The upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to take place across 16 cities spanning Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With 104 matches scheduled from Vancouver to Mexico City and from San Francisco to Boston, excitement is building. As the tournament draws nearer, we will collect perspectives from fans in these host cities through our “My World Cup” series. Here, some of our contributors share their thoughts on the event.
Atlanta
My enthusiasm for this year’s World Cup doesn’t quite match the excitement I felt during the 1994 tournament in the United States. This time, it seems as if the event is catering to the wealthy. The cost of attending a group stage match with my family amounts to $2,000, a sum that feels hard to rationalize, especially when ticket prices for the knockout rounds are expected to be even higher.
Watching from home feels almost as if the tournament is happening on another continent. It’s disheartening because the 1994 event was profoundly impactful for me as a teenager. I wish my children could experience that same exhilaration, alongside the vibrant atmosphere our city had back then. Nowadays, many Americans are aware of the competition, yet numerous fans will miss out on the chance to attend in person.
Overall, the sentiment among Atlanta residents seems to be one of indifference. While some are disheartened by the exorbitant ticket prices, others are not even discussing the World Cup at all. Media coverage seems more focused on price gouging than on generating excitement for the tournament.
I hope FIFA faces significant financial setbacks, leading to fewer visitors to the U.S. and discouraging them from paying inflated ticket prices. My concern is that the expanded format may not resonate well, resulting in low viewer engagement during the early rounds. I anticipate a situation reminiscent of Qatar, with underwhelming stadium attendance due to excess matches aimed at profit. I expect the U.S. team to advance past the group stage, only to be defeated by their first major rival, similar to the outcome in Qatar.
Boston
In the midst of global and national chaos, it’s hard to find much enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. I was present at every match in Foxborough during the 1994 World Cup, including the notable game where Diego Maradona played against Nigeria, as well as the Italy-Spain quarter-final. My excitement back then was palpable, and it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This time around, I find myself feeling somewhat cynical, possibly due to nostalgia. Still, I know that once the tournament starts, I will likely get swept up in the action while watching from home. I’m looking forward to welcoming international guests to the museums where I work part-time, hoping for some light-hearted conversations about the U.S. team’s chances.
Regrettably, I won’t be attending any matches. The ticket prices are exorbitant, and the purchasing process is overly complicated. Currently, the buzz surrounding the event is minimal, although it may increase as the tournament nears and the weather improves. Recently, we hosted a friendly match between Brazil and France that drew a large crowd, thanks in part to the lively Brazilian community in the area.
Much of the tournament coverage has focused on negative aspects, particularly traffic issues. Foxborough is situated about 30 miles from Boston, and while there are trains planned to increase service, they are unlikely to accommodate everyone who wants to use them. Parking near the stadium has been significantly reduced due to local complaints, and a recent agreement among the town, the New England Patriots, the State of Massachusetts, and FIFA concentrated on logistics for traffic and parking, which could lead to chaos.
As someone who has eagerly awaited the World Cup every four years, having watched every tournament since I was nine during the 1966 final with my father, I still regard it as the pinnacle of sporting events, even more than the Olympics. I’m confident that my current skepticism will fade once the matches commence. My hopes are for thrilling football, an enjoyable atmosphere at the games, a few surprises, emerging stars, and a message to avoid politicizing the event – this is directed at you, Donald Trump.
Dallas
Initially, I was overjoyed, but the high ticket prices and the purchasing process have dampened my enthusiasm. I love the sport and plan to follow the tournament closely, yet it now seems as though this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is slipping out of reach financially. The anticipation in Dallas has been lackluster, with minimal local promotion and few indications of the event’s significance.
No major national teams seem to be choosing to base themselves in the area, which is understandable considering that temperatures in late June and July often exceed 95°F (35°C). Given the weather conditions, ticket prices, and ongoing political issues, the excitement surrounding this unique opportunity appears to be waning.
My main hope is for a seamless tournament without any political incidents overshadowing the games. I wish for exceptional matches and for our country to demonstrate what once made us great. It would be wonderful to see the U.S. team reach the quarter-finals and further enhance the sport’s popularity here. However, my hopes and expectations feel like they are worlds apart.
I was eager for the World Cup to be so close to home, with aspirations of attending a game. Yet the ticket prices are shockingly high, especially considering that most locals earn between 10,000 and 30,000 pesos monthly (approximately $425 to $1,275).
Our passion for football persists, and the mood may improve as the tournament approaches. Nonetheless, this World Cup appears tainted, and I believe the matches should have been relocated to Canada and Mexico once Donald Trump took office. I hope attendance in the U.S. is minimal, with people protesting how the events have been managed. This World Cup does not seem to unite the world but rather reveals how football is mired in political agendas and commercial interests that overlook genuine fans. However, anyone attending matches here will be welcomed warmly and safely.
Houston
At first, I was excited about the World Cup coming to Houston, especially with seven games scheduled nearby. However, my enthusiasm has been tempered by the high ticket prices, the difficulty in obtaining them, and the dilution of quality due to the inclusion of too many teams. The cost for general admission seats for a match, such as Saudi Arabia versus Cape Verde, exceeds $200, which feels outrageous.
Unfortunately, my love for the sport means I might have to pay inflated prices on the resale market for England’s match in Dallas. Having lived here for over 25 years, I doubt I’ll get another chance to see England play in a World Cup match in Texas.
While there is some excitement in Houston, it’s far less than I had anticipated. The sport has gained popularity in the U.S. over the past decades, and Houston reflects that growth, yet the city remains more captivated by American football, baseball, and basketball. Some preparations have been made, such as decorating certain areas with World Cup themes and some infrastructure updates, but I sense that the city is unprepared for what’s coming. The infrastructure in the fourth-largest U.S. city could buckle under the influx of tourists, leading to significant traffic congestion.
Kansas City
Learning that Kansas City was chosen as a host city brought me both pride and sorrow, as my late brother Grant and our parents, who passed away during the pandemic, cannot share in this joy. While I am proud to showcase my city on a global stage, I am concerned about the state of our nation, particularly regarding the U.S. military actions against Iran and FIFA’s peculiar favoritism towards our president.
I take pride in presenting Kansas City to the world, but international visitors may be surprised by how spread out everything is, our reliance on cars, and the lack of public transport options. I worry that world events could influence the tournament, the exorbitant ticket prices, and the sadly persistent gun violence; a mass shooting occurred during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebrations, right next to where the fan festival will be held.
My late brother had a deep connection to the World Cup, and this bond brings me both profound sadness and the motivation to create positive experiences around the world’s biggest soccer event. I regret that Grant isn’t here to witness this, and I mourn the absence of his unique perspective on it. Yet, I remain hopeful that our hometown will honor his memory.
There’s a sense of cautious excitement in Kansas City. Although the high ticket prices may prevent many locals from entering the stadium, we will fill the sports bars and community viewing areas. Kansans love to celebrate their city, and local businesses are looking forward to a potentially lucrative time. Most importantly, we want the experiences Kansas City offers during the World Cup to be free of violence and to leave a lasting positive impression on the international community. In challenging times, global sporting events can unite us joyfully, and we all need that occasionally.
Los Angeles
I feel a mix of excitement and conflict. The 1994 World Cup was my first real experience with the tournament, and since moving to the U.S. in 2004 and embracing this country, I’ve dreamed of attending a game in my home city. However, the current anti-immigrant sentiment and military actions against Iran overshadow the occasion.
Moreover, FIFA’s pricing is alienating true fans. I attended the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and had a fantastic experience, spending between $100 and $200 on tickets. It’s absurd that paying over $600 for a group game has become the norm, not to mention the exorbitant parking fees, given the limited public transport options in L.A.
I’d love to take my wife and children, but ticket costs may render that impossible. It feels as though the tournament caters to those with deep pockets, neglecting genuine fans of the sport. My hope is for the event to be accessible to more than just those who can afford it, helping to grow the game among younger generations, and ensuring that international fans enjoy a smooth experience without concerns about immigration enforcement.
Mexico City
I was initially hesitant about Mexico joining the North American bid, as it seemed like the U.S. was leveraging us for a more inclusive proposal while offering little in return. The decision to host only 13 of the 104 matches here feels disrespectful, especially since this country has a deep passion for football and has successfully organized two previous World Cups.
Being a part of this tournament feels off. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. is likely to be one of the least welcoming hosts ever. The U.S. should be opening its doors to fans from around the globe, yet they are restricting access to citizens from several qualified nations and even conducting military operations against one of the countries participating in the tournament. Mexico embraces people from everywhere, making our inclusion in this discriminatory World Cup feel unjust.
This is arguably the worst FIFA has ever been, and while the tournament will occur here, it seems that most people will not be involved. Ticket prices and the purchasing system are punitive and beyond the reach of 90% of the population. I’m uncertain who will fill the stadiums; most of the people I know cannot afford the prices, and those who can choose to abstain from this exploitation. I hope the stadiums remain empty to send a message to FIFA.
I’ll watch on television, even though the expanded format makes many matches feel insignificant. People can enjoy the World Cup experience in public viewings, but we’ve had those at previous tournaments. Watching at El Zócalo will be no different from my experiences during Russia 2018 or Qatar 2022. The matches will be held at the Azteca, but they could be anywhere; for most Mexicans, the experience will remain unchanged. The city is making efforts to promote the tournament, yet I haven’t sensed much excitement on the streets.
Ultimately, this represents a missed opportunity for our city. Our government has failed to capitalize on the situation. Living near the Azteca stadium, in an area with a sizable population, I observe a lack of connectivity to the rest of the city. The World Cup was a chance to build a subway in Coapa to link us to the transit system, but the city has abandoned such plans. They have made a few last-minute adjustments, but these will not benefit locals in the long run.
The World Cup has disrupted daily life, marked a squandered opportunity, and insulted a football-loving nation treated as an afterthought. Co-hosting a tournament overshadowed by FIFA and Trump is an embarrassment.
Miami
I’m incredibly excited, yet I don’t know anyone who intends to attend a match due to the exorbitant costs. I hope to enjoy the tournament in a fan zone, but there seems to be little buzz in Miami. Many local bars remain oblivious to the tournament’s significance, which is concerning. I wish for everything to proceed smoothly and without incident during this troubling time for everyone.
Monterrey
The World Cup stands as the most significant sporting event globally, and while I’m genuinely excited, I carry mixed feelings. Many people on the streets cannot afford tickets or jerseys, making the tournament seem distant from everyday citizens. FIFA has transformed it into an elite product. Fortunately, ordinary folks can gather in public parks to watch matches, creating informal fan fests.
I will make an effort to attend one of the games in Monterrey, as they are more affordable than those in Mexico City. While the general populace isn’t overly enthusiastic, I believe the mood will improve as the tournament approaches. I hope our national team can deliver a commendable performance. While I don’t expect them to win, I at least hope they can put on a respectable show. Overall, I hope the event brings some positive economic impacts.
New York/New Jersey
As with most major events in New York, the World Cup may largely go unnoticed. There’s simply too much happening in this city for anyone to pay attention to a few “soccer” matches at MetLife Stadium, which is technically in New Jersey and feels quite distant from New York City. Even during the 2014 Super Bowl, the event barely made a ripple in the city’s consciousness.
I’m looking forward to attending a couple of Australia’s matches in San Francisco and Vancouver, but I suspect it will be a major “nothing burger” in New York City.
The atmosphere will remain as it usually is in New York, a whirlwind of activity with countless events vying for attention. I doubt many people are aware that we are about to host a World Cup final. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope for peace, love, and harmony during this tournament, with everyone getting along and enjoying themselves – that’s something we really need!
While I was initially excited, my interest has waned due to ticket prices and the political climate. It seems easier to overlook FIFA’s questionable practices when the event was further away, yet the situation appears to have worsened. I had intended to attend games, but the high costs and general fatigue mean that it’s unlikely now. I’m curious to see how the fan zones will look, but I expect it to be another cash grab, especially given the oppressive heat.
In Philadelphia, there are a few posters and some merchandise, but the excitement is minimal. It rarely comes up in conversation – people often ask which “EPL” team I support upon hearing my accent, yet I can’t recall anyone mentioning the World Cup. I find myself torn about the tournament; part of me wants to enjoy the matches, while another part hopes it all falls apart, preventing FIFA from continuing to exploit the sport.
San Francisco
I have a deep love for the World Cup, having grown up watching games with my family, and I will likely watch every match this year. However, the anticipated festivities in our region seem to be fading. My friends had planned to gather at the fan zones, but we may not even have any. I also hoped to attend at least one match, but the ticket prices are prohibitively high. I’m not willing to pay $250 for a seat to watch Austria versus Jordan from the nosebleed section.
If ticket prices drop significantly, I would love to see the Paraguay versus Turkey match, as Turkish fans are known for their incredible enthusiasm.
I wanted my friends to truly experience the World Cup with me and connect with fans from Paraguay, Algeria, and beyond. But who is even coming to this event? It seems unlikely to feel like a host city filled with World Cup spirit.
The most frustrating aspect is how organizers prioritize sponsors and VIPs over actual fans. I believe American sports executives lack a fundamental understanding of the World Cup and its significance. Our host city committee’s CEO stated that they are focusing on preparing for the Super Bowl, with the World Cup being merely a secondary priority. If we had organizers who grasped the essence of soccer, they would work tirelessly to harness the energy of fans to create a true World Cup atmosphere. Instead, it appears they’ll settle for hosting concerts.
Many people in the area are not particularly interested in soccer and may not even realize the World Cup is this summer, let alone in our backyard. Others are aware but apathetic. For those who do care, the prohibitive costs make attendance unrealistic. Everyone seems disheartened by the steep ticket prices. It feels worse than if the World Cup were being held thousands of miles away. It’s happening here, yet we can’t even engage. That’s truly heartbreaking.
Seattle
My family is incredibly excited about the World Cup coming to Seattle. We regularly attend Seattle Sounders games, follow local sports teams, and all four of us – my wife, daughters, and I – applied to volunteer. The stadium is conveniently located downtown, and I plan to take my daughters to the fan zones as often as possible. My wife and I hail from Bristol in the UK, so naturally, we’ll support England and the U.S., but we also hold a bit of affection for Curaçao after vacationing there.
Seattle is a city that embraces sports, boasting several professional teams. The Sounders have been part of our community since 1974, supported by a dedicated fan base. The overall mood is highly positive, with various banners around town amplifying the excitement.
On a serious note, security measures are being established for the games. Following the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory celebration, which drew nearly a million fans downtown, we have good experience in managing large events, making it a valuable practice for World Cup security. I hope fans in all host cities enjoy their time, and I’m eager to showcase what a fantastic place Seattle is to visitors from around the globe.
Toronto
I’m absolutely thrilled. Toronto is a unique city where all nations find representation, and during the World Cup, our streets, bars, homes, backyards, and stadiums will be filled with fans from every corner of the globe. This tournament is tailor-made for a city like Toronto. When Italy won, a million Italians poured into Little Italy. Supporters from Germany, Portugal, Cameroon, France, Britain, Scotland, and Mexico will engage in friendly competition, honking their horns whenever their teams score, and flooding the streets in celebration when they win. It’s a sight to behold.
Living in a Portuguese neighborhood, there’s palpable excitement for stars like Ronaldo. Toronto breathes World Cup football, and this year, the energy will be electrifying. I fervently hope that all games will be relocated to Canada and Mexico!
Vancouver
I developed a love for soccer in my teens and often dreamed of living in a World Cup host city. However, now that I do, my enthusiasm has waned. The primary factors dampening my excitement include FIFA’s poor reputation, the overwhelming scale of the tournament, and the expense and inconvenience it presents for host cities. Attending matches is financially out of reach for me, but I plan to engage in public viewings. I’m not particularly enthusiastic about the fan festivals, as they feel like more of a cash grab, despite offering free general admission. I do have high hopes for at least one unofficial viewing area at Granville Island.
In Vancouver, there’s not a great deal of anticipation. While politicians and bureaucrats are agitated, my impression is that the average Vancouverite feels a mix of mild interest and annoyance regarding the expected traffic and transit disruptions on match days.
This concern extends to the U.S., where I grew up; I hope there are no violent incidents. My home country is currently in a volatile situation, and I lack confidence in the ability of U.S. authorities to ensure fan safety, especially during festivals and areas outside the stadium experience.
