Thursday night’s CONCACAF Nations League semifinals in Los Angeles will feature a highly unusual broadcast pairing with father-and-son team Andrés and Nico Cantor calling the English broadcast of Mexico vs. Canada, set for a 9:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Paramount+. Ahead of the match, the Cantors spoke to Awful Announcing, sharing how watching and discussing soccer together has shaped their relationship.
Nico expressed that the broadcast is going to be very natural for them. “I get to watch soccer games with my dad whenever I’m home. We can spend hours glued to the TV on a Sunday, deeply engrossed in discussions about soccer. I hope our broadcast gives people a glimpse into our father-son dynamic,” he said. Andrés noted that this time they’d have to keep it a bit more G-rated than their usual couch talks, as they analyze the game in a more family-friendly manner.
The 62-year-old Andrés Cantor, who has been a prominent voice in soccer coverage for decades, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and moved to Southern California as a teenager. After studying journalism at USC, he became a celebrated soccer broadcaster with Univision in 1987, popularizing the elongated “GOOOOAAAALLLL!” calls in North America. Throughout his career, he has worked for Univision, Telemundo Deportes, and NBC Sports, and has even voiced himself on The Simpsons. However, he considers this opportunity to work alongside Nico, who has made a name for himself in soccer commentary, as a particularly special moment.
“I can’t be prouder of Nico,” Andrés shared. “Being able to do this together in English for Paramount+ is amazing.”
Andrés admitted that he never pressured Nico to pursue journalism, reflecting on his own experience when his father hoped he would become a doctor. “I took Nico to soccer games all over the world, and I guess he discovered his passion for the trade on his own. Our dynamic is supernatural because we’ve been doing this for most of his life,” he explained.
Nico cherishes the moments spent watching soccer with his dad, stating, “I’ve learned so much listening to him, and those moments are not just about soccer; they’re family time.” This deep connection is something special that many don’t get to experience.
One memorable trip for the young Nico was a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Mexico City in June 2009. Andrés recalls telling Nico to cherish the moment, recognizing the significance even then. “I was on the pitch before the match, and I told him, ‘Just cherish this moment.’ Now we get to share this together in a unique way.”
Recent conversations in sports broadcasting have highlighted family dynamics, with examples like Ian and Noah Eagle, Cris and Jac Collinsworth, and others. Nico acknowledged that his father’s success opened doors for him, but he also felt the need to work harder to prove himself. “Even though my last name is Cantor, I had to show that it’s not just about the name,” he said.
As they watch games together, their discussions can get intense. “It’s beautiful because we get to pick each other’s brains without any filters, just two soccer enthusiasts,” Nico shared.
Nico jokingly recounted his father advising him about the importance of balancing soccer with his personal life, particularly regarding his now-wife. “My dad suggested I take her to brunch instead of just watching soccer,” he laughs, illustrating their shared passion and the human touch they maintain in their relationship.
Andrés is continually impressed by Nico’s growth in broadcasting, noting his keen understanding of the game and its broadcasting dynamics. “His knowledge is truly remarkable, especially given that he has watched a fraction of the games I have,” he said.
Final moments of Morocco’s 🇲🇦 unbelievable match. It was a privilege to witness World Cup history live – especially through the lens of this nation who have fierce footballers and exuberant fans behind them.
As heard on @fdpradio 🎙️ #المغرب #المغرب_البرتغال pic.twitter.com/l02OwcLKWr
— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) December 10, 2022
Andrés appreciates their shared analytical approach to broadcasting, which enhances the viewing experience. “I enjoy pointing things out during the game, discussing the strategies and nuances with him,” he noted. Speaking of their differing approaches, Andrés remarked how he prepares more for English-language broadcasts compared to Spanish-language work.
Nico emphasized the shift from his role on The Golazo Show to a single game broadcast, finding it exciting to focus on the nuanced dynamics of a single game. He remarked on the difference in mentality during international break, noting it can profoundly affect players and the game.
Andrés humorously mentioned that he worries Nico’s experience on the whiparound show might lead to interruptions during the game. Still, he’s excited to work together, confident in Nico’s thorough preparation and understanding, which he has observed in recent broadcasts.
