From Cronkite to the world’s biggest sports stage: ASU alum Marco Peralta finds his voice at the World Cup
ASU alum and California native Marco Peralta (standing in Estadio Banorte, formerly Estadio Azteca) has announced at NBA and MLB games and, most recently, at the FIFA World Cup in Mexico City. Photo courtesy of Marco Peralta
More than 80,000 fans filled the stands at Mexico City’s legendary Estadio BanorteFormerly known as Estadio Azteca., their voices rising into a deafening roar moments before kickoff on June 11. Just beyond the tunnel, Marco Peralta waited for his cue.
When the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumnus took his place in front of the microphone, he was no longer imagining what it would be like to announce at the FIFA World Cup 2026. He was living the moment he had spent years chasing.
As Estadio Banorte came alive for the opening of the largest World Cup in history, Peralta’s thoughts drifted far from the soccer field. He thought about his family, the mentors who believed in him, the professors who challenged him and even the doubters who inspired him to keep pushing forward. He remembered growing up in El Centro, California, wondering whether a kid from a small border town could ever reach one of the biggest stages in sports.
The answer began taking shape in the Imperial Valley, where life between two countries gave Peralta a deep appreciation for both cultures and the ability to move comfortably between two languages.
At Arizona State University’s Cronkite School, he sharpened those strengths through hands-on experience, professional mentorship and opportunities to build the relationships that would shape his career. Those experiences led to announcing roles with the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Angels and international soccer before bringing him to one of the world’s premier sporting events.
Today, Peralta’s voice resonates through some of soccer’s most iconic stadiums, but his message reaches far beyond the public address system. His journey reflects the power of preparation, persistence and staying true to who you are. For aspiring broadcasters, especially those growing up in small communities, his story is proof that authenticity can be your greatest asset.
ASU News recently spoke with Peralta about standing on the World Cup stage, the lessons he carried with him from the Cronkite School and the advice he hopes inspires the next generation to dream bigger than their circumstances.
Question: Take us back to that moment at Estadio Banorte. Before speaking to more than 80,000 fans at the FIFA World Cup, what was going through your mind? Why was it such an emotional experience?
Answer: It was emotional because, in that moment, I thought about everyone who helped me get there; my family, the people who believed in me, even the doubters who made me work harder. I remembered the younger version of myself who dreamed of announcing at a World Cup, and suddenly that dream was real.
This was my second World Cup, but becoming the voice of Estadio (Banorte) was something I never imagined. I tried to soak it all in, thank God for the opportunity and appreciate how far the journey had taken me. There were definitely butterflies, but I like to call them butterflies of excitement. I was about to work the biggest sporting event in the world, in the country my family comes from, announcing for more than 80,000 fans. It was an unforgettable moment.
Q: You grew up in California’s Imperial Valley, where the U.S. and Mexico border was part of everyday life. How did that upbringing shape your identity and influence your approach to sports broadcasting?
A: I’m incredibly proud to be Mexican American. I was born in the United States, but I spent a lot of time in Mexico and even lived there for a couple of years. That gave me the opportunity to truly understand both cultures.
Growing up in a small community also taught me the value of believing in yourself and putting in the work. I looked at broadcasters in larger markets like San Diego, Los Angeles and Phoenix, and thought, “One day, I want to be there.”
Being bilingual became one of the greatest advantages in my career. The late ESPN broadcaster Pedro Gomez once told me, “You have the gift of being bilingual. Use it to your advantage.” I took that advice to heart, and it has opened countless doors throughout my career.
Q: The Cronkite School emphasizes hands-on learning and professional experience. Looking back, what lessons or mentors at ASU had the greatest impact on your career?
A: Professors like Brett Kurland and Paola Boivin had a tremendous influence on me, along with many others at Cronkite who believed in my potential.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of networking and gaining experience outside the classroom. Cronkite gave me an incredible opportunity to build relationships, not just with professors, but with classmates who would one day become colleagues, editors and industry leaders.
I always viewed school as more than earning a degree. It was an opportunity to build a professional community. Those relationships have been invaluable throughout my career.
Q: You’ve announced NBA games, Major League Baseball and now the FIFA World Cup. What have those experiences taught you about finding your own voice?
A: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to be yourself. You can learn from great broadcasters, but you cannot try to become them. Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully said it best: “Be yourself.” That advice stayed with me for all these years.
Every broadcaster brings something different to the microphone: their personality, experiences and storytelling style. I wanted my work to reflect the people who supported me and the journey that brought me here.
Calling World Cup matches is different because it is the biggest sporting event on the planet. To think that someone from a small town in the Imperial Valley, a proud Mexican American and a Cronkite graduate, gets to be part of that stage is something I never take for granted.
Q: Throughout your career, you’ve spoken about the importance of mentors, faith and the people who believed in you. How have those relationships shaped both your career and who you are today?
A: They’ve shaped everything. Growing up in El Centro, broadcasting was not a career many people pursued. Most people worked in agriculture, education, law enforcement or health care. So when I decided I wanted to become a broadcaster, I knew I had to ask questions and learn from people who had already succeeded.
One of my first mentors was Joe Davis, the television voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a national broadcaster for Fox Sports. He gave me advice that helped guide my career, and from that point forward I made it a priority to reach out to broadcasters, ask questions and build genuine relationships.
Networking is not just about finding your next job. It is about learning, growing and building trust over time. Combined with my faith, those relationships became the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished.
Q: When young people hear your voice behind the microphone, especially kids growing up in small communities or on both sides of the border, what do you hope they believe is possible?
A: I hope they believe their dreams are possible. If someone from a small town like mine can reach the World Cup stage, then they can pursue whatever dream is in their heart. It does not have to be broadcasting. Maybe they want to become a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, an entrepreneur or something entirely different.
I hope they see that where you come from does not determine where you can go. Believe in yourself. Work hard. Keep your faith. And do not be afraid to chase your dreams.
More Law, journalism and politics
New online political analytics program meets a growing workforce demand
From campaigns to public policy, the political world increasingly needs people in the workforce who can offer clear analysis of data. At Arizona State University, a new online graduate program…
ASU Law adds online specialized master's degree for health care professionals
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has launched a new graduate degree focused on health care compliance and administration while celebrating 20 years of its Master of…
Bipartisan leaders gather to discuss challenges to American leadership at 2026 McCain Institute Sedona Forum
As global instability intensifies and political divisions deepen at home, the 2026 Sedona Forum convened some of the world’s most influential policymakers, military leaders, journalists and business…