The Brutal Pressure of Playing The 2026 World Cup On Home Soil

World Cup fever is officially here…but so are the complications. This week, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach dive into the magic, madness, and massive stakes of the World Cup returning to North America. From the U.S. Men’s National Team’s chances on home soil to the sky-high ticket prices, FIFA chaos, fan concerns, and the unifying power of soccer, Abby and Julie break down why this tournament still has the potential to be transformative. Plus, the Party Starter covers Nelly Korda’s historic U.S. Women’s Open comeback, a chaotic French Open, Texas going back-to-back at the Women’s College World Series, Sophia Wilson’s return to the USWNT, and a little golf etiquette mayhem from Abby and Julie’s trip to Ally House. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — [email protected] Keep the Party Going: Reserve Your Spot at Our FIFA x Airbnb Watch Party - June 19, 2026 in Culver City, CA: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/6995610?location=Los%20Angeles%2C%20CA%2C%20United%20States&currentTab=experience_tab&federatedSearchId=c744bc22-5a75-4e00-9eec-6e877b0a19f7&sectionId=3be13c00-955a-4822-82b9-3075f7d5ef51 The Centre for Sport and Human Rights is a human rights organisation for the world of sport. Their mission is to advance a world of sport that fully respects and promotes human rights by generating awareness, building capacity and delivering impact: https://www.sporthumanrights.org/about-us/ Follow the No Laying Up podcast: https://www.instagram.com/nolayingup/?hl=en Follow Tisha Alyn: https://www.instagram.com/tishaalyn/?hl=en Athletes Unlimited Softball League kicks off today, schedule of games found here: https://theausl.com/schedule/?season=369 Professional Softball League (PSL) launches its inaugural season on Friday, June 12: https://www.instagram.com/professionalsoftballleague/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com https://www.onepeloton.com/ -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Get a $49 annual membership with promo code podcast at http://www.Shipt.com/offer. Terms apply. -Use code WELCOME at http://www.remento.co to save $20 through Father’s Day -Goodles are available nationwide at Target and Walmart, plus many other major grocery stores and retailers