Above all else, it’s the stories that make soccer so intoxicating | Jeff Rueter

Jeff Rueter has joined The Guardian as a soccer correspondent in the United States, marking a significant addition to the publication's coverage of the sport ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His personal connection to soccer is highlighted through a nostalgic recollection of the 1999 Women’s World Cup, where his family's unwavering support for the US women's national team during a tense shootout exemplified the emotional investment many fans have in the game. Rueter joins fellow new hires Pablo Iglesias Maurer and Ella Brockway in this expansion effort. This story resonates beyond its immediate context, reflecting the deep-rooted passion and communal experiences that soccer fosters among fans. The narrative captures the essence of sports as a unifying force, illustrating how pivotal moments in soccer history can create lasting memories and connections within families and communities. As soccer continues to grow in popularity in the U.S., particularly with the upcoming World Cup, the personal stories of fans like Rueter serve to highlight the sport's cultural significance and its ability to transcend generations. This ongoing evolution of soccer in America underscores a broader trend of increasing engagement with the sport, making it a vital part of the national conversation.