{"id":4323,"date":"2026-06-09T18:48:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T18:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usglobalnews.com\/2026\/06\/09\/to-find-the-world-cups-cinderellas-we-have-to-start-with-the-group-stage\/"},"modified":"2026-06-09T18:48:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T18:48:33","slug":"to-find-the-world-cups-cinderellas-we-have-to-start-with-the-group-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/?p=4323","title":{"rendered":"To find the World Cup&#8217;s Cinderellas, we have to start with the group stage"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"storytitle\">\n<h1>To find the World Cup&#8217;s Cinderellas, we have to start with the group stage<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORYTITLE\" --><\/p>\n<div id=\"story-meta\" class=\"story-meta has-byline\">\n<div class=\"story-meta__one\">\n<div class=\"story-meta__one-inner\">\n<div class=\"dateblock\">\n    <time datetime=\"2026-06-09T14:05:06-04:00\"><br \/>\n            <span class=\"date\">June 9, 2026<\/span><span class=\"time\">2:05 PM ET<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/time>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORY-META__ONE-INNER\" -->\n   <\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORY-META__ONE\" --><\/p>\n<div class=\"story-meta__two\">\n<div id=\"storybyline\" class=\"storybyline-wrap linkLocation\">\n<div class=\"bucketwrap byline\">\n<div class=\"byline-container--block\">\n<div class=\"byline byline--block byline--has-link\" aria-label=\"Byline\">\n<div class=\"byline__photo\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/1108419098\/juliana-kim\" rel=\"author\"><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/807x807+0+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F35%2F6a%2Fb0e42997405eb4ba61920f56aa67%2Fjuliana-kim-headshot.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Headshot of Juliana Kim\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/807x807+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F35%2F6a%2Fb0e42997405eb4ba61920f56aa67%2Fjuliana-kim-headshot.jpg\" data-format=\"jpeg\"><br \/>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<p class=\"byline__name byline__name--block\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/1108419098\/juliana-kim\" rel=\"author\"><br \/>\n      Juliana Kim<br \/>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"BUCKETWRAP BYLINE\" -->\n      <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORY-META__TWO\" -->\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END ID=\"STORY-META\" CLASS=\"STORY-META HAS-BYLINE\" --><\/p>\n<div id=\"storytext\" class=\"storytext storylocation linkLocation\">\n<div id=\"resg-s1-127106\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 5833;--source-height: 3889\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/5833x3889+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fc9%2Fbd5355e34da1a928956496713f08%2Fgettyimages-2280577341.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/5833x3889+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fc9%2Fbd5355e34da1a928956496713f08%2Fgettyimages-2280577341.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"A general view of exterior FIFA World Cup 2026 signage at Kansas City Stadium on June 08, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n<div class=\"caption\" aria-label=\"Image caption\">\n<p>\n                A general view of exterior FIFA World Cup 2026 signage at Kansas City Stadium on June 08, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.<br \/>\n                <b class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n                    Jay Biggerstaff\/Getty Images<br \/>\n                <\/b><br \/>\n                <b class=\"hide-caption\"><b>hide caption<\/b><\/b>\n            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>            <b class=\"toggle-caption\"><b>toggle caption<\/b><\/b>\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Jay Biggerstaff\/Getty Images<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>The following was <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/09\/g-s1-126975\/up-first-newsletter-iran-israel-lebanon-primaries-election-fraud-los-angeles-global-conflicts\" target=\"_blank\"><em>originally published in the Up First newsletter<\/em><\/a><em> as part of the NPR Network&#8217;s coverage of the World Cup, Soccer Edition. For more updates from Juliana throughout the games, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/newsletter\/news\" target=\"_blank\"><em>subscribe to Up First<\/em><\/a><em>, or check out <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/npr.app\/1NKi\/worldcup\" target=\"_blank\"><em>the new World Cup tab<\/em><\/a><em> in the NPR app.<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"hr\">\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hi! I&#8217;m <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/1108419098\/juliana-kim\" target=\"_blank\">Juliana Kim<\/a>, a reporter on the General Assignment desk and avid World Cup fan. So much so that in college, I quit my summer job in order to watch every match in the 2018 tournament on TV. Each Tuesday, for the next six weeks, I&#8217;ll be taking over this slice of the <em>Up First<\/em> newsletter to talk all things World Cup. To start, here&#8217;s some viewing advice: Don&#8217;t skip the opening rounds \u2014 a.k.a. the group stage \u2014 that kicks off June 11.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ll be the first to admit, in other sports, I only pay attention towards the end, like during the World Series, the Super Bowl and the current NBA finals. But this summer, 48 national teams \u2014 up from 32 \u2014 will compete in the most inclusive group stage ever. That means a lot more underdogs and a greater chance that a few might break through to make history. While for others, it&#8217;ll likely be the only chance to see them in action.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan, Jordan, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/05\/10\/nx-s1-5796264\/cape-verde-tiny-nation-massive-world-cup-dream\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Verde<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/11\/19\/nx-s1-5614157\/curacao-to-cape-verde-small-nations-make-big-world-cup-history\" target=\"_blank\">Curacao<\/a> are making their World Cup debut. Meanwhile, Scotland, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand (just to name a few) have never made it past the group stage. The truth is only eight nations have ever won the World Cup in its nearly 100-year history. (None from Africa, Asia or North America.) But in soccer, a single goal can make all the difference. Sometimes it comes down to the final minute. And for some teams, simply making it to the Round of 32, which starts June 28, will be a tear-jerker.<\/p>\n<p>So watch a few games. Root for more than one team. And <a href=\"https:\/\/npr.app\/1NKi\/worldcup\" target=\"_blank\">follow along on our World Cup tab in the NPR App for more coverage<\/a> from across the Network.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"edTag\">Video highlights<\/h2>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-127007-100\" class=\"bucketwrap statichtml\">\n   <\/div>\n<p><!-- END ID=\"RESG-S1-127007-100\" CLASS=\"BUCKETWRAP STATICHTML\" --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"edTag\">Podcast highlights<\/h2>\n<p>Professional soccer in the U.S. once felt like an impossible dream.<\/p>\n<p>But one Kansas City businessman, better known as the founder of the Chiefs, was a steadfast believer.<\/p>\n<p>From the failed attempts at a national league, through the creation of MLS and the very first U.S. soccer stadium \u2014 Lamar Hunt was there. KCUR&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kcur.org\/podcast\/a-peoples-history-of-kansas-city\/2025-11-19\/lamar-hunt-and-the-dream-of-us-soccer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>A People&#8217;s History of Kansas City<\/em><\/a> took a look back at all it took to get the World Cup to Kansas City. <a href=\"https:\/\/one.npr.org\/?sharedMediaId=fis-802242795-689fd39c3c96c68f73df8f9210141794:fis-802242795-689fd39c3c96c68f73df8f9210141794-enclosure-audio\" target=\"_blank\">Take a listen.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"edTag\"><strong>What to watch for this week<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u26bd <strong>There are still tickets to the U.S. opening match<\/strong> between the U.S. and Paraguay in LA. So far, only Mexico&#8217;s opening match against South Africa on Thursday looks to be sold out. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/08\/nx-s1-5849905\/fifa-world-cup-tickets-prices\" target=\"_blank\">Experts agree on the reason<\/a>. Meanwhile, Seattle&#8217;s offering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.knkx.org\/sports\/2026-06-07\/seattle-is-providing-over-1-400-free-world-cup-tickets-for-kids\" target=\"_blank\">over 1,400 free tickets for kids and their caregivers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u26bd <strong>Game transportation could get weird. <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wbur.org\/news\/2026\/04\/19\/boston-world-cup-train-bus-new-york-philadelphia-toronto\" target=\"_blank\">Cost is a big issue<\/a>. Stadium workers in LA <a href=\"https:\/\/laist.com\/news\/sofi-stadium-workers-are-voting-on-whether-to-authorize-a-strike-during-world-cup\" target=\"_blank\">have authorized a strike<\/a> ahead of the first game; Costs associated with getting to the stadium in New Jersey have <a href=\"https:\/\/gothamist.com\/news\/i-tried-cycling-to-metlife-ahead-of-the-world-cup\" target=\"_blank\">led folks to explore peddle power<\/a>, and Kansas City&#8217;s launched <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kcur.org\/housing-development-section\/2026-06-07\/kansas-city-world-cup-stadium-shuttle-fan-festival-transit-bus\" target=\"_blank\">all-new shuttle service<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u26bd <strong>It&#8217;s an exciting time for Haitian soccer fans.<\/strong> After decades of rooting for soccer powerhouse Brazil, many Haitian fans have the chance to cheer on Haiti&#8217;s national team <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlrn.org\/sports\/2026-05-28\/haiti-world-cup-brazil-florida\" target=\"_blank\">for the first time in 52 years<\/a>. Plus, Massachusetts&#8217; own Frantzdy Pierrot, who made the Haitian team, will get to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wbur.org\/news\/2026\/05\/27\/melrose-soccer-pierrot-world-cup\" target=\"_blank\">play his first World Cup game<\/a> at the Boston Stadium on June 13.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"share-tools share-tools--secondary\" aria-label=\"Share tools\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"share-tools__service share-tools__service--facebook\"><button class=\"fbStoryg-s1-127007\" data-share-facebook='{\"storyId\": \"g-s1-127007\" }' data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"share\",\"action\":\"share\",\"clickName\":\"facebook\"}'><b class=\"share-tools__service-name\">Facebook<\/b><\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"share-tools__service share-tools__service--flipboard\"><button class=\"storyg-s1-127007\" data-share-flipboard='{\"storyId\": \"g-s1-127007\" }' data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"share\",\"action\":\"share\",\"clickName\":\"flipboard\"}'><b class=\"share-tools__service-name\">Flipboard<\/b><\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"share-tools__service share-tools__service--email\"><button class=\"share-tools__email-link\" data-story-id=\"g-s1-127007\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"share\",\"action\":\"share\",\"clickName\":\"email\"}'><b class=\"share-tools__service-name\">Email<\/b><\/button><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"SHARE-TOOLS SHARE-TOOLS-SECONDARY\" ARIA-LABEL=\"SHARE TOOLS\" --><br \/>\n<!-- END ID=\"NEWSLETTER-ACQUISITION-CALLOUT-DATA\" DATA-NEWSLETTER=\"{&amp;QUOT;NEWSLETTERID&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;NEWS&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;TITLE&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;UP FIRST&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;MARKETINGHEADER&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;SIGN UP FOR NPR&#039;S UP FIRST NEWSLETTER&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;FREQUENCY&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;EVERY DAY&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;SHORTDESCRIPTION&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;THE STORIES YOU NEED TO START YOUR DAY, HAND-PICKED FOR YOU EVERY WEEKDAY. PLUS, THE BEST OF NPR EVERY SUNDAY.&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;STICKYDESCRIPTION&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;SIGN UP FOR THE NPR&#039;S UP FIRST NEWSLETTER FOR THE LATEST HEADLINES AND UNIQUE STORIES FROM THE NPR NETWORK.&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;CONTENTIMAGE&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;HTTPS:\/\/NPR.BRIGHTSPOTCDN.COM\/E1\/16\/E7434747460F8691603795B6FF1C\/SCREEN-SHOT-2025-08-20-AT-1-47-26-PM.PNG&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;STATICMARKUPDIR&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;\/BUCKETS\/TOPICS\/HEADER1001.HTML&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;BRANDINGDIR&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;\/BRANDING\/SECTIONS\/NEWS\/&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;BRANDINGLINK&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;HTTPS:\/\/WWW.NPR.ORG\/SECTIONS\/NEWS\/&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;RECAPTCHASITEKEY&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;6LCDN9IZAAAAAOHT985BJJBZJKBJKSXDXK3GEKST&amp;QUOT;}\" --><br \/>\n<!-- END ID=\"CALLOUT-END-OF-STORY-MOUNT\" --><\/p>\n<div id=\"callout-end-of-story-mount-piano-wrap\" class=\"callout-end-of-story-mount-piano-wrap\">\n<!-- END ID=\"CALLOUT-END-OF-STORY-MOUNT-PIANO\" CLASS=\"CALLOUT-END-OF-STORY-MOUNT-PIANO\" -->\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END ID=\"CALLOUT-END-OF-STORY-MOUNT-PIANO-WRAP\" CLASS=\"CALLOUT-END-OF-STORY-MOUNT-PIANO-WRAP\" --><br \/>\n<!-- END ID=\"END-OF-STORY-RECOMMENDATIONS-MOUNT-PIANO\" CLASS=\"RECOMMENDED-STORIES RECOMMENDED-STORIES-PIANO\" ARIA-LABEL=\"RECOMMENDED STORIES\" --><br \/>\n<!-- END ID=\"END-OF-STORY-RECOMMENDATIONS-MOUNT\" CLASS=\"RECOMMENDED-STORIES\" ARIA-LABEL=\"RECOMMENDED STORIES\" --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To find the World Cup&#8217;s Cinderellas, we have to start with the group stage June 9, 20262:05 PM<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":4325,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4323","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-world-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4323","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4323"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4323\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4323"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4323"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}