CFX asked several industry folks to recall a favorite World Cup memory and to predict the winner of the 2026 tournament. Here’s what they had to say. 

Simon Cassels
SVP, Chief Creative Officer
Charter

Ha! I haven’t lived long enough to have a positive moment. I have a lot of memories of England in the World Cup, but it’s a long list of disappointments: Maradona’s “Hand of God” (1986), Paul Gascoigne’s tears (1990), Beckham’s red card (1998), English hooliganism in Italia ‘90, Rooney’s red and Ronaldo’s wink (2006). That said, knocking out Argentina in a penalty shoot-out in 2002 was a moment! I’m hopeful England will win this year—and that I’ll get to experience it via Spectrum.

Vito Forlenza
VP, Sports Entertainment
Comcast

I remember my favorite Women’s World Cup memory. My family had a watch party for U.S. vs Brazil in 2011. That famous goal where Megan Rapinoe hits the cross and Abby Wambach heads it in, we just went ballistic at our house. That’s an iconic goal, and to be watching live with my niece, who at the time was a big soccer player, that was a great moment. As far as 2026, I think it’s going to be really tough to beat Spain.

Terri HinesTerri Hines
EVP, Communications
Fox Sports

Our amazing FOX Sports studio backdrops across past FIFA World Cup’s remain a favorite memory of mine. The iconic Sydney Opera House for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, the Eiffel Tower for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, Moscow’s Red Square for FIFA World Cup 2018, all have provided lasting memories from our award-winning coverage over the years. France is my pick to win. They made it to the last two finals and I think this summer, Les Bleus lift the World Cup trophy once again and add a third star above their crest.

Leo MacLehose
CEO/Co-Founder
Fanzo

My favorite sports memory was watching France vs Argentina in the 2018 FIFA World Cup—Benjamin Pavard scored what was later selected as the Goal of the Tournament when France was 2-1 down. I was watching it on a big outdoor screen in London surrounded by other France fans, and it was total pandemonium. It feels like France could light it up this year. Both my heart and mind say Les Bleus will go all the way.

Kelly Wright
Director, Sports Product Strategy
Comcast

I was working down in FiDi in Manhattan, and I remember we were all working pretty hard on a project, working late nights. The day of the U.S.Belgium match in Brazil 2014, the partner just decided on our floor we’re no longer working, everyone stand up, we’re going to the bar down the street, we’re watching this game. It was a great day because the whole world stopped to watch and it was really one of those unifying moments. I’m going to go Spain as well because they’re the favorite.

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