Kyle
David Achenbach
Ian Sherman
Eric Wahl
Walid
Geoff Willerton
Jose Galindo
Parker
James Powell
Ali
Peter Nazir Faiz
Ian Holliday
The 2026 World Cup is set to ignite excitement across 16 cities, from Vancouver to Mexico City and San Francisco to Boston, with a total of 104 matches. Leading up to this grand event, our “My World Cup” series will share the perspectives of local fans, capturing their unique sentiments and expectations. Here’s what some of our correspondents have to say.
Atlanta
My enthusiasm for this year’s World Cup pales in comparison to the last time it was hosted in the U.S. back in 1994. The event now seems designed primarily for the wealthy. For instance, taking my wife and two children to a group stage match would cost around $2,000—an eye-watering amount for what it is, especially with knockout stage tickets likely to be even more expensive.
Watching from home feels almost like being disconnected from the action, which is disheartening. My teenage experience during the 1994 tournament was unforgettable, and I wish my children could share that same thrill. Back then, the event was less mainstream, and this time around, it seems fewer locals will be able to enjoy it in person.
Overall, there appears to be a general apathy towards the World Cup in Atlanta. Those who care are dismayed by the exorbitant ticket costs, while the indifferent crowd hardly engages in discussions about it. Media outlets are largely focused on the skyrocketing prices.
I sincerely hope FIFA faces backlash for these high prices, resulting in low attendance in the U.S. I anticipate a situation similar to that of Qatar, where many seats may remain empty, and numerous matches seem tailored for profit rather than genuine engagement. Once the knockout rounds commence, I expect viewers from around the globe to tune in for the more intense matchups. I foresee the U.S. advancing from their group, only to be eliminated by their first worthy opponent, much like in Qatar.
Boston
With numerous significant challenges facing us both domestically and globally, generating excitement for the tournament has been difficult. In 1994, I was fortunate enough to attend every match at Foxborough, including the legendary showdown between Diego Maradona’s Argentina and Nigeria, along with the quarter-final face-off between Italy and Spain. Back then, I was filled with anticipation, believing attending a World Cup live would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Now, perhaps due to the nostalgia of another World Cup, I find myself adopting a more cynical perspective. Nevertheless, I am confident that once the matches commence, I will engage with them closely, even if it’s from my living room. I look forward to welcoming international guests at the museums where I work part-time, and I anticipate some light-hearted exchanges about the U.S. team’s less-than-optimistic chances.
Regrettably, I won’t be present at any matches due to the outrageous ticket prices and the confusing purchasing system. Currently, the atmosphere feels rather low-key, although I expect this to change as the tournament approaches and the weather improves. Recently, we hosted a pre-tournament friendly featuring Brazil and France, which drew a large crowd, highlighting the enthusiasm of our vibrant Brazilian community.
Media coverage has primarily spotlighted negative aspects, especially the anticipated traffic chaos. The stadium’s location in Foxborough, about 30 miles from Boston, complicates logistics. Although train services are set to expand, they won’t suffice for the influx of fans. Additionally, parking options have decreased due to local concerns, and an agreement was only recently established among the town, the New England Patriots, the State of Massachusetts, and FIFA regarding traffic and parking logistics, which could lead to considerable disruptions.
Despite my skepticism, I eagerly anticipate the World Cup every four years. Having watched the 1966 World Cup final with my father when I was nine, I have considered every subsequent tournament the pinnacle of sporting events, even more so than the Olympics. I trust that my current cynicism will dissipate once the matches start, and I look forward to thrilling football, a lively atmosphere, unexpected moments, and the rise of new stars. I hope there will be no attempts to politicize the games—yes, Donald Trump, I’m looking at you.
Dallas
Initially, I was excited about the upcoming World Cup, but the announcement of ticket prices and the purchasing process has dampened my enthusiasm. My love for the sport remains, and I will closely follow the tournament, yet the costs have excluded me from what should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In Dallas, the excitement seems subdued, with minimal promotional activities and scant visible signage. It simply doesn’t feel like a major event. I haven’t heard of any prominent national teams planning to establish training camps here, which is understandable given the expected temperatures of at least 95°F in late June and July. With soaring prices, oppressive heat, and a challenging political climate, this anticipated experience feels less appealing.
I just want a smooth tournament free from incidents, devoid of the shadows cast by international politics. I hope to witness exciting matches and for the U.S. team to reach the quarter-finals, which would help boost the sport’s popularity here. Yet my hopes and expectations seem to be at odds. Andrew
Even though I expected the World Cup to be close to my home, the ticket prices are simply beyond reach. Most locals earn between 10,000 and 30,000 pesos a month (approximately $425 to $1,275).
There’s a noticeable lack of enthusiasm for several reasons. Rising anti-American sentiments, worries about travel restrictions due to visa bans, and widespread support for Iran loom large. It feels as if the World Cup has been taken over by the U.S., and FIFA appears to be yielding to American pressures. It’s challenging to find anyone actively promoting the event, resulting in minimal excitement.
Football is cherished here, and I expect the mood to improve as the tournament approaches, but this World Cup feels tainted. I believe the games should have been relocated to Canada and Mexico when Donald Trump took office. I hope attendance at the U.S. matches remains low, and that people express their dissatisfaction with the management of this event. This is not a tournament that unites the world; rather, it highlights how football has become entangled in political agendas—a profit-driven enterprise that overlooks true fans. Nonetheless, I assure that visitors will be welcomed warmly and treated with kindness. They will be safe here. Heather Chambers
Houston
Initially, I was excited about the prospect of the World Cup coming to Houston, especially with seven matches nearby. However, my enthusiasm has diminished due to ticket prices, the challenges of obtaining them, and the dilution of quality from having too many teams. Tickets for lower-tier seats at the Saudi Arabia versus Cape Verde match are over $200 each, which is absurd.
Sadly, my love for football likely means I will be forced to pay inflated prices for tickets. I may need to accept the steep costs on the resale market for England’s match in Dallas. Having lived here for over 25 years, I doubt I will have another opportunity to see England play in a World Cup match in Texas.
Although there’s a growing excitement in Houston, it pales in comparison to what I had hoped for. The sport has gained significant traction in the U.S. over the past couple of decades, and Houston is no exception. Yet, the city still leans more towards American football, baseball, and basketball. There are a few signs of the tournament’s arrival, with some areas adorned in World Cup themes and infrastructure upgrades underway. Still, I doubt the city is fully ready for the influx of tourists. Expect heavy traffic.
Kansas City
When Kansas City was named a host city, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride but also sadness, as my late brother Grant and our parents cannot share in this joy. While I remain proud of my city taking center stage—especially since we will host four national teams: England, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Algeria—my worries about the state of our nation linger, especially with the U.S. bombing Iran and FIFA’s questionable ties with our leadership.
I take pride in showcasing my city, but I fear visitors may be surprised by our sprawling distances, car-dependent lifestyle, and inadequate public transport options. I also worry about global events affecting the tournament, the high ticket prices, and the unsettling presence of gun violence in American cities, particularly following a mass shooting during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebrations, right across from where the fan festival will occur.
The memories of my late brother, who was deeply connected to the World Cup, evoke profound sorrow, yet they also inspire me to create positive experiences during this global soccer competition. I miss him dearly and regret that he cannot witness this event; however, I hope our hometown will make him proud.
There’s a sense of cautious excitement in Kansas City. Although the steep ticket prices may prevent many locals from attending the stadium, we will fill sports bars and community viewing areas. Kansas Citians take pride in their city, and local businesses are eager for the potential economic boost. Above all, we hope that the experiences Kansas City offers during the World Cup are free from violence and viewed positively by the global community. In these troubled times, world sporting events can unite us in joy, which we could all use right now.
Los Angeles
I’m filled with excitement yet conflicted. My first genuine World Cup experience was in 1994, and since moving to the U.S. in 2004 and adopting it as my home, I’ve longed to attend a game in my city. However, the current anti-immigrant sentiment and the ongoing conflict with Iran make this an inopportune moment.
Furthermore, FIFA’s pricing strategy seems to exclude true fans. I enjoyed the World Cups in 2010 and 2014, where ticket prices ranged from $100 to $200. It’s shocking to now see prices exceeding $600 for a group match, not to mention the exorbitant parking fees—many will face this issue due to the lack of public transport in Los Angeles.
I would love to take my wife and children to a game, but the ticket costs may make that impossible. It feels as though the tournament is catering to those willing to pay exorbitant prices without any real understanding of the sport or the competition. My hope is that the event becomes more accessible, fostering a greater appreciation for the game among younger generations, and that international visitors can navigate their way to the games without fears of immigration enforcement targeting them.
Mexico City
At first, I was hesitant about Mexico joining the North American bid, feeling as though the U.S. was using us to make their proposal seem inclusive while we received little in return. The decision to host only 13 out of 104 matches in Mexico feels disrespectful to a nation that is passionate about football and has successfully organized two previous World Cups.
Being part of this particular World Cup feels wrong. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. is poised to be one of the worst hosts ever. They have a responsibility to welcome fans from across the globe but are instead imposing barriers on citizens from several qualifying countries and conducting military actions against one of the participating nations. Mexico is a hospitable country with no enemies, making this exclusionary World Cup feel unjust.
This may be the worst FIFA has ever been, and while the tournament will occur here, it seems that most people will not partake in it. The ticket prices and the purchasing system are exploitative, making them unaffordable for 90% of the population. I can’t fathom who will fill the stadiums; most people I know cannot afford the prices, and those who can refuse to endorse this exploitation. I hope the venues remain empty to discourage such practices in the future.
I’ll watch on television (though the increased number of teams makes many matches feel inconsequential), and people can enjoy the World Cup at fan fests, but we’ve experienced those at previous tournaments. Watching a match in El Zócalo will feel no different than our experiences during Russia 2018 or Qatar 2022. The matches may be held in the Azteca, but they could be anywhere—Turkey, New Zealand, or Antarctica—most Mexicans will feel the same experience. The city’s attempts to promote the tournament have yet to generate excitement in the streets.
Ultimately, the World Cup represents a missed opportunity for our city in terms of planning. Our government has failed to capitalize on it. Living near the Azteca stadium, an area densely populated yet poorly connected to the city’s transport network, the World Cup could have been an opportunity to enhance public transit. Instead, our city leaders abandoned such plans, opting for last-minute fixes that will not benefit residents in the long run.
This World Cup has become a disruption in daily life, a squandered opportunity for future development, an affront to a nation that loves football but has been treated as an afterthought, and it is an embarrassment to co-host a tournament overshadowed by FIFA and Trump.
Francisco Fontano Patán
Miami
I’m genuinely excited, yet I don’t know anyone attending a game due to the astronomical costs. I hope to enjoy the tournament in a fan zone, but there’s a lack of energy in Miami. Many local bars remain unaware of the tournament’s significance. I hope everything goes smoothly without any incidents, especially given the current climate of concern in our country.
Monterrey
The World Cup is the pinnacle of global sporting events, and while I’m excited, I also feel conflicted. Most residents cannot afford tickets or new jerseys. This tournament feels distant from everyday citizens. FIFA has transformed it into an exclusive product for a select few. Thankfully, many can gather in public parks to watch matches, creating informal fan fests.
I plan to attend one of the games in Monterrey, as they are slightly more affordable than those in Mexico City. Enthusiasm is low, and World Cup fever isn’t as tangible as I’d like. However, I believe the mood will brighten as the tournament approaches. I hope the Mexican team performs well; while I don’t expect them to win, I hope they at least play admirably. Overall, I hope this event brings some positive economic impact.
New York/New Jersey
As with many significant events in New York, this one will likely be largely overlooked, which is unfortunate. There’s just too much happening in the city for anyone to focus on a few “soccer” matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which feels quite removed from New York City. Even during the 2014 Super Bowl, the event was barely noticeable. I’m excited to attend a couple of Australia’s matches in San Francisco and Vancouver, but I suspect the World Cup will be a non-event in New York.
Life in New York continues at a frantic pace, with countless events vying for attention. I doubt many are aware or care that we will soon host a World Cup final. My main hope for the tournament is simply that it fosters peace, love, and harmony among everyone involved. We could all use that right now.
Initially, I was thrilled about the World Cup, but my enthusiasm has diminished due to ticket prices, the peace prize, and the rise of ICE. Perhaps it was easier to overlook FIFA’s corruption when the tournament felt distant, or maybe it has genuinely worsened. I had intended to attend matches, but the high costs and prevailing indifference make that unlikely. I’m curious about the fan zones, but I expect they will likely become another cash grab (and it may be too hot to enjoy drinking for extended periods).
In Philadelphia, there are a few posters and some merchandise scattered about, but overall, excitement is lacking. It’s not a topic that comes up in conversation often—people usually ask which “EPL” team I support upon hearing my accent, but I don’t recall any discussions about the World Cup. I’m torn about the tournament: part of me wants to enjoy the matches, while another part hopes it all falls apart so that FIFA is not encouraged to continue exploiting the joy of the game.
San Francisco
I have a deep love for the World Cup, having grown up watching it with my family, and I plan to follow every game this year. However, the anticipated celebration in our region doesn’t seem to materialize. My friends had intended to gather at the fan zones, but we might not have any available. I also thought we would be able to attend at least one match, but ticket prices are prohibitively high. I’m not willing to pay $250 to watch Austria face Jordan from nosebleed seats. If ticket prices drop significantly, I would love to attend the Paraguay versus Turkey match, as their fans are incredible.
I wanted my friends to truly experience the World Cup atmosphere, to connect with fans from Paraguay, Algeria, and beyond. Yet, who will actually be attending? This will not be the kind of World Cup where you stroll down the street and feel the energy of a host city.
The most frustrating aspect is how organizers prioritize sponsors and VIPs over everyday fans. I don’t believe American sports executives grasp the significance of the World Cup or its fundamental importance. Our host city committee’s CEO has stated that they are preparing most for the Super Bowl, considering the World Cup a secondary concern. If we had event planners who truly understood soccer, they would channel fan energy and create an authentic World Cup atmosphere. Instead, they will likely just organize a few concerts.
Many people are indifferent to soccer and unaware that the World Cup is happening this summer, let alone in our backyard. Others know but simply don’t care. For those who do care, the high costs make attendance unfeasible. Everyone is disheartened by the ticket prices. It feels worse than if the World Cup were held far away. It’s right here, yet we can’t partake, which is truly disheartening.
Seattle
My entire family is incredibly excited about the World Cup’s arrival in Seattle. We are avid fans of the Seattle Sounders, supporting our city’s sports teams, and all four of us—my wife, daughters, and I—have applied to volunteer. The stadium is centrally located, and I plan to attend fan zones with my daughters as often as possible. My wife and I hail from Bristol in the UK, so naturally, we will be cheering for England and the USA, but our recent vacation in Curaçao means we’ll also root for that tiny island’s team.
Seattle has always been a sports-centric city with a robust fan base for the Sounders, who have been playing since 1974. The local population understands and appreciates soccer. Unsurprisingly, the mood here is quite positive, with banners brightening the city and amplifying the excitement.
On a serious note, security measures are being established for the matches. The Seahawks just won the Super Bowl this year, and the victory parade drew nearly a million fans downtown, which serves as good practice for World Cup event security. I hope that fans in all host cities have a fantastic time, and I look forward to meeting visitors from different countries and showcasing the wonderful aspects of Seattle.
Roger Paul Probert-Baker
Toronto
I’m filled with excitement! Toronto is a vibrant city with representatives from all nations, and during the World Cup, our streets, bars, homes, and stadiums will be alive with fans from every corner of the globe. This event is tailor-made for a city like Toronto. When Italy won, a million Italians flooded into Little Italy to celebrate. Fans from Germany, Portugal, Cameroon, France, Britain, Scotland, and Mexico will all engage in friendly competition, honking their horns each time their teams score and flooding the streets in victory.
Residing in a Portuguese neighborhood, I’m eager to see stars like Ronaldo in action. Toronto lives and breathes World Cup football, and this year, the excitement will be palpable. I wish all matches could be relocated to Canada and Mexico!
Vancouver
I became a soccer enthusiast during my teenage years, always dreaming of living in a World Cup host city. Now that I’m here, however, my excitement is dampened. The primary factors impacting my enthusiasm are FIFA’s mismanagement, the tournament’s overwhelming scale, and the costs and inconveniences it brings to the host cities. I won’t be attending any matches due to outrageous ticket prices, but I plan to participate in public viewings, although I’m not particularly thrilled about the fan festivals, which feel more like cash grabs, despite free general admission. However, I have high hopes for at least one unofficial public viewing area at Granville Island.
There’s not much anticipation in Vancouver. Politicians and bureaucrats seem flustered, but the average Vancouverite appears only mildly interested in the tournament while also feeling somewhat irritated by the traffic and transit disruptions expected on match days.
As for my hopes for the U.S., where I grew up, I simply wish for no violent incidents. The state of my country feels precarious right now, and I lack confidence in the capabilities of U.S. authorities to ensure fans’ safety, especially at fan festivals and locations outside the stadium experience.
