Kansas City, the smallest among the 16 host cities, has a remarkable history of defying expectations. Leveraging its own rich soccer legacy, the city’s organizers and community members have worked diligently to impress both visitors and viewers. Initial transportation issues were swiftly rectified by the time of the second match, and watch parties have drawn enthusiastic crowds. The official fan fest buzzes with attendees from around the globe.
The vibrant atmosphere has been enhanced by locals donning jerseys representing various nations. From the warm acceptance of Algerian fans in Lawrence to the spirited Dutch supporters taking over a bar in Parkville, and the English and Argentinian teams relishing Kansas City’s barbecue, the World Cup has fostered new friendships worldwide. Eric Wahl, Kansas City
‘People have fully embraced the atmosphere’
In Monterrey, despite ongoing metro construction, residents have put aside concerns to fully immerse themselves in the World Cup spirit, exceeding even the highest expectations. The warm hospitality of the Mexican people has reached new heights, with Japanese fans celebrating harmoniously alongside locals in the old quarter. The city thrived with colors, dance, and festivity, echoed by the South Korean and Swedish fans, albeit to a lesser extent.
During a visit to the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City with two Italian friends, I witnessed remarkable festivities organized by Colombian fans. Thousands of Colombians transformed this iconic site into a vibrant celebration, creating a heartwarming scene. Colombians felt a true sense of belonging, and Mexico has become a beloved destination for fans across the world, making it the standout host among the three countries. José Galindo, Monterrey and Mexico City
‘The city is too big and active’m so happy to have experienced it’
I attended the Netherlands versus Japan match in Dallas, where the Orange bus parade provided an unforgettable experience. The event was not just filled with Dutch fans; it also included many Japanese, American, Mexican, and German supporters. The atmosphere felt like a carnival, with fans sporting diverse costumes. Nostalgia hit as I spotted jerseys of legendary players like Marco van Basten and Johan Cruyff. Experiencing a World Cup for the first time has been nothing short of amazing.
The stadium buzzed with excitement, especially in the second half. The contrasting emotions of the Dutch supporters and the jubilant Japanese crowd when the score was equalized late in the game exemplified my love for soccer. Both Dutch and Japanese fans were delightful visitors, adding joy and respect to the occasion. A pre-game Japanese festival, rich with food, music, and history, showcased their ability to celebrate. Gustavo Alvarez, Dallas
‘The vibes were immaculate’
In New York City, the World Cup’s impact appears minimal. The local excitement was palpable during the Knicks’ NBA Championship win, but the current heat wave has deterred me from midtown, where tourists typically gather. My neighborhood grocery store and pizzeria broadcast World Cup matches for their staff, while most locals remain focused on Yankees games, grumbling about the Mets’ struggles. Though World Cup tourists exist, the city’s vastness means their presence isn’t significantly felt. John Welch, New York City
‘Everyone is in a good mood’s a special excitement in the air’
Living just three blocks from the fan zone in Philadelphia, I’ve noticed a positive impact on our community. The neighborhood was filled with Ecuador jerseys during the match against Côte d’Ivoire, contributing to the fun. Visiting the fan zone has been a joyful experience, where everyone seems to enjoy themselves.
Seeing people from around the world come together for the matches has been a refreshing counter to current national issues. Despite our straightforward demeanor, Philadelphians are friendly and have enjoyed hosting so many visitors. While we are accustomed to tourists, there’s a palpable excitement this time around. I hope everyone enjoys both the city and the event, as Philadelphia is often overshadowed by New York and Washington, D.C. Our city has developed a reputation for hosting large events successfully. Paul B Krause, Philadelphia
‘This game is big in the US’
After dropping my son off at the Canada versus Bosnia match in Toronto, I was struck by the incredible atmosphere. The train was filled with fans in red jerseys, while blue and yellow colors paraded through the streets. Riding a city bike home, I was surrounded by supporters showcasing their team pride, creating a beautiful scene. My son left the game beaming with joy.
The ambiance in Toronto has been extraordinary. Sankofa Square recently transformed into a lively Ghanaian celebration, while Bosnian fans held a grand parade last week. We have tickets for an upcoming game and eagerly anticipate joining in the festivities, hoping for more parades, thrilling moments, and fantastic stories from players and fans during this spectacular event. Graham Withers, Toronto
‘Too much fun’
As I prepared to attend the Ghana versus Panama match in Toronto with my daughter and friends, it became clear we lacked Ghana kits. My daughter ventured to the Ghana fan fest to purchase shirts amid blocked streets, where everyone was in high spirits, dancing and celebrating. The atmosphere has been electric, with fans of rival teams mingling joyfully, and the consensus seems to be: love the World Cup, dislike FIFA. Although the match took place on a damp and chilly evening, not typical for June in Toronto, I cycled through the vibrant city streets, hearing an uplifting buzz of singing and laughter as I approached the stadium.
Entry to the venue was seamless, thanks to cheerful and helpful volunteers. Sporting our Ghana shirts, we were greeted by an exuberant crowd dancing joyfully. Upon entering the stadium, I was overwhelmed. Surrounded by Ghana fans, including mothers with babies, the rain and cold couldn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. The crowd erupted with cheers, high-fives, and hugs when Ghana scored in extra time. Who knew celebrating with Ghanaians could be so much fun? Toby Lennox, Toronto
‘Mexicans are showing we are great hosts’
Vancouver is currently buzzing with World Cup excitement. My knowledge of football is limited to Wrexham and Richmond AFC—yes, the latter is fictional. Initially, I dreaded the World Cup coming to Vancouver, but witnessing the joyous celebrations has changed my perspective. I felt resentment towards the event overshadowing other local happenings. Streets are congested, and driving has become a challenge—my advice is to leave the car at home and take public transport! Local bars are experiencing unprecedented sales, with some nearly running out of beer, highlighting the enthusiasm of the fans.
Surprisingly, there have been few incidents requiring police intervention, and the overall mood is positive. Seeing videos of downtown celebrations brings a smile to my face. I appreciate that visitors from around the globe can gather here freely, cheering for their teams without fear. It’s heartening to witness unity among diverse fans, regardless of their origins or team allegiances. I hope local businesses are thriving, especially those in Granville Street, which has faced tough times. The recent sunny weather has been a welcome change, attracting thousands of visitors to enjoy Vancouver’s beauty. It’s also encouraging to see police joining in the fun instead of acting harshly. Kate, Vancouver
‘This game is big in the US’
Miami has embraced the World Cup spirit. I visited a cozy local bar in Coconut Grove for a few matches and was taken aback by the overwhelming support for the U.S. The turnout was massive, creating a fantastic atmosphere with flowing beer and enthusiastic singing. A DJ played classic hits, and as the tournament progresses, I expect the excitement to escalate. People often underestimate the popularity of soccer in the U.S.—they shouldn’t. Geoff Willerton, Miami
‘Mexicans are showing we are great hosts’
Although FIFA set ticket prices beyond the reach of most Mexicans, I chose not to seek tickets. Even with the financial means, I would refuse to pay such inflated prices, as it only empowers FIFA to mistreat fans. Regular supporters have essentially been excluded from the World Cup experience. Nonetheless, the atmosphere at fan fests has been fantastic, showcasing Mexico’s renowned hospitality.
Videos reveal Koreans, Tunisians, and Swedes enjoying the festivities. From what I’ve observed, the fun here surpasses that in the U.S. or Canada. Fans from less fortunate nations are also celebrating at fan fests, creating an inclusive party atmosphere.
This vibrant atmosphere holds particular significance in a tournament impacted by the Trump administration and discrimination against certain nations. Here in Mexico, we have warmly welcomed fans from Iran and others affected by unjust policies. Francisco Fontano Patán, Mexico City
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