From Lake Oswego to the World Cup: John Strong's Journey
WHO:
West Linn Tidings - John Strong, lead English-language commentator for the World Cup, was born outside of Lake Oswego and graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 2003.
KCCI - Heather Jordan, a Pleasantville native, served as the stadium announcer for seven World Cup matches in Houston, Texas.
WHAT:
West Linn Tidings - John Strong called the World Cup for Fox Sports, including the final between Spain and Argentina.
West Linn Tidings - Strong's catchphrase during broadcasts is “45 down, 45 to go.”
KCCI - Jordan was the only solo female stadium announcer at this year's World Cup.
KCCI - Jordan called a goal for one of soccer's greatest stars during the matches, where he scored two goals.
WHERE:
West Linn Tidings - John Strong lives in West Linn, Oregon.
KCCI - Heather Jordan announced matches at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas.
WHEN:
West Linn Tidings - Strong and his researcher, Erick Olsen, have worked together for the last three World Cups.
KCCI - Jordan received a personal invitation to be the voice of the World Cup last year.
WHY:
West Linn Tidings - Strong expressed amazement at the popularity of this year’s World Cup, which broke numerous records, including the most-watched soccer game in American TV history.
KCCI - Jordan aimed to represent women and girls in a male-dominated industry through her role.
HOW:
West Linn Tidings - Strong prepared for broadcasts by studying 500 soccer players and creating a digital archive of notes.
KCCI - Jordan's sports announcing career began at Drake University over a decade ago.
(UPDATED July 21, 2026 13:30 UTC)
John Strong, the lead English-language commentator for the World Cup, called the final match between Spain and Argentina for Fox Sports, showcasing his catchphrase, “45 down, 45 to go.” Meanwhile, Heather Jordan, a Pleasantville native and the only solo female stadium announcer at this year's World Cup, made her mark in Houston, Texas, where she announced a goal for one of soccer's greatest stars. Strong, who lives in West Linn, Oregon, has been amazed by the record-breaking popularity of this year's World Cup, while Jordan aims to inspire women and girls in the sports industry through her role.