In a colorful display of sports diplomacy and potential campaigning, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has emerged as the frontrunner among 2028 presidential hopefuls attending the FIFA World Cup matches. With three games under his belt, Shapiro leads the pack, closely followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During a vibrant week at the FIFA Fan Festival in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, Governor Shapiro shared his enthusiasm with POLITICO. He expressed his pride in Philadelphia's role as a host city and emphasized the welcoming spirit of its residents. “I’m especially proud to see people from all across the world coming here to Philadelphia and being greeted not just by a governor who’s happy they’re here, but by Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians who are thrilled to see them here,” Shapiro remarked. He also took the opportunity to contrast this inclusive atmosphere with the divisive rhetoric often associated with former President Donald Trump. “We are better than Donald Trump’s cruel rhetoric. We are better than his cruel policies, and I think we’re seeing that on display here during the World Cup in Philly.”

The list of 2028 presidential hopefuls spotted at the World Cup games reveals a keen interest in harnessing the global event for political visibility. Following Shapiro, Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended two matches, featuring teams from the U.S., Paraguay, Colombia, and Portugal. Both politicians not only enjoyed the games but also seized the moment to connect with a diverse audience.

Other notable figures include California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, each attending one match. The games they chose varied from high-stakes matchups like the U.S. against Turkey to dynamic encounters like Scotland versus Brazil.

This surge in World Cup attendance among political figures could be a strategic move to cultivate a more relatable and globally aware image ahead of the 2028 presidential race. It also underscores the importance of sports as a unifying force, transcending political and cultural barriers.

As the World Cup progresses, it will be interesting to see if other potential candidates will make their way to the stadiums. With the eyes of the world watching, the tournament offers a unique platform for leaders to showcase their support for sports and international camaraderie. This could very well be a precursor to more intensified and publicized campaigning as the 2028 elections draw nearer.