weekly. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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