Raymond J. de Souza: The Cinderella of soccer stadiums is going to the ball

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNP Comment Raymond J. de Souza: The Cinderella of soccer stadiums is going to the ball The World Cup puts the spotlight on the sport's greatest players, but also on the grand public spaces built to celebrate them Author of the article: By Father Raymond J. de Souza Published Jun 11, 2026 Last updated Jun 11, 2026 4 minute read Join the conversation Workers prepare BMO Field (temporarily renamed Toronto Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup) on May 19, 2026. It is remarkable that perhaps the world’s most underwhelming soccer stadium will host World Cup games, writes Fr. Raymond J. de Souza. PHOTO BY COLE BURSTON / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES Article content The World Cup puts the spotlight on the greatest players in the world’s most popular sport, but also on the grand public spaces built to celebrate them. Article content By happy coincidence, Pope Leo XIV held a prayer vigil on Monday at what is often called the “cathedral” of global fútbol, Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of the Real Madrid soccer club. Article content Article content “I suppose that, for a football player, scoring a goal in this stadium is something that leaves a lasting impression for life,” Leo began extemporaneously. “Today the Church of Madrid scored a spectacular goal for the ages!” Article content Article content The Holy Father used the Spanish word “golazo,” which is what excitable announcers, lathered up in frenzy of fervour, scream when a particularly memorable goal is scored. Article content Right? The National Post newsletter that doesn’t hold back, giving readers the unvarnished truth on media, politics and culture. Sign Up By signing up, you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content The greatest “golazo” call of them all came at the World Cup 40 years ago, when Victor Hugo Morales achieved heights of spiritual ecstasy and emotional collapse narrating Diego Maradona’s “goal of century” at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Article content “Thanks be to God for Maradona, for fútbol, for these tears,” he roared, he prayed, he cried. Article content World Cup 2026 will open Thursday night back at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which could make its own claim to be the cathedral of world soccer. This World Cup will be played for the first time in three…