23 July 2026
Fans Say World Cup 2026 Surprised Them. Here Is Why.
Supporters from across the three host nations reflect on a tournament that beat expectations despite real flaws along the way.
When FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to the United States, Mexico and Canada, the scepticism was loud and widespread. But according to a fan-voices piece published by The Guardian, many of those who actually attended have come away with warmer feelings than they anticipated.
Contributors described a tournament where the atmosphere varied sharply by city. Some fans noted that Dallas and Boston felt almost oblivious to the event, while Seattle, Vancouver and Atlanta buzzed with World Cup energy. The contrast, several said, came down to whether the stadium sat in the heart of the city or out on the periphery.
One Egyptian supporter from Massachusetts said the tournament had exceeded his expectations overall, while a contributor from the United States described the six-week event as a rare moment of national unity in a politically fractured country. The mood in their words was one of joy, love and hope, even if the logistical complaints about prices and access were never far away.
The piece paints a picture of an imperfect but ultimately memorable tournament, one that divided opinion before a ball was kicked but left many of its visitors genuinely glad they came.
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