Historic World Cup kickoff inspires excitement among local soccer players
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) — The FIFA World Cup kicked off Thursday with a historic opening match in Mexico City, marking the start of the largest tournament in the event’s history.
The 2026 World Cup is the first to be co-hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico — and features 48 teams competing in 104 matches through July 19.
While the tournament is being played on soccer’s biggest stage, Perryville High School soccer coach Michael Volansky said the excitement is already reaching communities across the region.
“People are excited,” Volansky said. “I have family in Kansas City getting ready for the World Cup. There’s souvenirs everywhere. Athletes that I have on my high school soccer team are already planning their parties with their families. It’s going to be a great time and it brings everyone together from all cultures, which is the best part about it.”
Volansky said many young players are already following the tournament closely and debating which teams and players will come out on top.
“They have key players they’re talking about. They’re saying, ‘Is Messi going to get another one?'” Volansky said. “For myself, I’d love to see Cristiano Ronaldo bring one home for Portugal. But of course everybody has their pick.”
While the World Cup showcases some of the sport’s biggest stars, Volansky said soccer’s greatest impact often happens at the youth level.
“When you’re playing a sport, you work together as a team to have one goal and that’s to win the game,” Volansky said. “You have to interact and problem solve yourselves, which then builds character within yourself to live your life.”
Volansky said the lessons athletes learn through sports can carry over into their schools, workplaces and communities.
“My goal as a coach is, of course, to win games and make people better at the sport, but overall make them a better person,” Volansky said. “The impact in the community with our athletes is much more than just winning games throughout the night.”
He said sports also give young people opportunities to form friendships and gain experiences that can stay with them for life.
“For anybody that’s played sports throughout their life, you make friends that are a lifetime,” Volansky said. “Giving your kids the opportunity to try different things is important. It allows them to grow and just be a kid.”
Volansky said he hopes the World Cup inspires more young people to get involved in sports and experience the benefits athletics can provide both on and off the field.
