A Summer of Vibrancy
This summer has brought an incredible vibrancy to the sports scene. Initially skeptical, I found myself caught up in the excitement as the World Cup neared, especially in Boston, which hosted its first match. The atmosphere was electric, largely due to the influx of Scottish fans arriving for their game against Haiti. Their antics, from placing cones everywhere to donning kilts and playing bagpipes, created a lively setting that was hard to resist. Witnessing fans from various nations in their jerseys was truly exhilarating. Friends and colleagues, typically indifferent to the sport, shared in my enthusiasm. Although I attended three matches, I couldn’t overlook the exorbitant ticket prices. Visitors praised American hospitality, though they voiced concerns about the country’s political climate. Moon, Boston
Watch Parties and Community Spirit
Before the tournament commenced, a sense of gloom permeated, with store owners lamenting FIFA’s restrictions and many feeling disheartened by the steep ticket costs. However, once the games began, this disillusionment faded as people flocked to local watch parties, filled with joy and camaraderie. Despite being priced out of actual matches, the celebrations continued. The message was clear: football belongs to the people, not the institutions. One unforgettable highlight was the vibrant celebration following Colombia’s victory over the DR Congo, which echoed through the streets long into the night, creating an overwhelmingly Colombian atmosphere. And let’s not forget Merlin the duck. Eme Guitron, Guadalajara
The first week set a positive tone: Vancouver’s notoriously unpredictable weather was pleasant, and the pedestrianization of Granville Street was a significant success. I experienced Egypt versus New Zealand, which was a bucket-list moment. The event ran smoothly from start to finish, with public transport functioning flawlessly, and the atmosphere in fan parks and at the stadium was electric. I even won a correct score bet! The welcome extended to international fans showcased the best of Canada, highlighting its beauty and warmth. After years of promoting Vancouver to friends and family, I hope this event encourages more tourists to visit. A standout moment was watching my son open his first pack of Panini football stickers just before the first game. Ben Lane, Vancouver
I previously lived in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup, where the excitement was palpable across the nation. This year, however, the host cities felt too dispersed. I traveled through DC, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta—two host cities and two potential ones. Unless you deliberately sought out a football-watching venue, the tournament felt like any other day. Kyle, New York
Overall, people seemed to enjoy themselves, despite some logistical challenges like traffic and transit issues. Seeing patrons queuing at bars at 9 AM was unusual, and there was a beer shortage. The vibe reminded me of Vancouver during the Winter Olympics. Personally, I look forward to returning to a quieter city. Eleanor, Vancouver
Mexican Fans Shine
Having attended several matches during the 1986 World Cup, I found it impossible to do so this year due to high ticket prices. Nonetheless, the city buzzed with excitement, with fans enjoying matches in restaurants, bars, public squares, and fanfests. The Mexican supporters left a lasting impression, showcasing the country’s spirit to the world. My partner is English, and sharing the Mexico versus England match with our two football-loving sons was a special moment. Oliver Regueiro, Mexico City
Unexpected Success Amid Challenges
We attended a fanfest in Philadelphia but missed out on games due to the steep ticket prices. Not even my oldest brother, who has experienced World Cups in South Korea and Olympic matches in China, was willing to pay for those exorbitant tickets. Despite FIFA’s antics and the political climate involving Donald Trump, the World Cup turned out to be an unexpected success. The presence of international fans and the support for diverse teams reminded us of the best aspects of humanity. W Pfeister, Louisiana
Cynicism surrounded the tournament’s buildup, with concerns about high ticket prices, FIFA’s disregard for fans, and unease regarding Gianni Infantino’s relationship with the Trump administration. Co-hosting with them felt uncomfortable. Yet, as the tournament unfolded, genuine enthusiasm for the thrilling matches and fairy-tale stories emerged. I had initially considered boycotting due to my disdain for FIFA, but pressure from friends convinced me I would regret missing the action. I attended two matches, both brimming with positive energy. The atmosphere in Vancouver was exceptional, with a terrific buzz leading into the stadium, and the organization was commendable. Allan Castle, Vancouver
Successes and Shortcomings
The World Cup was a success in bringing national attention to the sport, akin to the Olympics. However, it also revealed the dysfunction within the US government, with issues like visa denials for referees and teams being forced to train in Mexico. I hope future trilateral hosting avoids the embarrassing displays we witnessed this time. Wayne H Donner, New York
A City Transformed
The atmosphere was electric. Toronto hasn’t experienced such liveliness in years. Though it hosted few matches, the city’s multicultural fabric made every game feel like a home match for the teams involved. Most residents embraced the event, leading to progress in transit and infrastructure. Perhaps we should host more events like this. The impressive fan marches to the stadium, especially for the Portugal versus Croatia game, stood out. This World Cup has definitively established that Canada is more than just a hockey nation, and I eagerly anticipate how this tournament will influence the sport here. Prem, Toronto
Welcoming Guests with Enthusiasm
The reception for our international guests has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their enjoyment. A friend who attended a game in Atlanta described it as the best experience of her life. Even those who typically don’t follow sports, including myself, found themselves captivated by the matches. I believe this tournament will leave a lasting legacy, showcasing US cities’ ability to host large events successfully. I hope this experience reshapes global perceptions of America. Watching our foreign guests revel in our cities, enjoy our cuisine, and embrace the American experience was heartwarming. The sight of Scots parading through Boston was particularly thrilling; I can’t get enough of those bagpipes! They ignited my interest in football. Anne Landrum, Atlanta
Celebrating Community and Unity
Having attended five games, the excitement from fans will remain etched in my memory. Witnessing Canada play in my hometown and win was something I never imagined experiencing. I want those who watched games in Vancouver to leave with a positive impression of my city, and I believe the execution of the event achieved that. Canada is a nation of immigrants, and our strength lies in our diversity. In a time when populism and xenophobia are rising globally, it was beautiful to see supporters from all backgrounds joyfully cheering for their teams. There was no animosity toward opponents; it was simply a celebration. Jayden, Vancouver
Reuniting a Divided Nation
This experience was uplifting. Our country has been fractured by political issues for an extended period. However, during the past six weeks, we united as one country, one team! We regained that sense of hospitality that had been overshadowed by negative headlines. I did not hear of any incidents during the games, and I will cherish the moment I sang the national anthem with my family during the opening ceremony. Rogelio Torres, Mexico City
Unprecedented Enthusiasm
I was astonished by the level of interest this year. While enthusiasm typically surges when US teams make deep runs in the World Cup, this year was different. Everyone I know followed the matches closely. I was lucky to attend several games, including US matches in Santa Clara, LA, and Seattle. The atmosphere was electric; I have never encountered anything like it at US matches before. Seattle stood out, with the crowd on their feet throughout the match and a surprisingly fitting use of ‘Country Roads.’ The proximity of the stadium to the city center created an atmosphere that suburban venues simply cannot replicate. Allan Timpe, California
Varying Experiences Across Cities
Leaving Massachusetts to follow my team, Egypt, revealed differing experiences across cities. Some locations excelled while others fell short, with the atmosphere noticeably different when stadiums were downtown compared to those located outside the city. In Dallas and Boston, the World Cup felt barely noticeable; in Seattle, Vancouver, and Atlanta, it was impossible to ignore. Overall, considering the pre-tournament negativity, it surpassed my expectations. I only wish more matches had taken place in Canada and Mexico. Omar Aly, Boston
