July 19, 2026

Title: THE BIGGEST SPORTING EVENT IN THE WORLD (Freestyle)

Constructor: Adrian Johnson

Editor: Amanda Rafkin


Theme synopsis:
THE BIGGEST SPORTING EVENT IN THE WORLD (Freestyle): This is a freestyle, or themeless, puzzle, so there's no theme ... or not in the typical sense. This puzzle is definitely themed-ish, however, with the title referring to the following answers:
  • HOST COUNTRIES (20A: 31-, 36,- and 40-Across, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup)
  • CANADA (31A: Northernmost of the three 20-Across)
  • USA (36A: Central of the three 20-Across)
  • MEXICO (40A: Southernmost of the three 20-Across)
  • METLIFE STADIUM (56A: Location of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final)
Additionally, there are a number of bonus answers that related to the World Cup:
  • VIRAL (16A: Like some high-profile World Cup videos)
  • GOL (24A: Futbol announcer's shout)
  • MVP (42A: Lionel Messi, for the 2022 World Cup)
  • OLE (13D: World Cup cheer)
  • LINE (26D: Touch ___ (side boundary of a soccer field)
  • AL GORE (30D: Vice president during the last World Cup played in North America)
  • VUVUZELA (35D: Horn that was a staple of the 2010 World Cup)
  • TEAM 53D: One of 48 competing in the 2026 World Cup)
What I learned from today's puzzle:
  • INDIA (41D: Country where kathak is performed) Kathak is a form of Indian classical dance. It originated in northern INDIA as a story-telling dance.
Random thoughts and interesting things:
  • ERHU (14A: Two-stringed instrument) I wrote about the ERHU a few weeks ago.
  • ISLAND (33A: "No man is an ___") "No man is an ISLAND" is a line from a poem by English metaphysical poet John Donne (1571 or 1572 - 1631).  This section of poetry ends with another familiar line, "And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
  • MVP (42A: Lionel Messi, for the 2022 World Cup) The winner of the 2022 World Cup was Argentina. Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina's team – as he is again in this year's World Cup – was voted Best Player, or MVP, of the tournament.
  • METLIFE STADIUM (56A: Location of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final) The final game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held today at MET LIFE STADIUM in East Rutherford, New Jersey, five miles west of New York City. This year's FIFA World Cup Final will be the first to feature a halftime show. Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and others will be performing.
  • ERIN (7D: ESPN sportscaster Andrews) ERIN Andrews is a sideline reporter for Fox's NFL broadcasting team. She did work for ESPN from 2004 to 2012. You may also know her from Dancing With the Stars. She competed on the show in 2010, and co-hosted it from 2014-2019.
  • NILE (10D: River that flows by Sudan's Nubian pyramids) The Nubian pyramids are located in northern Sudan. They were constructed in the NILE River valley between 800 BCE and 100 CE. The pyramids were built for the rulers of the ancient Kushite kingdoms to serve as tombs for the kings, queens, and wealthy citizens.
  • HAN (12D: China's largest ethnic group) HAN people are an ethnic group native to China that make up about 92% of China's population and 18% of the global population. The name for the people of this identity seems to have been inspired by China's HAN Dynasty, which was one of the first golden ages in Chinese history.
  • AL GORE (30D: Vice president during the last World Cup played in North America) AL GORE was Vice President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. The last time North America hosted the FIFA World Cup was 1994. That year, USA was the sole HOST country.
  • VUVUZELA (35D: Horn that was a staple of the 2010 World Cup) I knew this answer, but I couldn't remember how to spell it! A VUVUZELA is a plastic horn that is essentially a long fluted tube. The VUVUZELA was invented in South Africa (though its origins are disputed), and has become a popular noisemaker at some soccer matches. One characteristic of the VUVUZELA is that it is loud. It can actually cause ear damage! The 2010 FIFA World Cup was hosted by South Africa. Many fans at the matches had VUVUZELAs. Many competitors, as well as broadcasters, complained about the noise of these horns. This year VUVUZELAs were banned from World Cup stadiums.
  • SEE ME (47D: Note after D?) This clue is not referring to a musical note after D. Rather, "SEE ME" is a note one might get on a test with a D score.
  • TEAM 53D: One of 48 competing in the 2026 World Cup) The FIFA World Cup expanded this year. The 48 TEAMs that competed in this year's tournament are the most ever to compete in the World Cup. The last FIFA World Cup (in 2022) saw 32 teams competing.
A themed-ish puzzle is my favorite type of freestyle puzzle. I'd almost call this puzzle themed, even though there's no wordplay. At any rate, this is a great puzzle for today. In case you have somehow missed the hype, the 2026 FIFA World Cup started on June 11, and the finals are today. (They may have already happened depending on when you're reading this.) This is the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three countries. Games have been held in 16 different cities in CANADA, USA, and Mexico. Thank you, Adrian, for this enjoyable puzzle. 

A note about comments: I welcome your comments on the blog! For one thing it's nice to know folks are reading what I've written. My goal for this blog has always been for it to be informational, conversational, and kind. I ask that you keep those goals in mind when commenting. Unkind comments will be deleted. Note that I am more likely to delete a negative comment if it is posted anonymously. (P.S. You can point out when I make a mistake – in fact, I appreciate that so I can correct it.)  

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