B (2:38)

And there are so many cities in the US that are going to host games.

C (2:42)

Yes.

B (2:43)

I mean, it's like Miami, Kansas City, Seattle, Los Angeles, obviously New York, New Jersey.

C (2:49)

Biggest World cup in history. Okay. 48 teams, 104 games. Most of the games are being played in the U.S. but obviously we're hosting it with Canada and Mexico. 11 venues.

B (2:59)

So all three of those countries are guaranteed.

C (3:02)

We'll have games. 11 of the host cities are in the United States, including the one we're in here, New York. And when I say New York, I also mean New Jersey, which is where they're actually playing. But even if you're not a host city, you're going to participate in the fun, you're going to participate in the party. And not for nothing, but this is happening during the 250th birthday of the greatest country in the world. So there's a lot of stuff to celebrate and bring people together.

B (3:27)

July 4th and the middle of the world.

C (3:29)

It's during the World Cup. It's during the World Cup. So there's a lot of stuff that's going to go, that's going to go on. I think there will be a celebration that goes beyond the actual World cup, just a celebration of our country, which is, let's be honest, something that we need. They can get behind the team, they can get behind this sport, but more importantly, through this, they can kind of get behind the country.

B (3:46)

Yeah, and, and every year that we see the World cup, every four years, we kind of fall in love with these new players, these superstars who emerge. And obviously Mbappe is playing. But what about Lionel Messi? Because Argentina won in 2022, he's still playing really well, too. He's, he's on the Argentine squad. Is he going to play?

C (4:10)

So, like you mentioned, so Messi in Argentina. Messi defending his World Cup.

B (4:14)

Oh.

C (4:15)

In his new backyard and neighborhood because he's playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and killing it down there. And as we, as we are doing this, Messi and company are also getting ready this Saturday for MLS Cup. They're playing against Vancouver. So he has brought it and more from a star perspective on the field and off the field, in terms of attention, but he's defending his World cup here in the United States. You mentioned Mbappe and France. Spain is kicking ass, so they'd absolutely be one of the elites. Here's the thing, though, Kennedy.

C (4:43)

As much as it pains me to say it, England's really good.

B (4:47)

Yeah.

C (4:47)

Now, I can have a lot of things happen next summer, but what I can't abide is England coming to the United states on our 250th birthday and having it come home and them winning a World cup for the first time in the 60s. We cannot have that.

B (5:01)

We absolutely cannot have that.

C (5:02)

Absolutely cannot have that.

B (5:03)

Not during the 250th birthday celebration.

C (5:06)

I think the English are insufferable now. Good. Good God, if they won the World cup on our shores. No, not at all.

B (5:12)

They would demand the colonies back, is what they do.

C (5:14)

God, it would be craziness.

B (5:15)

No, that'd be absolutely awful. And I know that you have these pots.

C (5:19)

Yes.

B (5:20)

Explain that to people and how that differs from the actual groups.

C (5:25)

All right, On Friday, they will have the FIFA World cup draw from the Kennedy Center. It is going to be a lot of pomp and circumstances. It's going to be a real kind of entertainment extravaganza. All right, so there will be legends and there'll be celebrities and there'll be musical guests and comedians and obviously politics and all that kind of stuff wrapped into one. But they are also going to decide who plays who. I mentioned 48 teams. There are 12 groups of four. You play round robin. And so that's what's going to be decided. So, for example, Christian Pulisic and this US Team will know who they're playing. Mbappe in France will know who he's playing. Ronaldo, Messi, all these types of teams. So it gets real very, very quick.

B (6:01)

Starting on Friday, are the groups pulled from the pots?

C (6:03)

Yes. So there's actual bowls and there's little ping pong balls and they'll reach in and then.

B (6:08)

That's scary. Our pot, like the pot that we share a pot with. Some big, impressive, scary, intimidating things.

C (6:15)

And the camera will go around and the angst will be seen on some of the coaches and countries faces, as they say, oh, this wasn't a good group. Or some of them look like they ate the canary and like, oh, this is the best group ever. And there will be all of this drama and this controversy. We'll hash it all out for you. Don't you worry about getting into the weeds. We'll have a good time down there. And then, like I said, it gets real. And the pathways now for the teams but also the. Literally the pathways, I guess, the maps, if you will, for people that are going to either visit us next summer through the ends of the World cup or people that are domestic and go around from city to city so they'll know where to go in terms of who's playing where.

B (6:49)

How hard will it be to get tickets to these matches?

C (6:52)

Very hard.

B (6:53)

Yeah.

C (6:53)

They are expensive, and they're expensive for a reason. Because a lot of people want this is bucket list people for some. And Kennedy, because it's 48 teams. We have new teams. So, for example, Jordan, never been to a World Cup. Uzbekistan, never been to a World Cup. They will be here.

B (7:08)

Wow.

C (7:08)

And so for, you know, if you're a fan of Jordan or Uzbekistan or Curacao or, you know, the list goes on and on of some of these new teams.

B (7:16)

I'm go visit Curacao in a few.

C (7:17)

Weeks, but it's their moment.

B (7:18)

Yeah, I know. And we realized that Kuracao is going to be in the World cup for the first time. And I'm like, might as well get a jersey while we're there.

C (7:26)

Absolutely. Absolutely. Cape Verity. You know.

C (7:31)

Let'S see who else? Oh, Haiti for the first time since 74. So we could have. By the way, we could have don't Haiti and don't hate it. We could have Iran and Iraq and Ukraine all involved in the World Cup. And look, I know it's a sporting event.

B (7:47)

Can Russia still not be in the World Cup?

C (7:49)

Yeah, they're banned. They're not allowed to do it.

B (7:51)

Good.

C (7:52)

They're not allowed to do it.

B (7:53)

I hope it was fun, Russia.

C (7:54)

But there will be plenty of politics because sports are often very, very political.

B (7:57)

But it's just the World cup was in. I don't know if you say Qatar or Qatar.

C (8:01)

I say Qatar.

B (8:02)

Okay. I hear it both ways. And I heard someone on the news side the other day go, it's Qatar. It's always been Cutter, and you must say cutter. And it makes me uncomfortable. It's like Houthi or Houthi. I don't know which way to go.

C (8:12)

Don't you? We know what you're talking about.

B (8:14)

But it's like that. That was controversial in and of itself.

C (8:18)

Yeah. And the interesting thing is that I think when all is said and done, President Trump is actually gonna go down as the soccer president. I mean, the amount, the volume, the consistency of soccer that emanates from the White House and the Oval Office, and he is heavily invested in it because I think he recognizes the platform. He's A smart guy recognizes the politics of it, this, you know, the soft power, whatever you want to call it, and recognizes that the world is kind of going to come to the United States and this is a great opportunity to show what we are and have a really positive type of experience and almost a commercial to the world. And I think Trump's going to be all over this World cup as he already has shown over the last couple of years.

B (8:55)

Don't go anywhere more. Kennedy saves the world right after this.

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B (9:58)

Okay, so last time we talked about the men, you were like, oh, they're amazing. They're the best ones. Do you have to say that? And how do you feel about some of the veterans on the squad this year and some of the newbies that we haven't met yet? Like, are they world class good? I know we have a much better coach, right?

C (10:16)

So there's only eight countries in the history of the World cup that have ever won the World Cup. So it's kind of rarefied air here. I'll be honest with you. So, no, I don't have to say that in that. I will tell you this. If you had asked that version of me from 1994 with all the hair a long time ago, what would it look like? Less than 200 days away from the men's World cup, returning to the U.S. i'd be like, we're going to win the World Cup. It's not even a question. That's where we would have been. Now we're not there and that's a little disappointing to me. But I'm in a much better place relative to this particular team than I even was a couple of months ago in that I think they're heading in the right direction. And. And there is this kind of Brigadoonish thing that happens in a World Cup. Nothing better than a World cup except a home World Cup. And I think they will tap into some magic and harness that. And if they do that, they can do wonderful things that are gonna make you proud and make Americans proud.

B (11:03)

What are the changes that they've made that they needed to make in order to get. I think it's. They've got. Yeah. And he's coached Tottenham, Chelsea, psg, Argentinian.

C (11:13)

Guy, but he's never coached internationally. It's a different type of coaching. So he's. He's had to make that transition to an international coach. I think he's done a good job so far, but ultimately he's going to be judged on what happens when that whistle blows next summer. So all these games leading up to it, we don't have to go through qualifying because we're a host team.

C (11:29)

We can. We'll scream and yell about it, which is what I do, but it really doesn't matter.

B (11:33)

The women's Olympic team, they got a new coach.

C (11:36)

Exactly. And they didn't miss a beat. They're like, we're going to keep on. No, Emma, right now for the women's team, they are cruising and absolutely had their sights. And I would put money down on them winning the. Winning the next World cup and returning to. Winning the ways when it comes to the World Cup. But, you know, the women have always been juggernauts.

B (11:53)

Why is that?

C (11:54)

Well, first off, we legislated for it in terms of women's sports.

B (11:59)

Oh, so now there's gonna have a bunch of dudes playing.

C (12:01)

No, no, no. How many decades, year, head start. Okay, From. When it comes to women, Women's sports, especially relative to other countries and cultures that didn't even think about women's sports and women's soccer, now they started to. They started. So I hope we continue that and I hope we recognize the incredible women and by the way, the incredible men that over the years fought so hard to create those spaces that enabled us to be world champions on a consistent basis and produce not just great teams, but incredible women when it comes to soccer players and just incredible women because of the opportunities that they've been given.

B (12:36)

Megan Rapinoe, when she left the pitch, said that, you know, she would be fine with biological men playing on the women's team.

C (12:41)

Pull that ladder up, Megan. Pull that ladder up.

B (12:44)

I think that's a little disingenuous.

C (12:46)

Why? From me?

B (12:47)

No, from her. No. For her to say that it's like, for women who have fought for decades to get eyeballs and support in programs.

C (12:57)

I've actually been a little disappointed that more of, you know, these legendary women that we have in the game haven't stood up for what they have because.

B (13:06)

They'Ll be shouted down and they'll get called bigots.

C (13:09)

I get it. And I know there's, you know, they're no longer playing and they make a living and all this kind of stuff, but at some point, you know, right is right. And they. They know. They understand.

B (13:20)

You're a girl, dad. Do you understand? I get it. Yeah, I get it.

C (13:23)

I mean, it shouldn't be that difficult. And you shouldn't. You shouldn't be canceled. You shouldn't be vilified for, say, for saying something like that. So it's a little disappointing, especially because they still have a platform and they still have a megaphone and they still carry. They resonate with people when they talk, and there could be power in them standing up and saying, no, this isn't right. And I made my life and livelihood off of the spaces that were created for me to be safe and to be fair and to be able to compete.

B (13:51)

I thought they were trying to fight the patriarchy. Okay, more importantly, in Qatar. Yes. You did not have very much access to alcohol. Will that be different in the United States?

C (14:02)

Okay, so first off, don't let anybody tell you that we didn't have access to alcohol.

C (14:07)

There was plenty of alcohol that was had by yours truly and many others. You just had to do it in a different way. Now that won't be the case.

B (14:14)

You had the Fox Sports yeti.

C (14:15)

Yes.

B (14:17)

You had a team of. It was awesome helpers and manservants who had flown things in. So your buttery Chardonnay would never be too far.

D (14:26)

So good.

C (14:27)

So good. You're not going to have a problem next summer when it comes to the alcohol and having a good time. I will say this, that this is happening on our watch. I mentioned President Trump and everything, but this is going to be a reflection on us and our culture and our society. And so it behooves us to make sure that this goes well. And that advertisement that goes out around the world is one that is positive, you know, not to betray, you know, what we know is right. Obviously, not to do anything that's going to compromise security out there, but to make sure that when people come here, they Have a kick ass time through the lens of the World Cup. They have a summer vacation in the United States and they bring home those memories.

B (15:06)

You know what I want? I want them to teach the skeptics how to love soccer. And I want Americans to teach all the people who come visit to love America.

C (15:15)

Look at that. That's like Kumbaya. It's the.

B (15:18)

You know, it can happen, though. I mean, soccer is so one. I mean, of course there are hooligans and fights and that makes it kind of exciting. But it is the most unifying sport in the world.

C (15:27)

I would argue that it's simple, it's easy. Don't you worry. Even if you're not into soccer, just check it out. It's a big old party. You know, you sing, you dance, you have a good time.

B (15:34)

Oh, I want to learn. I was going to ask you.

C (15:36)

Yeah.

B (15:36)

Where do I learn, like the chants and the drums and, you know, all the stuff. Because I went to Munich a couple years ago, to Bayern, and it was so much fun. I was like, I want to learn all the chants.

C (15:47)

Don't teach it to. They'll teach it to.

B (15:48)

The men's national team has to have chants.

C (15:50)

Yeah. I mean, we got drums.

B (15:52)

Can I play the drums?

C (15:53)

And I believe that we will win and all that, all that kind of stuff. And then there's a whole other.

B (15:56)

Is it on YouTube?

C (15:57)

Yeah, you can find it on YouTube history. If you really want to spend.

B (15:59)

I bet you can find it on the sports app.

C (16:01)

If you go to a game and you sit with the people, they love to educate and they love to cradle you, they will cradle you.

B (16:08)

I mean, that's why you want to cradle. That's why it's. I want to be cradled. I want to be taught and nurtured and brought into the fold.

C (16:14)

Who does it?

B (16:15)

I just want to feel like I'm a part of something. And we can do that next year.

C (16:19)

It's gonna be fun.

B (16:20)

It's 250. It's a world Cup. Who is in the broadcast booth with you?

C (16:24)

I don't know. They don't tell us anything. I'm but a soldier in all of this. I just go now. The interesting thing is you mentioned Qatar, for example.

B (16:31)

Your buddy Stu's gonna be there.

C (16:32)

Oh, yeah, Stu Holden will be there.

B (16:33)

Jenny.

C (16:33)

Yep, Jenny. We're doing some stuff with Jenny here in New York. So I love. So all the usual suspects, but also we'll add some. Some new talent, some new faces, and, you know, we'll. We'll give the people what they want, but we will not be in a specific studio. I think we'll be moving around a lot of different places because this is a very big World cup. And we want to make sure that we're bringing the flavor and the sounds and the scents and the sights of all the different venues and all the different places.

B (16:59)

Well, I don't know when the matches are in New York, but I do hope people get to Coney island and I hope they have their own hot dog eating contests.

C (17:07)

I hope that they get all over New York. I hope they enjoy what 2026 New York looks like. Godspeed and good luck with what that's gonna be. But again, whether it's the mayor of New York or anybody else, it behooves you to make sure that it is a positive experience for all of the millions of people that are visiting, whether they're coming from outside the country or other places in the country.

B (17:29)

Well, to his credit, Mamdani seems to take soccer a little bit more seriously. Yeah. And he has said we need to aar. We need someone to coordinate what this really means because we have to recognize the gravity of this moment.

C (17:41)

Free tickets. Free tickets.

D (17:42)

Yeah, that's right.

B (17:43)

Free tickets. Free tickets. You get a ticket and you get a pass and you get a yeti.

C (17:47)

Yes.

B (17:48)

All right. Well, Alexi Lawless, I toast to you.

C (17:50)

No, to you.

B (17:51)

250Th anniversary of our country's becoming.

D (17:55)

Oh, it's awesome.

B (17:56)

And the greatest game in the world.

C (17:57)

You're. You're incredible.

B (17:58)

You're doing what you're doing there ever was.

C (18:00)

All right. Beautiful, smart, all those different things. And you make a kick ass drink.

B (18:04)

The cranberry aperol spritz for the win. Ms. Hazman Kennedy saves the world. Along with Alexi Lawless. I'm Kennedy.

B (18:17)

Listen ad free. With a Fox News podcast plus subscription on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Prime. Members can listen to this show ad free on the Amazon music app. Oh, go ahead and leave me a review while you're there. I'd love to hear what you have to say. You've been listening to Kennedy Saves the World on the Fox News Podcast Network. This is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for the 52 episode podcast series the Life of Jesus.

C (18:41)

A listening experience that will provide hope, comfort and understanding of the greatest story ever told. Listen and follow now@foxnewspodcasts.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.