Tom Mayenknecht: A beautiful bottom line for the beautiful game

As is typically the case with any mega-event, the negative narrative around storylines such as construction delays and cost overruns leading into the FIFA 2026 World Cup has been replaced with the sheer intensity of world class soccer, the thrill of international team competition and the joy of fandom. Despite fears of dilution caused by the expansion from 32 to 48 participating countries, most would agree the quality of play — the on-field product — has been better than expected. Th