Jozy Altidore’s Role as a World Cup Commentator

Jozy Altidore’s upbringing in South Florida exposed him to Spanish both on the soccer field and at home, thanks to his Dominican grandmother. As a teenager, his soccer journey took him to Villarreal in Spain, where Spanish was the dominant language among his coach and teammates. This immersion helped Altidore learn Spanish, although the fluency might surprise some. ‘A lot of people look at me like, ‘What? You speak Spanish?’’ Altidore shared with NBC News.

This summer, his Spanish skills will be valuable as he serves as a World Cup commentator for Telemundo, the network known for its Spanish-language coverage. Despite no prior broadcasting experience, Altidore expressed a willingness to embrace the challenge, noting the historical significance of the World Cup in North America. ‘It’s the biggest, most historical World Cup we’ve had,’ he commented. He also acknowledged that while his Spanish is decent, it’s a challenge he welcomes, stating, ‘I can get by.’

The opportunity to observe the Telemundo broadcast culture excites Altidore, especially the enthusiasm of announcers like Andrés Cantor, renowned for his long ‘goal’ calls. ‘I always wondered, how does he do that in one breath?’ Altidore mused. ‘This guy goes just the whole time. I can’t wait to see the legend in action.’

Reflecting on his career, Altidore brings experience from playing in significant tournaments, including the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, contributing 42 goals in 115 matches for Team USA. He expresses optimism about the current team, pointing to examples from previous host nations making deep runs in the tournament. ‘I’m bullish. I think this team can win the World Cup. I really do,’ he declared.

Hosting the World Cup on home soil fuels Altidore’s belief in the team’s potential for enhanced performance, also emphasizing the role of fan support. ‘Can we show up in numbers in a way that from the players’ arrival, they feel the emotion?’ Altidore questioned. His enthusiasm aims to inspire the team to exceed past performances.

Altidore acknowledges the balance he must maintain as a commentator. He intends to support the team while offering objective analysis. ‘For me, it’s really getting behind these guys, applauding them, but at the same time, you’ve got to be critical,’ he noted.

Recollecting his introduction to soccer in 1994 when the U.S. last hosted the World Cup, Altidore envisions today’s generation experiencing a similar embrace of the sport. ‘They’re going to get exposed to soccer in a wonderful way,’ he stated. His involvement in the Telemundo broadcasts signifies a broader effort to promote soccer’s growth for years to come. ‘This is a very good opportunity to continue growing the game for another 30, 40 years to come,’ Altidore concluded.