Telemundo announcer Andrés Cantor shared his preparation routine and reflections on soccer fandom ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final [1].
As the tournament concludes in the United States, Cantor's perspective highlights the professional evolution of sports broadcasting and the cultural shift in how American audiences engage with the global game.
Cantor discussed the physical and mental demands of his role, specifically focusing on how he manages vocal strain during high-stakes matches [1]. His preparation involves a strict routine to ensure his voice remains capable of the signature long-form goal calls that have defined his career [1, 3].
The announcer's tenure in the sport is extensive. He has called matches in 10 World Cups [1] and has worked as a reporter in 11 tournaments [1]. This experience allows him to provide a longitudinal view of the sport's growth within the North American market.
Beyond the technical aspects of broadcasting, Cantor reflected on the evolution of soccer fandom in the U.S. since the 1994 World Cup [2]. He noted that the passion and infrastructure surrounding the sport have grown significantly, contributing to the atmosphere of the current tournament hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [2].
His role for the final involves balancing the need for precise play-by-play reporting with the emotional energy required for the world's biggest soccer match [1, 3]. Cantor said his goal is to capture the intensity of the moment while maintaining the professional standards of the Telemundo broadcast [1].
“He has called matches in 10 World Cups”
Cantor's career trajectory mirrors the rise of soccer's popularity in the United States. By comparing the current 2026 environment to the 1994 tournament, his experience underscores the transition of the U.S. from a peripheral soccer nation to a central hub for the sport's global administration and fandom.
