Fans from the US, Mexico and Canada have shared their experiences of hosting the 2026 World Cup, describing it as a surprising success despite commercialism, extortionate prices and ugly politics.
Joy and enthusiasm in Boston
Moon from Boston said: 'This summer has been so vibrant and full of life. I had my doubts but, as the World Cup approached and Boston got ready to host its first game, I started feeling the excitement and enthusiasm in the air.' He noted the huge numbers of Scottish fans who arrived for their match against Haiti, calling them 'a delight' with their shenanigans of putting cones everywhere, walking around in kilts and carrying bagpipes. Moon attended three games and his only complaint was the extremely expensive ticket prices. He added that visiting fans had wonderful things to say about American hospitality but agreed the political situation in the country is terrible.
Party without FIFA in Guadalajara
Eme Guitron from Guadalajara said the mood was sombre before the World Cup, with store owners complaining FIFA had locked them out and people downbeat about high ticket prices. But once it started, the cognitive dissonance did not stop people from going to watch parties. 'We were priced out of the real thing but the party still went on, preferably without Fifa.' She highlighted the celebrations after Colombia beat DR Congo, which extended for hours. 'Yes, and Merlin the duck,' she added.
Vancouver's flawless experience
Ben Lane from Vancouver said the first week set the tone: perfect weather, pedestrianisation of Granville Street a roaring success, and everyone bought into the experience. He attended Egypt v New Zealand, calling it a 'flawless experience from start to finish'. He said: 'We saw the best of Canada at the tournament: beautiful and welcoming.'
Host cities too spread out
Kyle from New York, who lived in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup, said host cities were way too spread out this time. 'Unless you purposefully put yourself into a football-watching location, nothing seemed to be different than a random Tuesday.'
Mixed feelings in Vancouver
Eleanor from Vancouver said roads and transit were a mess and there was a shortage of beer. 'I personally am glad it is over. I want my boring city back, please.'
Mexican fans wonderful
Oliver Regueiro from Mexico City said he could not attend matches due to high prices, but the mood was amazing. 'The Mexican fans were wonderful and gave a good impression to the world.'
Surprising success in Louisiana
W Pfeister from Louisiana said he did not attend games because of inflated ticket prices. Despite FIFA and Donald Trump, the World Cup was a surprising success. 'The camaraderie and exuberance shown by fans – especially from Norway, Scotland and Japan – reminds us all of the best of humanity.'
Cynicism overcome in Vancouver
Allan Castle from Vancouver said the buildup was coloured with cynicism about high ticket prices, FIFA's disregard for fans, and Gianni Infantino's eagerness to cosy up to the Trump administration. He had talked about boycotting but friends persuaded him to attend two matches. 'The atmosphere in Vancouver was superb. The host cities and fans did a hell of a job.'
Success and embarrassment in New York
Wayne H Donner from New York called the World Cup both a success and an embarrassment: a success for bringing the world's game to national attention, an embarrassment for displaying US government dysfunction – referees denied visas, teams forced to train in Mexico, ugly politics between the president and FIFA president.
Toronto comes alive
Prem from Toronto said the mood was vibrant. 'We haven't seen the city come alive quite like this in a number of years.' He noted that hosting meant progress on transit and roadworks. 'Canada is not just a hockey country; this World Cup has proven that definitively.'
Bagpipes in Atlanta
Anne Landrum from Atlanta said everyone has been positive about foreign guests. 'Watching the Scots march through the streets of Boston was very exciting. I cannot get enough of those bagpipes!'
Purely a party in Vancouver
Jayden from Vancouver attended five games. 'There was never hate for the opposing team; there was never hate for another country or its people. It was purely a party.'
United again in Mexico City
Rogelio Torres from Mexico City said the country has been divided politically, but during the World Cup 'we have been one again: one country, one team!' He did not hear about a single incident around the games.
Electric atmosphere in California
Allan Timpe from California said interest peaked like never before. He attended matches in Santa Clara, LA and Seattle. 'It was an absolutely electric atmosphere in the stadiums; I've never seen anything close to it at US matches previously.'
Some cities better than others
Omar Aly from Boston followed Egypt during the tournament. He said some cities did a better job than others, noting that in Dallas and Boston you couldn't really tell there was a World Cup, while in Seattle, Vancouver and Atlanta you couldn't escape it. 'Overall, considering the barrage of negativity that rightly surrounded the tournament before it started, it has exceeded my expectations.'
