Soccer, or fútbol as it’s passionately known in Latino communities, transcends mere sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon, a binding force that unites families, friends, and entire neighborhoods with its rhythmic cadence and shared emotion. Recognizing the power of this beloved game, Telemundo has made history by establishing El Día Nacional del Fútbol, a groundbreaking national observance that honors the sport's profound influence in the United States. For the first time, a soccer-themed national day is formally recognized in Spanish, symbolizing both the sport’s impact and the role Latinos are paying in fueling its growth.

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El Día Nacional del Fútbol is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the unifying spirit of soccer across generations and borders. This special day is strategically set on June 11, 2025, marking exactly one year until the FIFA World Cup returns to North American soil for the first time since 1994. As the official Spanish-language broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup 26™, Telemundo is leveraging its platform to bring communities together, igniting national excitement and honoring the sport that has long connected families and friends across America.

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The FIFA World Cup 26™ will see the United States co-hosting alongside Mexico and Canada, with American cities welcoming 75% of the tournament’s matches. A staggering 78 out of 104 games, including all quarterfinals and beyond, will be played in U.S. stadiums—a historic moment that is projected to generate a $40 billion economic impact. Against this backdrop, El Día Nacional del Fútbol will be not only a celebration but a prelude to what promises to be the largest World Cup in history.

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“Fútbol has always been more than a sport for our community – it’s a celebration of identity, traditions and heritage – and El Día Nacional del Fútbol will honor the generations who have lived this passion and passed it down, leading up to this historic 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Joaquin Duro, EVP of Sports, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “The countdown to the biggest and most anticipated sporting event in history has begun, and this day will celebrate and recognize the profound impact Latinos have had on the sport in the U.S.”

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In many Latino households across the United States, fútbol is more than a pastime—it’s a lifeline to cultural roots and a bridge to community. Spanish remains the heartbeat of many of these experiences, whether watching a live match with family or cheering in packed stadiums. With the U.S. Latino GDP reaching $4.1 trillion in 2023, the community’s economic and cultural influence is undeniable. El Día Nacional del Fútbol is a powerful acknowledgment of this reality—a moment to honor the language, passion, and generational love for the sport.

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“Telemundo is proud to make history with the First-Ever National Day dedicated to Fútbol in the U.S.,” said Luis Rosero, Vice President of Corporate and External Affairs, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “El Día Nacional del Fútbol serves as a historic and momentous designation that honors Fútbol as a cultural force bringing families together, uniting communities and igniting generational passion for the Beautiful Game across the country.”

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The observance of El Día Nacional del Fútbol also pays homage to the long-standing relationship between Latino communities and soccer in the United States. For decades, fútbol has been more than a game—it’s been a way to preserve heritage, build connections, and pass down traditions from one generation to the next. On fields across the nation, the sport serves as a thread that weaves together families, friends, and entire neighborhoods, bridging cultures through its universal language.

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Activities inspired by El Día Nacional del Fútbol include gathering to watch or play a match with loved ones, and celebrating community heroes and favorite teams. Equally important is supporting youth soccer programs and expanding access to play, as well as reflecting on the sport's role in uniting people across generations. This observance is not just a celebration—it’s a movement. It recognizes soccer’s cultural relevance, its economic power, and its vital role in shaping American identity. With the largest World Cup in history on the horizon, El Día Nacional del Fútbol is a powerful reminder of fútbol's ability to transcend borders and create lasting bonds.

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Telemundo’s commitment to this historic day extends beyond broadcast coverage. Through nationwide initiatives, cultural storytelling, and community engagement, the network aims to solidify this celebration as a lasting tradition that reflects the heart of Latino communities in the United States.