As the summer of soccer – or football to most of the world – gets closer, around WM Events, we can’t stop thinking, talking, and debating about the sport. What will happen during the FIFA World Cup 2026, whether the U.S. will advance from Group D, how Mexico will fare in Group A, or Colombia in Group K. And of course, who might be a contender for the Golden Boot?

With so many informed opinions floating around the WM Events headquarters, we decided it was time to go on record and find out who the team’s favorite players are, which national teams everyone is pulling for, and favorite year-round teams and leagues. We even drilled down into team members’ favorite soccer memories as we get ready to make many more when the World Cup heads to Atlanta and 15 other North American cities in June and July. 

Player Picks

Some top players our WM Events team members are hoping to see in action this summer include Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal); Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Cole Palmer (England); Lionel Messi (Argentina); Scott McTominay (Scotland); Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembélé (France); James Rodriguez (Colombia); Lamine Yamal (Spain); Miguel Almiron (Paraguay); and Neymar (Brazil).

And while they might not be on the field at this World Cup, these players were still at the top of our team’s list for all-time faves: David Beckham, Olivier Giroud, Mason Mount, Kevin Trapp, Chicharito, Francesco Totti, Thierry Henry, Brad Guzan, and Ronaldinho. Maybe we’ll see some of them offering opinions and expertise for the tournaments’ broadcasters. 

Now, let’s not forget women’s soccer! Rose Lavelle, Mia Hamm, and Megan Rapinoe have also earned loads of admiration from our team for their prowess.  

Team Spirit

When it comes to choosing a team, with soccer, it might start with the league. In that case, the WM Events team submitted several votes for the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League). MLS (Major Soccer League) also received numerous mentions, as did the Premier League, the top level of English football. La Liga in Spain, Serie A in Italy, and Ligue 1 in France earned recognition too. 

Not surprisingly, the favorite team overall is our home team – Atlanta United FC (MLS). But there were many more, such as:

• USWNT & USMNT
• Racing Louisville FC
• Paris FC
• Inter Miami CF
• Spain national team, La Roja
• SSC Napoli
• AS Roma
• France national team, Les Bleus
• Arsenal FC
• Colombia national team, Los Cafeteros
• Chelsea FC
• Manchester United
• Brazil national team, A Seleção
• Haiti national team, Les Grenadiers 
• Paris-Saint-Germain FC

You can see that sporting discussions around the office have the potential for some pretty passionate interactions. 

Making Soccer Memories

Thinking about the matches coming up this summer, had our team remembering some of the fun soccer experiences they have had, so we’ll share some of those with you here!

• Hosting event for the Men in Blazers podcast at the British Embassy
• When I, yes, me, got knocked to the ground during a game and went unconscious for a good 30 seconds. I awoke to my mother screaming “GET UP!!!!” from the sidelines.
• Seeing the crowd and drum section at my first Atlanta United game
• The 2018 MLS Cup – go Atlanta United!
• Playing soccer every day at recess in second through fifth grade
• Growing up watching my brother play soccer
• Being in Italy when the Naples team was doing really well. The city was so excited, it was intoxicating!
• When we plan the ATL UTD kit launch 
• 2006 when Italy won the World Cup
• Any game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium!
• Seeing Messi for the first time playing with Miami against Atlanta United 
• Watching the 2018 World Cup with my whole family and having all my boys in Colombia Jerseys! 
• I’ve only been to two games but fell in love with the atmosphere immediately.
• When I got free tickets to go for my first real ATL UTD soccer game
• Watching the French team win the 2018 World Cup! 
• Witnessing everyone coming together to support Atlanta’s first MLS team during its first active season. I will never forget my first Atlanta United game in 2017. I had so much fun!
• Winning my high school soccer championship

It’s going to be a thrilling summer, and following these great memories, there is only one thing left to say — olé, olé, olé!