Want proof that the U.S. is now “a soccer nation” that truly treats the sport like the rest of the world does?
It’s the wholesale, unapologetic media homerism.
Forget the social media engagement, the packed stadiums (except for that first game) or the jingoistic “USA! USA!” watch parties. We’ve seen that before.
What’s new is how this World Cup feels like the culmination of a long-term shift in expectations of how teams, particularly national teams, should be covered. Open rooting for the home team used to be frowned on in the U.S.
Now it’s expected.
