Juliana Kim

We've talked about the astronomical ticket prices. The fragile geopolitics that almost made Iran withdraw. And the summer heat posing a risk across host cities. Now, it's finally time to talk about (and watch) the games. The first matches of the 2026 FIFA... See more

The following was originally published in the Up First newsletter as part of the NPR Network's coverage of the World Cup, Soccer Edition. For more updates from Juliana throughout the games, subscribe to Up First, or check out the new World Cup tab in the ... See more

A sticker enthusiast shows off some of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Panini stickers bought at the Soccer Locker on June 2 in Miami. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Joe Raedle/Getty Images NEW YORK — In Brian Sanchez's slice of Astoria, the ... See more

Updated June 5, 2026 at 8:21 AM CDT NEW YORK — In Brian Sanchez's slice of Astoria, the FIFA World Cup doesn't begin with the first match. It starts weeks earlier, with the arrival of a sticker album — and a mission. It's a deceptively simple one: Fill th... See more

NEW YORK — In Brian Sanchez's slice of Astoria, the FIFA World Cup doesn't begin with the first match. It starts weeks earlier, with the arrival of a sticker album — and a mission. It's a deceptively simple one: Fill the book with all the stickers represe... See more