Fox Sports announcer Gus Johnson Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Gus Johnson talks potentially calling World Cup games in 2026

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Dec 1, 2022 11:35 AM ET

Gus Johnson has voiced several iconic moments over the years, but don't expect those golden chords to announce any World Cup action when the event lands on American soil in 2026.

"I'mma let the soccer guys handle that," said Johnson, smiling as he recalled some great experiences over the years calling the sport when speaking with Yardbarker as part of a discussion in partnership with Hampton by Hilton.

"I had a great experience. I called two Champions League finals, I called two [Football Association] Cup finals... It was fun, I had a great time, great experience," said Johnson.

Incredible sequences follow Johnson wherever he goes, and several of his calls on the (American) football field are seared in fans' memories.

"Overall, they're going to be okay."

Thankfully everyone walked away after the Sooner Schooner tipped over. pic.twitter.com/J1dwTP9xS8
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2019

PICKED OFF!@OU_Football's defense comes up with an incredible INT! pic.twitter.com/sKFUa8167A
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 18, 2021

A 68-YARD FG ATTEMPT TURNS INTO A 109-YARD RETURN TD.

MAYHEM IN JACKSONVILLE.

: #AZvsJAX on FOX
: NFL app pic.twitter.com/XrYPXpMiF1
— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021

While it would be fantastic to hear him back on the call for a soccer match -- on the sport's biggest stage no less -- there's good reason for him to focus on his other duties.

Not only is Johnson a broadcaster for Fox Sports, but this past year he also entered Harvard's Advanced Leadership Initiative in a move spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic. That impressive addition to his resume meant he had to put a pause on calling NFL games this season. (h/t Richard Deitsch)

The World Cup may not be in Johnson's future, but thanks to a video shared by J.A. Adande, we'll always have this soccer moment with audio dubbed from a 2005 college basketball call from Johnson and color commentator Bill Raftery between Oklahoma State and Gonzaga.

Here’ a Gus Johnson-Bill Raftery basketball call dubbed over a soccer highlight https://t.co/5Z9VVEpIOY
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) July 7, 2019

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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