Tennis is everywhere at the U.S. Open—on the courts, on the giant screens, in the shops and restaurants, and even in the famous Honey Deuce cocktails (the melon balls!). I love hearing the oohs and aahs and running to an outer court to find some rising star about to take a set.

In the almost 10 years (!) that I’ve lived in New York, I’ve been to the U.S. Open eight times. I moved here in October 2016, just missing that year’s tournament, and in 2020, when no fans were allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Suffice it to say, I am obsessed with heading out to Flushing, Queens, in the waning days of summer.

There’s no wrong way to attend, either. I’ve been with friends, family, taken a date, and gone solo. It’s the perfect sporting adventure. All you have to do is hop on the 7, and you’re there in less than 45 minutes from Times Square!

P.S. If you’re not able to attend in person, scroll down to quick hits for storylines and how to watch/follow along throughout the competition.

When to Go

Pick a day, plan ahead, and commit to the bit.

Fan Week (August 23-29)

The U.S. Open doesn’t have to be experienced by spending $300 to sit in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Fan Week is actually my favorite time at the U.S. Open because it’s your best chance to see the stars and tennis action up close. Plus, it’s free to attend!

The biggest draw for me is the qualifying tournament (*only August 24-27*), when lower-ranked players look to reach the main tournament. 128 players compete for 12 spots on both the men’s and women’s side. They have to win three matches in a row to make it to Round 1 of the U.S. Open.

At qualifying, I’ve seen countless players become household names. In 2022, I saw 2026 French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli play against 2024 mixed doubles Olympic gold medalist (and short-shorts ambassador) Tomas Machac (see below). ESPN and Tennis Channel analyst Chris Eubanks and 2026 Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova are just a couple more I’ve seen in recent years.

These matches tend to go into the night, so don’t worry about coming after work. There’s always something going on. On top of the “qualies,” I always try to catch a practice session or two. Watching Carlos Alcaraz or Coco Gauff up close? Yes please! Just a heads up: those usually end by 5 pm or 6 pm, although not a hard and fast rule.

There are also a few ticketed events, like Stars of the Open, and, new this year, Roger Federer is back for a one-night-only exhibition with some fellow veterans like Andy Roddick. Plus, the mixed doubles championship now takes place during Fan Week (more on that below).

You can get a Fan Week pass (again, free!) here.

Main Tournament (August 30-September 8)

You want to see a big star playing tennis? Come the first week of the U.S. Open (August 30-September 5) and you will not be disappointed!

Before you even open Ticketmaster, here’s the truth: attending any sporting event is a costly affair these days, and the U.S. Open is no exception. The cheapest option is usually a weeknight evening session at Arthur Ashe or Louis Armstrong Stadium, but at this point, it will still cost you over $100. You do get a lot of bang for your buck, though!

The nice thing about any ticket is that it also functions as a grounds pass, which means you get access to unreserved seating in Louis Armstrong, Grandstand, courts 4-17, and the practice area.

So, take an Arthur Ashe day ticket, for exampls. That gets me two day matches in Ashe, starting at noon, but I can also go to any other court at any time through the end of the day. The only place I couldn’t go was back into Arthur Ashe for the evening session (entry to the grounds for an evening sessions is 6 pm). In 2022, I arrived at 10 am and didn’t leave until 1:30 am thanks to a late-night thriller with Jannik Sinner and Brandon Nakashima on Louis Armstrong. Epic stuff!

You can also buy a grounds pass, but due to dynamic pricing, this somehow always ends up being more expensive than other types of tickets. One workaround is showing up to the box office in the early morning on whatever day you’d like to go and asking them for the cheapest ticket available—you might get something for under $100 (which is a steal!). Of course, the risk is that there are no cheap tickets available.

Finals Fest

Consider a grounds pass for the final weekend. Right now, they’re going for $30–just note that you can’t actually go into the stadium for the final.

Still, it’s a little bit like The Hill at Wimbledon (without the grass or the Pimm’s). There’s a watch party with a big screen and plenty of events going on outside the main stadium. Most importantly, you can witness the junior and wheelchair finals on the smaller courts. I saw Alex Eala win the girls’ title in 2022! The Filipino breakout star most recently won the DC Open earlier this month and is currently ranked 20th in the world.

Once you’ve made a decision, tickets are officially sold on Ticketmaster, but there are a few apps, like Gametime, that you can download and keep an eye on in case any last-minute deals pop up.

Once Inside

It’s kind of like Disney World, but everything is tennis.

Before you get there, download the U.S. Open app so you can easily check who is playing and where. You can use it to loosely plan your whole day ahead of arrival or determine where to go next once you’re on the grounds. It also has a great map feature that will guide you around.

Sensory overload is generally a good expectation to have when you first get to the U.S. Open, but you’ll quickly get over it as the sights and sounds convert you into the world’s biggest tennis fan.

If you’re coming from the 7 train (look out the window on the right as you approach Mets-Willets Point for an epic Arthur Ashe Stadium reveal), you’ll exit the subway and follow the boardwalk, anticipation crescendoing as you walk towards the grounds, the stadiums growing larger and larger in the background.

Don’t be afraid to take in the moment—step out of the middle of the path if you want to take some photos (which you absolutely should do). Bonus tip: If you have some extra time, go around to the South Gate entrance by the Unisphere and take some photos there, too!

Once inside the gates, I like to walk around the grounds and soak it all in. There’s no rush. There is plenty of tennis to be watched, and you will see a lot of it, but take a moment to get oriented and settle in.

If the lines are short, grab a Honey Deuce (or a Heineken if it’s happy hour, which is 5 to 7!) and take it with you to the outer courts, which usually are less packed and still active. Pick a court based on vibes and just plop down. (You might have to wait a few minutes to avoid disrupting the players.) Then, after watching some players you’ve just stumbled upon, start planning your next move.

I try to catch a wide variety… look for top seeds and spread the wealth across all the different disciplines—singles, doubles, juniors, and wheelchair—and genders. If there’s a break in play, I tend to look up the names on Instagram to check their vibe and on Google to see if they’ve performed well recently. Also, weirdly, don’t sleep on the chair umpires—a lot of them are characters on their own (i.e., Marijana Veljovic and her high pony).

I mean… it’s just so cool!

If you want to stock up on merch, especially if you just want a hat or shirt, the easiest place to get stuff is at the Octagon-shaped giant kiosk that’s between Louis Armstrong and Arthur Ashe. Several other stores have more specialized items, like towels, candles, rackets, etc., that are worth browsing, but if you want to grab a souvenir and go, head to the kiosk.

The food at the U.S. Open is the stuff of legend, and despite getting annoyingly trendy, it’s worth planning to have a meal at one of the many famous NYC spots that have outposts here. Fuku’s chicken sandwich, Korilla BBQ’s rice bowls, Pat LaFrieda’s steak sandwich, and Dos Toros tacos are my favorites, but there’s plenty more to choose from. (Eater NY also has a fun itinerary that’s worth checking out with some morning grub spots to explore in Flushing, just one stop away!)

There are also a lot of sponsor activations. Last year, La Roche-Posay was giving away free sunscreen, and there were also some cool photo ops, with Tiffany & Co. having some U.S. Open trophies and Chubb having an umpire’s chair you could sit in. Everything is spread out to ensure capitalism is lurking around every corner, but there is one section near courts 8-10 and 13-16 that’s almost like a cute little “street” of sponsors that I try to stroll down every time I visit just for the freebies alone. If I hear a crowd cheering nearby, though, I’ll run to whatever is happening with the actual tennis. Never let a freebie get in the way of the action!

Other Tips:

• Prioritize nail-biter matches and fun tennis over everything else. Keep an eye on the scores in the app or on one of the many screens around the grounds. If you see a match nearing the end of a set and it’s a close one, or there’s a potential for a tiebreaker, go there, even if you don’t know the players.

• Be flexible with your schedule. The order of play frequently shifts to accommodate earlier match lengths. If a player is slated to begin their match at 3:45 pm, but there is someone on the court before them, it will inevitably take more, or sometimes less, time than expected. Don’t stress trying to catch the start of a match featuring your favorite player.

• Leave big bags at home, if you can. Security is usually a breeze, but if you have a backpack or luggage, you’ll need to drop it at the storage lockers, which costs money. Totes or drawstring bags are fine, though.

• It’s a blurred line when it comes to outside food and water. One year, I got in with an entire picnic in my bag. Another year, I had a water bottle confiscated. It’s generally worth the risk, but if you do decide to bring stuff, think small and disposable.

• Eat off-hours—and don’t commit to what you want until you see the lines. You might think you want a taco… but why wait 20 minutes when you can get an order of dumplings in five. That’s 15 minutes saved to watch more tennis!

Quick Hits

Trends and stories to sound like you follow tennis year-round.

Mixed Doubles Controversy

TL;DR: The mixed doubles competition has turned into a cash grab by the tournament, and people are concerned about a major title opportunity lost for players who focus on doubles.

2024 champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who are specialists in their field, were outspoken about last year’s revamped format that upended the calendar, prize money, and entry list. Ultimately, the Italians defeated Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the 2025 final and will be back to defend their title this year. Following the backlash, there is more opportunity for doubles specialists to compete, although tournament organizers are clearly still focused on the stars. To be fair, many of them, like Jessica Pegula or Taylor Townsend, have success playing doubles in some form.

Two Major Stars in Question

TL;DR: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are both injured, with concerns they might not be in NYC this year.

Carlitos has been dealing with a wrist injury since the spring. After some promising training videos on social media, he announced that he’d be playing at the Cincinnati Open (which started this week), but then withdrew out of caution. Meanwhile, Sinner dropped out of the Canadian Open a few weeks ago, saying he needed to rest ahead of the U.S. Open. Since then he’s withdrawn from another tournament, saying he needs to deal with a knee injury. Will these two stars, who have won 11 of the past 13 major championships between them, be healthy in time for the U.S. Open?

If not, could an American man finally, finally, FINALLY, win a U.S. Open title again? It’s been since 2003 that my original tennis crush, Andy Roddick, won. Taylor Fritz reached the final in 2024 but lost in straight sets to Sinner. I can see Fritz or Ben Shelton making the final with Tommy Paul or even someone like Nakashima making a deep run—but they’ll have to overcome some European rivals that are in top form.

P.S. The running joke is that Carlos and Jannik are too busy having a Heated Rivalry moment to focus on tennis right now. C’mon, tell me Sincaraz are not in love!

Women’s Field Wide Open

TL;DR: No player is the true favorite as the top 10—and some outside that benchmark—could easily find themselves hoisting the trophy in a few weeks.

All three major winners so far this year have been a surprise—Elena Rybakina has been a top-5 player for years but wasn’t necessarily at the top of her game coming into the Australian Open. Meanwhile, the French Open (Mirra Andreeva) and Wimbledon (Linda Noskova) champions were first-time winners who had been on the radar as rising stars. All three could fare well in NYC, but you also can’t count out two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka (who has two modes: beast or meltdown) or Iga Swiatek, who could pull off a similar move to Rybakina. Then, there’s the depth of the American women: 2023 champion Coco Gauff, Jess Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova are all in the top 10. Ok sorry, one more! Keep an eye on Naomi Osaka, who is back at No. 13 in the world—four years since she was last ranked that high.

Influencer Culture is Ruining the U.S. Open

TL;DR: rising costs and a focus on being seen at the Open have overshadowed the tournament itself.

It could just be me (it’s not), but I generally think of the U.S. Open as having hit a turning point in 2023. Before that, Fan Week felt like a hidden gem waiting to be explored, and ticket prices for Labor Day weekend were steep but manageable. Now, it’s all gotten a bit out of control. Two quotes stick out in my mind:

• “There are really people out there buying grounds passes for $200 just to make TikTok’s about the food and not watch any tennis.” - Reddit user in this thread.

• “The ticket prices and influencers are so annoying… I used to LOVE the Open, but last few times it just pmo so bad” - a podcast host in my DMs.

Like most things, it’s tough to imagine going back to the way things were, but hopefully people get tired of the nonsense and focus on what matters: sport and spectacle at affordable prices.

Not In NYC? No Problem

The broadcasts and podcasts you need when you’re not in Queens.

If you want to watch the U.S. Open, you’ll need access to ESPN or have to settle for highlight reels on the U.S. Open app or YouTube. If you don’t have it through a cable provider, ESPN Unlimited will give you everything you need—including the TV broadcasts on ESPN and ABC—while ESPN+ will have a more limited selection of streams. The best option here is to sign up for a month ($30) of Unlimited, and then remember to cancel after the U.S. Open is over.

If I can’t watch, I’m usually listening to tennis radio or podcasts. The daily radio coverage is accessible through the U.S. Open app (or on TuneIn Radio or SiriusXM)—it begins every morning before the first ball is served and goes through the final match of the day. It’s ALWAYS on, which is amazing.

There are also two podcasts in rotation for me:

• The Players Box: Four U.S. women (Pegula, Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and Des Krawczyk) chat tennis and be silly—it’s a girl hang, and it’s a blast!

• The Ball Boys: For the girls, gays, and theys, this podcast has fun segments like the BaeTP rankings (the hotties of men’s tennis) and CrossCourt (hot topic debates)

No matter how you take in the U.S. Open, just know it’s worth your time. It’s a thrill, in-person or at home from your couch. If you’ve been missing the vibes from the Knicks and World Cup, it might not reach those heights, but you can feel the city come to life again. Summer’s not over yet!

I’ll leave you with this sappy Dan post from 2018:

Until then, my word for the next few weeks is “dabble.” I am creating my own Olympics, watching a little bit of golf here, some cycling there, and a dash of swimming thrown in. There actually is a multi-sport competition taking place overseas in Glasgow with the Commonwealth Games (which features 74 nations and territories!), but it’s a pain to stream in the U.S. and my British friend told me “people are talking about what a sad state it’s in,” so I have only been catching the headlines.

Speaking of, let’s dive in, shall we? Here are some stories that have piqued my interest in the past week or so:

Major Soccer Nations Announce World Cup Boycott

England, Spain, Germany, and France, and the entire Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have said they will not participate in any FIFA competitions, including World Cups, until a $20 billion deal between FIFA and a private equity firm with ties to President Trump is nixed. The Americas (CONCACAF) and Asia (AFC) also rejected the move.

FIFA leader Gianni Infantino says the whole thing is getting blown out of proportion by the media. According to ESPN, the deal would allow influence on broadcasting and commercial rights in addition to securing payouts for nations who perform well at major tournaments. Of course, the underlying issue is whether or not the influence would extend beyond the media and impact the sport itself.

“Some things are simply too important to sell,” UEFA said in its statement. “The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”

This isn’t the first time FIFA has come under fire for its business dealings (watch FIFA Uncovered on Netflix!), but if the deal goes through and the boycott holds, the women’s World Cup would be the first big test. Kickoff is set for June 24, 2027.

MLB All-Star Coming to Broadway

I love when my two passions, theater and sports, collide! José Iglesias will join Buena Vista Social Club in August, taking over the role of the Narrator. Iglesias played in the MLB from 2011-2025, including for the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets. He’s also released several singles under the mononym Candelita.

Buena Vista Social Club, set in Cuba where Iglesias was born, follows the creation of the titular 1997 Grammy-winning album. “It is an incredible privilege to be part of such a historic band. Anyone who truly knows Cuba understands the journey we have endured, so for me, this is a dream come true,” said Iglesias. His first show is August 27.

For those who haven’t seen the musical, it’s a must-see. Buena Vista Social Club won five Tony Awards, including a special achievement award for the on-stage band, which is genuinely one of the best stage performances I’ve seen or heard since Broadway reopened.

A Summer of Weddings

“Love” in tennis scoring means zero, but it’s been a summer of romance for many. At least five weddings featured some of the top players in the world.

Over in Greece, 2022 French Open semifinalist Daria Kasatkina married Olympic figure skater Natalia Zabiiako in the chicest lesbian wedding I’ve ever had the pleasure to scroll through. You wish you could be this cool. (FYI: Kasatkina, born in Russia, openly opposed the invasion of Ukraine at the start of the war and came out in an essay a few years ago. She’s since moved to Australia.)

Also getting married this summer:

• U.S. star Tommy Paul tied the knot with influencer Paige Lorenz in a lavish Long Island affair that featured several American tennis players—Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Reilly Opelka—as groomsmen.

• Three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud married Maria Galligani in a Majorca wedding that included their daughter, Camila, who was born in January.

• World number 6 Alex de Minaur and British tennis fave Katie Boulter (stunning in a Vivienne Westwood gown) officially wed in the English countryside, then jetted over to Tuscany for a three-day party.

• U.S. doubles player Asia Muhammad, who has won 13 career WTA titles (!!!), married James Cross just one week after reaching the third round at Wimbledon.

Congrats to the happy couples!

Quick Hits

NYC to host Rugby SVNS again in 2027

This will be the final stop of the regular season, leading into the playoffs, which will impact LA28 qualification. Ilona Maher has hinted she will be back after missing last season while she competed on Dancing with the Stars and was, well, generally busy being her fabulous self.

Hunter Woodhall DQ’d at U.S. Championships

The 2024 Paris Paralympics gold medalist used an unregistered foam block at the starting line, sparking debate over a lack of clarity in the rulebook and Woodhall’s decision to run with the block anyway after being told he wasn’t allowed to use it.

An epic World Cup party in Madrid

Writer and host Raymond Braun spent six weeks jetting around the U.S. covering the World Cup from a mental health lens—but he saved the best trip for last as he flew to Madrid to cover the “collective effervescence” in the aftermath of Spain’s win.

Jonquel Jones earns historic All-Star MVP honors

The NY Liberty center is the first WNBA player to win League MVP (2021), Commissioner’s Cup MVP (2023), Finals MVP (2024), and WNBA All-Star MVP (2026). It was a fun All-Star weekend for the fans: Jones played ball with President Obama, Paige Bueckers & co. sang Keyshia Cole, and the StudBudz popped off for 72 hours straight. The vibes were immaculate:

What to Watch This Weekend

USA Swimming National Championships (July 28–August 1, 9 PM on Peacock)

The meet wraps up with the splash-and-dash (aka the 50m freestyle) on Saturday. Come for the Caeleb Dressel comeback, stay for the Kate Douglass-Gretchen Walsh showdown. If you miss the action this week, a highlight show will air Sunday, August 2, at 2 PM on NBC, and replays are available on streaming.

AIG Women’s Open (July 30–August 2, airing this weekend 7 AM-noon on USA Network and noon-2 PM on NBC/Peacock)

The final women’s golf major of the season is turning into a nailbiter. U.S. superstar Nelly Korda got off to a rough start on Thursday but looked much better on Friday morning as she battled to stay in contention. Near the top of the leaderboard, Jeeno Thitikul, Lottie Woad, and Haeran Ryu—who is chasing a third straight major title—are setting up what could be a thrilling weekend.

Tour de France Femmes (August 1–8, mornings on Peacock; full schedule here)

An eight-day trek begins in Switzerland before heading into France, passing through Dijon, and tracing the Alps as the ladies head south through Provence for a grand finale in Nice. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is the defending champion and will try to stave off perennial favorite Demi Vollering.

Sitting above McCarren Park on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint in Brooklyn, Berry Park has become one of the top places to watch sports in New York City. The space has two levels: a cavernous beer hall and a sunny rooftop. “I’m a fan of the fans… It’s a rooftop for the people and soccer for all,” says co-owner Jessie Marlee.

That ethos has drawn regulars and newcomers alike to World Cup watch parties, packing Berry Park with a line out the door.

While the England vs. Norway game featured a heavy pro-Three Lions crowd, the Mexico vs. England game in the round of 16 was decidedly more split. Far from any sort of animosity, there were sing-alongs, chants, and even the passing of a sombrero that became a symbolic tribute throughout the evening.

Some call and response chants

A sombrero makes its way through the crowd

“Everybody’s standing on their side, but also still in unison,” Marlee says. “It makes you just feel the feels in a really good way. And that’s what it should be all about.”

The scenes that have unfolded since Marlee and Elena Vazintaris took over Berry Park in 2024 offer a glimpse into what sports bars can be. Both are mothers, but they bring an opposites-attract energy to their work—jokingly, they say that Marlee is the Glinda to Vazintaris’ Elphaba, although sometimes the roles switch.

Marlee started at Berry Park in 2013 as a bartender and events planner, before becoming general manager and eventually co-owner. She’s the face of the operation, chatting with longtime customers and welcoming new faces on top of helping out with service. She doesn’t stop moving—a constant fixture among the crowds. “If you want a business that you consider your art, and you consider something that you have a lot of pride behind, then being present is the most important thing you can do,” says Marlee.

Vazintaris is back of house and brings two decades of experience in TV and commercial production with her. When she’s not handling the vendors, payroll, and all of the behind-the-scenes work that a sports bar requires, you’ll find her quietly observing the scene. “I like seeing people be joyful and positive in our space.”

This isn’t just a place to watch sports—although there is plenty of that—it’s a community space that also hosts Lectures on Tap talks, concerts, trivia nights, and even the occasional baby shower or wedding.

“[Berry Park] is more for… [people who are] just about the good vibes of being open and being inclusive,” says Marlee. “That is really the only kind of place I want to be at, the only place I want to own, the only place I ever want to work at.”

That same philosophy extends to the sports Berry Park puts on its screens, which previously mostly focused on international soccer matches but has since expanded to NWSL, WNBA, and other sports with growing audiences. Last year during the U.S. Open men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Berry Park also had a screen dedicated to the Brooklyn FC women’s soccer game. “It’s a very conscious decision to make sure we’re telling people that we are space for women’s sports,” says Marlee.

Looking forward to the Women’s World Cup next summer, Marlee has been planting the seeds to recapture the NYC magic that’s unfolded during the men’s World Cup over the past month and change. Berry Park showed all of the women’s World Cup qualifier matches in 2025. “Sure, ‘no one’s watching [women’s sports]’ but everybody who’s up on the roof, every time they have to go to the restroom, when they’re walking in, they’re seeing on the screens that we’re showing this.”

It’s not just about what’s on the screen, either, but who is occupying the space inside. “Could anyone, whether they’re in stilettos or in sweaty clothes coming off the pitch, hang together in this moment? Could the person coming home from their 9-to-5, still wearing their business casual, come by? Could the mom with the stroller and the two kids come by? If at least 90% of that is a yes, we’re doing it.”

If anyone ever asks what a sports bar can be, just ask Marlee and Vazintaris, and they’ll tell you: anything you want it to be.

First, there’s the fairly shocking removal of Nordic Combined, which has been contested at every Winter Olympic since the first Games in 1924. In “NorCo,” athletes compete in a ski jump round and then a cross-country ski race.

Women have never competed in the sport at the Olympics, but have been on the World Cup circuit for nearly a decade. There was an active movement to get the IOC to keep NorCo on the program and include a women’s event. Ultimately, that didn’t happen, which is a real shame because there was an opportunity to grow the sport, both in equity and interest.

(Courtesy of 5280.org: Flawia, left / Elisa Maines, right)

As Her Game Era put it: “This is more than the loss of an event. It’s the loss of dreams, careers, and a generation of athletes who deserved the same opportunity as everyone else.”

The fight’s not over. Whether or not it will return to the Olympics remains to be seen. Plenty of athletes, officials, and advocates are focused on growing the sport’s footprint, which will continue at the World Cup level, and there are already calls to get the sport back onto the program for 2034 Utah.

Personally, I liked that there was a sport in which the results of the first stage (ski jump) impacted the start of the second — you got a head start in the cross-country ski race depending on how well you jumped. But nobody’s asked me!

There was some more welcome news for figure skaters and extreme snow sport athletes, however.

The 2030 Olympics will feature the debut of synchronized skating and freeride skiing and snowboarding— and I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am about the inclusion of the former. The Olympic competition, called Synchro9, will feature teams of nine skaters performing an ice dance-esque routine. It is artistic swimming on ice and I am obsessed.

Just a few days before the world turned upside down, I went to the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. I didn’t really know what to expect, but holy moly… I’ll let the videos do the talking.

This team did a routine set to the Broadway smash hit SIX with the opening number “Ex-Wives”

This team did a Beatles medley - and to quote the woman I caught on camera: “That’s insane”

THAT’S INSANE!

The teams that will qualify for the Olympics should be at an even higher level than this, although teams will be composed of 9 skaters instead of the 16(!) you see above.

Meanwhile, freeride will also make for some great television, with skiers and snowboarders hurling themselves down a steep, ungroomed mountainside. Inspired by backcountry skiing, the sport combines the acrobatics of park and pipe disciplines with the technique required to navigate deep snow and difficult terrain. It’s epic!

This is another likely successful move by the IOC to expand the appeal of the Olympics to younger audiences. Fans of slopestyle, halfpipe, and big air will find themselves drawn to freeride, and the incredible scenery of the Alps will only add to the spectacle of its debut at the Winter Games.

Beyond that, there are a handful of new events being added to existing sports:

• Biathlon: mixed singles relay (one woman, one man from each country racing)

• Speed skating: team sprint (men’s and women’s event)

• Freestyle skiing: mixed team ski cross

• Snowboard: mixed team snowboard parallel

• Ski jumping: women’s super team

• Ski mountaineering: individual (men’s and women’s event)

It’s worth noting that for the first time in Winter Olympic history, there will be gender parity with 50% of the 3,046 athlete quota spots available: 56 women’s and 55 men’s events, in addition to 15 mixed competitions.

The exclusion of Nordic combined aside, this feels like the forward momentum that the Olympic movement needs. The World Cup has shown us that the world can unite through sport. The more eyes we get on the Olympics, the more fans can bridge cultural divides.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are in the rearview mirror, but the French Alps Games are still four years away. (1,302 days to be exact, but who’s counting?)

It feels like the start of a new era—one that I’ll certainly be looking forward to as the countdown continues.

I have cried at least once a day over the videos of fans embracing each other and underdog teams punching above their weight. There’s a special kind of humility in tearing up in public, but the level of joy and excitement that this World Cup has brought to America (and co-hosts Mexico and Canada) is something I’ve never experienced. Part of this is a byproduct of hosting the tournament and the reach of social media, but I think it’s something more that I can’t quite put into words. You just have to see it and feel it.

In Boston, Scotland made the city its own - and the Hub became all the better for it. There was a “500 miles” sing-along in Fenway Park and an Irn-Bru taste test that packed Boston Common. Fans played bagpipes everywhere and brought cheeky traditions from across the pond, placing orange traffic cones atop city statues. When the Scots left for Miami, the Boston Globe ran a full-page ad thanking them for their visit, and The Herald in Scotland returned the favor just this morning. Mass. Governor Maura Healey may have jokingly legalized haggis, but Mayor Wu’s sister city proclamation with Glasgow will stick.

Lawrence, Kansas, has long been a blue dot in a red state, but their welcome wagon for Algeria captured the spirit of the Heartland. The U.S. hasn’t exactly screamed “welcome!” to outsiders lately, but this small city of 100,000 proved them wrong, sending messages to the team ahead of their arrival and printing a slew of Algerian merchandise (flags, shirts, scarves, etc.) for folks to wear in support of the team. At this point, Lawrence has practically adopted Algeria. The city is even coordinating with the Algerian Embassy on programs designed to encourage cultural and business exchange. Check out the locals’ reaction below to Algeria winning their first World Cup match.

South of the border, South Korea has found kinship with Mexico over tequila swigs, dancing in the plaza, and tacos. The Koreans even said they were playing with a home-field advantage after the co-hosts showed up in droves to support their campaign against Czechia.

Then there are the individual visitors getting the spotlight. Egypt’s Mo Salah is getting lifted on the shoulders of fans in the streets of Vancouver. One fan from Japan biked from Pennsylvania to Dallas and ended up finding a new chosen family in Mexico. Then, of course, there’s Freddy, who had the road trip of a lifetime through the U.S. and went so viral that he got to chat with astronauts on the International Space Station from NASA Headquarters in Houston.

It’s not just about hospitality. You’ve probably seen Norway rowing all over the eastern seaboard, including on the NYC Subway. Ahead of their match against Senegal, the Vikings taught Senegalese fans the chant in Times Square just hours before they faced each other on the pitch. At another match, a lone man from Congo sang the national anthem, then was celebrated by the entire Colombian fan base around him. That’s the camaraderie we love to see!

The soccer has been incredible, too. It doesn’t hurt that the U.S. has played even better than most anticipated. Some fans were already bullish on a surprise deep run, but a 4-1 win over Paraguay and a 2-0 win over Australia is the stuff dreams are made of. They’ll head into the Round of 32 as the leaders of Group D with a lot of momentum (but not before they play Turkiye tonight, June 25, at 10pm ET).

READ: Everything You Need to Know About the World Cup

The best storyline out of the whole tournament has to be Cabo Verde, though. In the small island nation’s first-ever World Cup match, their goalkeeper saved 7(!) shots on goal—against Spain! That is insane. But then again, why not?! Talent can come from anywhere. The fact that Cabo Verde scored two goals in its next game to earn a draw and a likely berth into the round of 32 just means we get to keep cheering them on.

It’s all just so heartwarming! (Oof, I can’t be tearing up writing this, right?!) I can’t help but feel like all of this World Cup joy amounts to something more. It feels good and right, and it has been a long time since much of the United States felt that way. This isn’t a cure-all; it’s a balm, something that gives us the strength to keep fighting for what’s right after the tournament is over.

The video that’s stuck with me the most is this post below from Laura Lawson. Quietly reflecting in the morning afterglow of Scotland’s first World Cup game (and win!) in 28 years, she is visibly emotional about the embrace of Boston.

“You guys needed this as well. [You] needed some fun,” she says. It’s true. We needed it - and how lucky are we to be getting it.

@getlawsonedTo the people of Boston... wow. Just wow. You have restored my faith & hope in America. Winning last night was the icing on the cake as well. I am so proud to be Scottish. Best wee country in the world. TOP EH THE GROUP THOUGH LADS!!!! #boston #tartanarmy #worldcup #bostonians #Scotland

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Cover photo by Reuters-Yonhap

To be honest, I was not feeling excited about the World Cup up until a week ago. The sky-high ticket prices, my general disdain for the FOX broadcasting team, the domestic state of America, and its harsh U.S. foreign policy—it’s all too much. It doesn’t scream “let’s co-host a World Cup!” And yet, we are. That will not change from now until July 19, when the final takes place.

I’m not sure exactly when I decided to lean in, but it probably started with NYC Mayor Mamdani announcing a $50 ticket lottery for the local matches (I didn’t win, but that’s OK!). Then, Rebecca Lowe and Brendan Hunt announced they’d be returning with my favorite World Cup podcast After the Whistle. I started the docuseries U.S. Against the World on HBO Max and teared up multiple times. Now, I have an entire match calendar mapped out and a list of places hosting watch parties I want to visit. Don’t be surprised if I start a group chat.

The fanboy inside me has woken up, and he’s all-in, baby! Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

World Cup 101

What is the World Cup?

Technically, it is an international soccer tournament that takes place every four years in which countries play for the trophy in a multi-format competition, beginning with the group stage and then on to the knockout rounds to determine the winner.

In reality, it is the second-greatest sporting competition in human

history, with billions of people coming together to cheer on some of the sexiest athletes alive, from countries you know nothing about, but will cheer for anyway because some stranger in a bar/watch party/street festival/what-have-you told you their story 15 minutes ago while you were trying to understand what’s going on in this match, and now you’re all in because it’s too late to turn back—and you’ve never been happier.

How many teams are playing?

48 nations are competing in this World Cup. That’s a big jump from 2022, when it was 32, but the goal is to decenter Europe and the Americas from the tournament and grow the sport.

• Seven are former or defending champions: Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Spain, and Uruguay.

• Four of them are first-timers: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

What is the group stage?

There are 12 groups of four teams. In every group, teams play each other once to accumulate points. For each of the matches in group play:

• win = 3 points

• draw (tie game) = 1 point

• loss = 0 points

The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Eight of the 12 third-place teams will move on to fill out the 32-team knockout bracket. The fourth-ranked team in each group heads home. Tiebreakers are determined first by goal differential, then goals scored, and then head-to-head results. Still confused?

The World Cup group stage is famously complicated, but it often sparks some of the most nail-biting drama. Also, more people know soccer than you likely realize, so if you have questions, ask a friend or a stranger!

• The U.S. is in Group D with Paraguay (June 12), Australia (June 19), and Türkiye (June 25).

• See all the groups here

What is a knockout round?

After the group stage, the remaining 32 teams enter a single-elimination knockout bracket. Win, and you move on to the round of 16, etc. Lose, and you’re out.

The biggest difference in these matches is that they can’t end in a draw. They’ll go into extra time and then penalty kicks, if needed.

How long is a match?

Plan to spend 2 hours if you want to watch a match from start to finish during the group stage. Knockout games can last upwards of 3 hours because of extra time and penalty kicks.

Regulation is 90 minutes, split into two halves with a 15-minute break. Since the clock doesn’t stop in regulation, time is added at the end of each half to account for any pauses in play. It’s called “stoppage time.”

Extra time is 30 minutes + stoppage after each half, with another 15-minute halftime.

How do I watch it?

If you want to watch the English broadcast, you’ll want to get access to FOX and FS1. If you want to watch in Spanish, you’ll need Telemundo or Peacock.

Both are good options, but I recommend going with Peacock because the commentary is more lively and fun, even if I only understand a quarter of it. FOX tends to be dry and hyper-critical of the U.S. team, which, quite frankly, I am not in the mood for. However, they did add Rebecca Lowe to their broadcast team, and she’s the best!

Who should I root for?

My motto for the World Cup is “let the team pick you.” The beauty is that you can really root for any team you want. Fans always welcome more supporters, and there’s no shame in joining a bandwagon. You’ll want to root for your home nation, sure, but is one team really enough?

To explore teams, use your heritage or travel history (or wishlist) as a guide. Get to know a few players, watch a match, then decide if they’re for you.

My teams this year: USA, Scotland, and literally all of Group I (France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq)... subject to change, of course.

Wait, how does soccer work again?

Watch a game! You’ll figure it out.

PLEASE?!

Ok, ok! To start, 11 players per team are on the field as they try to get the ball into their opponent’s net (one goal = one point). Players use their feet to kick or dribble the ball (but also sometimes their heads). The big no-no is using your hands (except for the goalie).

There are a lot of rules, but the one that trips up fans the most is usually “offside.” The simplest version: a player can’t hang around the opponent’s goal waiting for a teammate to kick them the ball and then score. The actual rule is more complicated than that (shocking, I know), but you’ll pick it up quickly after watching a match or two.

Here’s a rules of soccer video for our visual learners.

Quick Hits

Who won last time?

Argentina beat France in the 2022 World Cup final, with soccer legend Lionel Messi finally getting the title in five tries (his debut was in 2006).

Who are the biggest stars?

Lionel Messi (Argentina), Kylian Mbappé (France), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Neymar Jr. (Brazil), and Christian Pulisic (USA). Here are 195 more players to know.

How much soccer is there?

A lot! There are matches every day between June 11 and July 11. The semifinals are July 14-15, the third-place final is July 18, and the final is July 19.

Who is hosting?

The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are co-hosts. Nearly 75% of the matches are being played in America, including in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, and San Francisco.

Who are the favorites?

Most people are picking France, Spain, or Argentina to win. I’m not convinced! I think we’ll have a first-time winner, but I haven’t figured out who yet.

International Storylines

A generational swan song

This may be the final World Cup for a number of the stars that my generation has followed since we were teenagers, particularly Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. These goodbyes will loom over the competition, adding emotional depth to their team’s run.

Cinderella stories

In 2022, Morocco emerged as the belle of the ball, becoming the first African nation to make it to the semifinals. It was an incredible run, with millions of new fans supporting the African nation as they took down Spain and then Portugal. Who will emerge as this year’s Cinderella story?

New world order

The expansion of the field to 48 teams represents the global evolution of the sport. Resources have poured into developing soccer nations that haven’t paid off yet, but the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect breakout moment.

Island time

Curaçao and Cape Verde are making their World Cup debut, while Haiti is back for the first time since 1974. None of these teams are expected to make a deep run, but any success in the group stage will be celebrated with fanfare.

Internet frenzy

Social media is already popping off about the World Cup. Creator Uly Morazan has a hilarious take on the countries and comparing to Mean Girls characters. A German visitor named Freddy is discovering the joys of Waffle House. And a local in Los Angeles is enjoying the aesthetic pleasures of soccer. This is exactly the kind of energy I want to see!

Fandoms

Every fan base has its own traditions, costumes, and chants. Norway harkens back to its Viking roots, Dutch fans turn entire stadiums orange, and “Allez Les Bleus!” rings out from all corners of France. Fans are deranged, and the World Cup is all the better for it.

The U.S. Men’s National Team

Are the Americans any good?

Yes! The U.S. Men’s National Team (aka USMNT) has a lot of raw talent, but they also have a habit of getting in their own way. They should make it out of the group stage and through a couple of knockout rounds. Reaching the quarterfinals would be an incredible feat for this team; a semifinal berth would be legendary.

Who do I need to know?

USMNT fans likely already know Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, and Folarin Balogun. Make those guys your priority, along with captain Tim Ream (an interesting pick since Adams was the captain in 2022).

Keep an eye on potential breakout stars, like goalkeeper Matt Freese or Sebastian Berhalter. Freese was not on anyone’s radar a few years ago, and Berhalter is a versatile set-piece player when he gets subbed on.

Full roster is here.

Who are the coaches?

The head coach since 2024 is Mauricio Pochettino, a pedigreed manager with ties to multiple professional clubs in Europe, including stints as the head coach of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, two of the best teams in the world.

Pochettino has a unique approach to soccer that is a little more focused on individual responsibility than previous USMNT coaches. The U.S.’s strength of late has been its ability to be a very cohesive team in the face of adversity. The whole can be greater than the sum of its parts—but they also haven’t been to the quarters since 2002, so maybe this a new approach is exactly what they need.

Sidebar: Sebastian Berhalter is the son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, who was fired after a disastrous 2024 Copa América performance. That was actually the second time Gregg was let go after he was briefly placed on leave after the 2022 World Cup, following a spat with Gio Reyna and his parents. (It got ugly.)

Resources to Bookmark

The World Cup is a behemoth. Here are some ways to stay up to date:

News Sources

The Athletic

FIFA

The Gist

Podcasts

After the Whistle

What Now? With Trevor Noah

YouTube

FOX Soccer

Williams looked in fine form, using her signature two-handed backhand on multiple occasions and serving an ace during the final game to secure the win. There was also this clutch point:

A win over the No. 3 seeds, Melichar-Martinez and Routliffe, should inspire Williams and Mboko as they find their rhythm as a pair. Serena said, “I feel like there's room for improvement” in the post-match interview, but added she “had a lot of fun” back on court.

Later this week, Williams and Mboko will play Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarterfinals.

Williams’ return to tennis has become one of the biggest sports stories in 2026, and the comeback tour is only getting started. She’s already received a wildcard entry to play doubles in Berlin, and many anticipate she’ll be on the entry list at Wimbledon. That seems likely after her match today—14 career Grand Slam doubles titles probably don’t hurt either.

That’s because June always starts with the French Open and ends with Wimbledon. This year is particularly exciting, though, because there’s the FIFA Men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. (The tournament features an anthem by Pride Month fave Shakira, who also did the 2010 World Cup song “Waka Waka” that I still listen to all the time).

Add in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup, three golf majors, plus whatever regular-season schedule you follow, and you’ve got a loaded month. There is something worth watching nearly every day. Look at this rundown, which is not even close to being comprehensive:

Sports haven’t always been the most welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ people, but whether you’re cheering from the couch, joining a local league, or engaging online, there are plenty of ways to combine the two this month.

Here are some ideas:

1. Host a watch party

A lot of leagues and tournaments host their own pride events, but you can do this in your own home, too. The nice thing about a sports watch party is that it can be any time of day. For example, a Wimbledon brunch, a World Cup happy hour, or a post-dinner NBA Final hang. Invite friends over and encourage them to wear some Pride gear. Have some snacks and drinks ready, but save the decorations and fussy stuff for later—it’s not a formal affair. This should be chill, fun, and casual!

2. Visit a sports bar

Almost every major city in the U.S. has a queer or queer-friendly sports bar. I can name four in NYC alone: Boxers, GYM, Athena Keke’s, and Wilka’s. They’re all great places to drop in for a few hours. It always ends up being a good time because people are usually there for the same reason: to hang out and watch sports. Make a 15-minute friend with the person sitting next to you. One of the best things about these spaces is how easy it is to strike up a conversation when everyone is watching the same game. Who knows? It might even turn into something more. (And who doesn’t love a little something extra during Pride Month?)

3. Sign up for a sports league

Google “gay [sport] league [city]” and you’ll usually find exactly what you’re looking for. People with a casual interest can find flyers at queer spaces around town to see what’s available, too. The important thing to remember is that you do not need to be proficient to participate. It’s all about building community, regular exercise, and having fun. In New York, there’s Big Apple Recreational Sports, which has kickball and dodgeball. Or you could play soccer with the New York Ramblers. There are also running groups, swim teams, and tennis leagues. The downside is usually the cost. Membership fees and equipment can add up quickly, but the regular exercise and built-in community make it worthwhile.

4. Engage with sports content online

I recently learned about A’ja Wilson’s annual tradition of giving a Pride-themed cake to her queer teammates on the Las Vegas Aces. The one that says “Hooray You Gay” is my favorite because it’s hilarious and makes a good point. Pride is a time for celebration!

It’s not always easy to get outside and throw yourself into the melee, however. If you’re more of an introvert, you can engage in quieter ways. The best way to do that is to follow queer outlets like OutSports or athletes who identify as part of the community. College volleyball player Jordan Lucas is this season’s breakout star, but stalwarts like trans runner Nikki Hiltz and WNBA legends like Brittney Griner remain must-follows on top of allies like Wilson.

Another way to stay connected to queer sports culture? Pick up a book. I love reading queer sports romances, and Heated Rivalry only scratches the surface. Check out Thirty Love by Tom Vellner or Wake Up, Nat and Darcy by Kate Cochran. Next on my list is The Open Era by Edward Schmidt. If you are a bit more social, start a book club this month to discuss with friends or chosen family!

5. Attend a sporting event

Of course, you can go out to an actual sporting event and sit in the stands, too! Tickets for marquee events might cost hundreds of dollars (looking at you, World Cup), but with a little extra effort, it’s possible to make it a wallet-friendly endeavor. The NY Mets Pride game is on June 26, and the cheapest tickets cost $37. For the same price, you can get a ticket to the Brooklyn Cyclones in Coney Island on June 12 (their Pride night), sitting behind third base with two drinks included.

Pride is ultimately about visibility, community, and joy. Sports can be all three. Whether you’re watching the World Cup with friends, joining a local kickball team, or simply cheering on queer athletes from your couch, there’s no wrong way to celebrate. Just be sure to cheer loudly, be safe, and have fun!

And yet, I love tennis radio. Take away the visuals, and you’re left with a hushed, urgent narrative that transports you right into the stadium. As commentators narrate action on the court, the mics pick up the oohs and aahs of the crowd, the players’ grunts, and the umpire’s calls.

Volleys are my favorite on the radio. As the players hit back and forth, the pressure increases as the hosts run out of breath trying to keep pace. It’s such a rush when the point ends, a release accompanied by a roar (or a groan, depending on who the crowd is rooting for).

In the quieter moments - the changeovers, the serve clock winding down, the breaks between matches - the commentary team takes advantage to discuss the human interest angle. The players come to life in a way that feels intimate and accessible.

Radio Roland Garros, the official station for the French Open, is my favorite of the majors. I discovered it during the pandemic when I was out on one of my daily walks in 2020. I was struck by how quickly I was drawn in and how little I missed watching it on TV. The hosts make it so easy to visualize what’s going on in the clay courts of Paris.

The voices themselves are a draw as well. Sophie Amiach, a former French player with a penchant for quiet intensity, tosses encyclopedic tidbits into her commentary like a winning dropshot. Nick McCarvel pops by from the stands to provide an up-close perspective of the match. Gigi Salmon, Simon Cambers, Eleanor Preston, and Marcus Buckland bring a British sensibility. There are frequent guests dropping by to call the matches or talk about the latest upsets.

Listener engagement is sky high, too. You can interact with the commentators on X at Radio_RG (or email them), who frequently prompt folks to chime in with their thoughts on the matches and where they’re listening from. Shoutouts happen throughout the broadcast, creating a sense of community among tennis fans.

It’s become an unintentional tradition to stumble upon big moments while I’m listening. In 2023, I caught Russian Daria Kasatkina and Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in a Round of 16 match as I hiked through Block Island on vacation with friends. Kasatkina, who came out as gay and criticized the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, was the favorite. Svitolina, coming off from maternity leave, was understandably outspoken about the invasion of her home country and the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian players in competition.

It was a thrilling tussle, with Svitolina winning 6-4, 7-6. They didn’t shake hands at the end, as Svitolina refuses to meet any Russian or Belarusian player at the net after a match in protest of the war. Still, there was a level of respect between these players that you could hear through the broadcast without seeing a single rally. Kasatkina acknowledged the winner with a thumbs up, and later Svitolina called her opponent “a brave one.” Those emotionally charged matches stick with you.

Last year, as Jannik Sinner looked poised to beat Carlos Alcaraz for the title at Roland Garros, I decided to go out for a run. Little did I know what Carlitos had in store to turn things around! Listening to him save three championship points in the fourth set was unlike anything I had heard on the radio. Shouts of “OH MY GOODNESS!” and “CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!” rang through my ears as sweat (or was it tears?) dripped into my eyes. Somehow, I managed to capture both of these listening experiences on camera.

There’s something inherently freeing in listening to tennis radio, as well, because you can do it anywhere. You’re not stuck somewhere watching TV. I’ve listened to it at the beach, in the park, on a ferry … who needs a road trip playlist when you can hang out with Coco Gauff on the court? It is an excellent choice while doing chores or running errands.

So, while there are plenty of storylines to follow this French Open, I won’t necessarily be watching Gauff’s title defense, Sinner’s pursuit of a career Grand Slam, or the swan songs of Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils. This year, like Alcaraz (sidelined by a wrist injury through Wimbledon), I’ll be experiencing Roland Garros in a different way than most: heard more than seen.