According to Booking.com’s Travel Trends data, 45% of travelers worldwide are interested in attending sporting events such as the World Cup, Paris Olympics, and Formula 1 races. Here are some of the most popular events people are planning their trips around this summer, including details on destinations, dates, and travel tips.
French World Cup winner Olivier Giroud is close to joining Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS). The move, if finalized, will bring one of the most accomplished forwards of recent times to the United States. Giroud, who has won the World Cup with France, the Champions League with Chelsea, and domestic titles in France and Italy, would significantly enhance LAFC’s attacking prowess.
South Korean international footballer Son Jun-ho has made a remarkable comeback by joining an amateur fifth-tier club, Seoul-based Kunyoong FC, after spending 10 months in detention in China. The 31-year-old World Cup midfielder was detained in May 2022 on suspicion of bribery while playing for Chinese Super League side Shandong. He was released last month but the Chinese authorities have not provided further details about the case. Son, who made three appearances for South Korea at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, aims to regain his fitness at Kunyoong FC before joining a professional club in the summer.
Apple is reportedly in negotiations with FIFA to secure the TV rights to a new World Cup-style tournament. The tournament, scheduled to take place in the US next summer, would feature top soccer teams competing for the championship. An agreement could be announced this month, with Apple reportedly prepared to pay around $1 billion for the rights.
After nine years of hosting UCI Cyclocross World Cup rounds, the United States will not see any events during the 2024-2025 season. This decision has drawn mixed reactions from elite riders, with some expressing concerns about the impact on the growth of the sport in North America. However, plans are in place to continue the UCI-registered Trek CX Cup and a US national series, providing opportunities for domestic riders. Despite the changes to the World Cup calendar, cyclocross remains strong in the US, with grassroots events and the USCX series playing a vital role in its development.
