https://www.1tv.ru/n/347119
When I looked at this Russian TV report on the first match of the World Cup where Russia defeated Saudi Arabia 5 - 0, I get the feeling there is something else going on. At the beginning of the report they show all 5 goals and some clips of the Saudi crown prince with Putin.
Later in this clip you can see how Russian's manage to incorporate classical music and popular culture, i.e. they do not SEGREGATE certain forms of entertainment for the ELITE classes only. It's for everybody.
Interesting to contrast American football which is only for the few to play and the rest to watch, with soccer which is a game that the masses can play with each other, as well as watching it. Will we now see a revival of soccer in the USA and Canada in the run up to the 2026 World Cup?