Andrés Cantor, a renowned Spanish-language soccer broadcaster, is preparing for his 10th FIFA men’s World Cup as a leading play-by-play announcer for Telemundo. Known worldwide for his signature extended call of “GOOOOOOOOOAL!,” Cantor has become a cultural icon through three decades of World Cup coverage, captivating audiences with his enthusiastic vocal delivery that can stretch the word “goal” for over 10 seconds.
Born in Argentina and relocating to the United States as a teenager, Cantor has carved out a unique niche in sports commentary that transcends traditional journalism by blending emotional intensity with detailed game analysis. His broadcasts have taken him to World Cup tournaments held in Brazil, Russia, Qatar, and the United States, among others, where his voice has become synonymous with the excitement of soccer’s defining moments.
Cantor works diligently to maintain his vocal health, hiring a voice coach before each tournament to prepare for the demanding coverage schedule, which can encompass as many as 20 games in about a month. Warm-up exercises include blowing water through a straw and facial stretches to ensure endurance and clarity. Despite this preparation, Cantor admits that in the most intense moments—such as Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory in a penalty shootout against France—his emotions take over, momentarily overriding his training.
His balance of passion and professionalism has drawn praise from both within the industry and from athletes. FIFA President Gianni Infantino lauds Cantor’s ability to translate the emotions of the field to a global audience, while former U.S. women’s national team star Carli Lloyd highlights his equal enthusiasm when calling women's games, including memorable moments like her long-distance goal in the 2015 Women’s World Cup final. Peter Scanlon, Telemundo’s sports director, emphasizes that Cantor’s emotional displays—such as his tearful celebration after Argentina’s championship—are executed with class and authenticity, reflecting the spirit of the sport.
Cantor’s career spans from print journalism in Argentina to anchoring for Univision and later Telemundo, where he became a leading figure after Spain’s hosting of the 1994 World Cup brought heightened interest in soccer in the United States. His devotion to accuracy extends to carefully studying the correct pronunciations of players’ names across numerous languages, maintaining respect for their diverse backgrounds even while broadcasting in Spanish.
The current World Cup marks the first hosted by three countries—United States, Canada, and Mexico—with matches spread across 16 cities. Cantor’s rigorous travel and broadcast schedule includes early wake-up calls, multiple live appearances, and frequent flights, underscoring his commitment to covering the event comprehensively.
His dedication is also a family affair. Cantor’s son, Nico, follows in his footsteps as a commentator for Fútbol de Primera and CBS Sports. Together, they share moments at matches and exchange insights, further cementing the Cantor legacy in soccer broadcasting.
In an age where millions tune in for brief moments every four years, Cantor sees his role as bridging casual viewers to a deeper appreciation for the game. “If I can retain 10 percent of those casual fans and convert them,” he says, “I think that is my calling.”