“Gooooooool!”
This exclamation is one of the sport’s most iconic shout-outs, and undoubtedly the most renowned in football. But who is the voice behind it?
It’s none other than Andres Cantor, an Argentine broadcaster who has cultivated a remarkable career over the past 38 years, fueled by his unparalleled passion for the game and his signature goal call.
In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, we spoke with Cantor about the upcoming tournament, his cherished memories of past World Cups, and the evolution of soccer in the U.S. since the 1994 World Cup.
This interview was conducted for Brevity.
As we approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Buchanan’s whiskey is engaging fans with their new chant “¡Nos Vamos al Mundial!” by offering tickets to the six supporters who can hold a “gooooool” scream the longest. What is the record for your own goal call?
Kanter: Honestly, I’m not sure. I think Bob Costas once timed me and it was around 44 seconds, but that’s not especially important. It’s not something I plan; it just happens. Often, my breath shortens, which leads to shorter calls. While I don’t keep track, I remember one of my calls with Buchanan reached 39 seconds. During that, all I did was scream “Gooooool!” without any other words, which actually makes it quite challenging.
Even after 40 years, your love for delivering sports commentary is clear. What strategies do you use to stay sharp and present during games?
Kanter: That’s a fantastic question. Being physically fit is key, particularly when you need to jump around or transition between matches. I often travel extensively during major tournaments like the World Cup—like in Russia, where I took around 36 or 37 flights in the first 23 days alone. Rest is crucial, as is giving my voice a break.
I work with a vocal coach in the months leading up to the World Cup, who teaches me techniques, although I struggle to implement them fully during broadcasts. The adrenaline of covering a significant match often takes over, especially in high-stakes moments like the recent final. I do remember to warm up my voice, and I try to keep the techniques in mind—but when the action heats up, it’s hard to follow through on all the advice I’ve received.
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As the next World Cup approaches in 2026, looking back to your role as an analyst during the 1994 World Cup, what stands out to you about U.S. soccer then and what are you looking forward to experiencing next summer?
Kanter: I’m more excited about this than ever before. It’s going to be the biggest event ever hosted here with 104 matches and 48 teams. I call it the “Double XL World Cup.” I vividly recall the anticipation before the 1994 World Cup, knowing it would be a major success, which it turned out to be. That year marked a turning point for U.S. soccer, leading to the establishment of MLS, which has since grown into a solid league with 30 teams. Soccer is firmly rooted here now, so I believe this World Cup will bring in many fans, particularly from the Latino community, who will throw unforgettable “wild parties.”
Given the deep passion for sports that exists throughout Latin America, do you think that fervor is reflected in U.S. broadcasts? Have you seen the soccer culture in the U.S. evolve since 1994? What do you envision for American soccer by 2026?
Kanter: Absolutely, everything we do here is distinct from other countries. Every nation has its unique culture, including their football, food, and music. The soccer culture here is unique in that fans at the stadium often experience the joy more intensively. National pride becomes particularly palpable when the U.S. team plays. The Latino community in the U.S. feels this passionately and blends into that fandom.
Even Mauricio Pochettino, the coach of the new U.S. team, is working to instill a more intense, competitive mentality among players. This “do-or-die” attitude is essential, as every game counts. It mirrors the Argentine and Latin mentality that often develops from young players gaining international experience, comparable to their European counterparts.
I’m not implying that there’s less enthusiasm in Europe—each culture has a different flavor. Here in the U.S., particularly among Latinos, there’s an energetic vibe. We are known for our love for music, food, and especially soccer—everything is infused with enthusiasm.
This isn’t to say one is superior to the other; it’s simply our unique identity. I hope that coaches are instilling this mindset in their players as we get closer to next year’s World Cup.
Before becoming a professional broadcaster, you were a fan of the sport. Can you share some World Cup memories that stand out to you as both a fan and a broadcaster?
Kanter: Absolutely, and I’ll mention three key memories. Two of them are linked to my broadcasting work, all tied to Argentina. As a fan, I had the fortune to witness my country win three times.
During my teenage years, I was there to cheer on my nation. I vividly recall the joy of being there in 1978 when we won the World Cup—an unforgettable experience filled with happiness shared with family. I can’t quite compare it to the celebrations of our 2022 victory.
As for my broadcasting career, my standout memory is the 1986 World Cup. There were two unforgettable moments: one being the ultimate victory in Mexico, and the other being Diego Maradona’s stunning, iconic goals against England, which also echoed the political backdrop of the Falklands War.
While Angel Di Maria’s second goal in Qatar came close to perfection as a team effort, Maradona’s slalom run and goal from 65 yards remains etched in my memory. It was a monumental moment for all Argentinians.
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A memorable bonus track for me was Landon Donovan’s dramatic goal during the South Africa World Cup, which stands out vividly as one of my all-time favorite moments. I even shared this with Carli Lloyd, a great friend of mine. Although she played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, I believe her third goal, a stunning hat-trick strike from midfield against Japan in Vancouver, deserves recognition as one of the finest goals ever in World Cup history.
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Of course, when it comes to Argentina’s victory, you might think that Montiel’s decisive penalty kick would be simpler to describe. As a broadcaster, you’re aware of the moment’s significance, and yet, every goal comes with a wealth of emotions attached.
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In today’s soccer landscape, the insights shared by Cantor highlight the evolving nature of the sport in the U.S. His anticipation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup signifies the potential for soccer to deepen its roots and establish a more passionate fan culture that can rival those seen in traditional soccer strongholds around the world. Soccer fans should see this as an exciting chapter in the game’s history, promising increased visibility and growth for the sport.
