A World Cup Beyond the Pitch

When the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, billions will watch the goals and results. But Croatian broadcaster N1 is preparing to look past the final score. In collaboration with Sport Klub, N1 Television is launching a special project that treats the tournament not just as a sporting event, but as a global phenomenon reshaping cities, economies, and cultures across North America.

Hrvoje Krešić, a reporter and producer heading to the US, describes the scale of the event. He notes that the World Cup drives investments measured in billions of euros and dollars, transforming urban infrastructure and testing national security systems. It generates more digital traffic than almost any other event, intertwining politics, economics, technology, and fan culture. N1 aims to capture this complexity, offering a perspective that goes beyond formations and match reports.

Two Shows, A Broader Perspective

Nera Valentić, executive editor at N1, oversees the project. The plan involves two daily broadcasts at 13:00 and 16:30 throughout the working days of the tournament. The concept relies on the synergy between N1’s news expertise and Sport Klub’s sports coverage. This combination differentiates the offering, providing viewers with the most important stories from North America and the tournament, delivered through a lens that merges hard news with sports analysis.

Antonio Baković, editor and producer, emphasizes the depth of the inquiry. Viewers will learn about the GDP of Cape Verde, the smallest nation at the World Cup. They will explore which stadiums use wind turbines for energy and calculate the carbon footprint of player and fan travel. These topics cater to those who want to know more than just the scoreline, without neglecting the essential football content.

From Security to Diaspora

The coverage will also tackle major logistical and technological questions. How has football finally conquered the American market after decades of struggle? How much revenue does FIFA actually generate? The tournament is dubbed the first "AI World Cup," raising questions about technology's role. Security operations involving the FBI, DHS, and thousands of agents will be examined, marking the largest security operation in sports history.

Marin Mrduljaš, taking on a producer role, promises a comprehensive approach. Special attention will be paid to the Croatia national football team, their opponents, and the passionate Croatian diaspora expected to fill stadiums from Los Angeles and Chicago to New York.

Vedran Babić will be on the ground in the US, focusing on football stories, atmosphere, and fans. He will report on stadiums like the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, a technological marvel built with local tax support. He will also gauge how well the average American knows Croatian football and how expats in Texas, the East Coast, and Canada are experiencing the tournament. N1 promises the unexpected, blending match updates with in-depth reporting on the wider implications of the World Cup.