‘So vibrant and full of life’
This summer unfolded with a burst of energy and enthusiasm. Initially skeptical, I felt the excitement build as Boston geared up for its inaugural match in the World Cup. The arrival of Scottish fans for their game against Haiti significantly contributed to this lively atmosphere. Their playful antics—placing traffic cones, wearing kilts, and playing bagpipes alongside local musicians—were truly enchanting. I was drawn in by the sight of supporters from various nations proudly wearing their team jerseys, creating a sense of something extraordinary unfolding. Even those in my circle who usually overlook football found themselves swept up in the fervor. I attended three matches, with my only complaint being the steep ticket costs. Visitors praised American hospitality, although many noted the discouraging political climate. It was heartening to observe how fans differentiated between the administration and the general populace.
‘We sent out a message’
As the tournament approached, the mood was somewhat muted; numerous store owners expressed their discontent over being sidelined by FIFA, and the exorbitant ticket prices dampened spirits. Yet, once the matches began, this cognitive dissonance failed to deter fans from gathering at watch parties across the city, which overflowed with joy and celebration. While we couldn’t attend the live games due to the costs, the festivities continued, often independent of FIFA’s involvement. Despite the organization’s shortcomings, we made it clear that football belongs to the people, not the institutions. A standout moment was the exuberant celebration following Colombia’s victory over DR Congo, which lasted for hours and filled the streets with Colombian pride. And who could forget Merlin the duck?
The first week of the tournament set a positive tone: Vancouver’s notoriously unpredictable weather surprised everyone with pleasant conditions, the pedestrianization of Granville Street was a remarkable success, and it appeared that everyone embraced the experience wholeheartedly. I was fortunate to witness the match between Egypt and New Zealand, a bucket-list event for me. The entire affair was seamless, from the efficient public transport to the electric atmosphere at fan parks and the stadium. I even won a bet on the correct score! The local community truly welcomed the world, embodying the saying that “Canadians are born all over the world” It was a delight to see diverse communities bringing their unique energy to the large screens. We showcased the best of Canada during the tournament: beautiful and inviting. After promoting Vancouver to family and friends, I hope my experience will encourage others to visit. A cherished moment was when my son opened his first pack of Panini football stickers just before the first match.
Having experienced the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where fans congregated in Johannesburg and Cape Town, I found this year’s host cities felt too spread out. I traveled through DC, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta during the tournament—two of which were official host cities, while the others could have easily hosted. Unless one actively sought out football events, the atmosphere resembled any ordinary day.
Overall, it appears that people relished the experience, though the roads and public transit were somewhat chaotic. It was unusual to see crowds lining up at bars and pubs by 9 AM, and a beer shortage added to the frenzy. Vancouver had a similar ambiance during the Winter Olympics, but personally, I’m relieved it’s over. I’m ready for the city to return to its quieter self.
‘The Mexican fans were wonderful’
Having attended several matches during the 1986 World Cup, I found it impossible to do so this year due to the high prices. Nonetheless, the atmosphere in the city was fantastic, with people enjoying matches in restaurants, bars, public squares, fan fests, and stadiums. The Mexican supporters were exceptional and left a lasting positive impression on all. My partner is English, and we have two sons who love football; our best moment was watching the Mexico versus England match together in Mexico City.
‘A surprising success’
We went to a fan fest in Philadelphia but skipped the matches due to the outrageous ticket costs. Not even my older brother, who has attended World Cup matches in South Korea and Olympic football games in China, was willing to pay up. Despite FIFA’s antics and the political climate during Donald Trump’s presidency, the World Cup emerged as a surprising success. We enjoyed the company of international fans and the sight of our own diverse community cheering for their ancestral homelands. While many still view our elected leader as ineffective—an accurate perception—this event reminded everyone that the U.S. can be a beautiful place to visit. The camaraderie and joy exhibited by fans, particularly those from Norway, Scotland, and Japan, showcased humanity at its best.
Initially, the atmosphere leading up to the tournament was marked by cynicism regarding ticket prices and FIFA’s disregard for fans, further complicated by discomfort over Gianni Infantino’s connections to the Trump administration. The prospect of co-hosting with them felt unsettling. However, as the tournament began, that cynicism clashed with genuine excitement for the thrilling football, the underdog stories, and the joy of hosting the world. I contemplated boycotting due to my disdain for FIFA, but friends and family urged me not to miss the matches. Eventually, I attended two games, both of which had an incredible atmosphere. Vancouver’s ambiance was exceptional, with an exciting buzz leading into the stadium, and everything was remarkably organized. The host cities and their fans truly excelled.
‘A success and an embarrassment’
The World Cup was a success in terms of elevating the sport to a level of national attention that felt refreshing, akin to the Olympics. Yet, it also exposed dysfunction within the U.S. government: referees denied visas, teams forced to train in Mexico, and troubling politics involving our president and FIFA’s president. I hope future trilateral hosting arrangements proceed without such embarrassing displays of egotism.
‘The city came alive’
The energy in the city was astonishing. We haven’t experienced such vibrancy in years. Although Toronto hosted fewer matches, its multicultural character made every game feel like a home match for the competing teams. Most residents embraced the event, prompting significant advancements in transit and essential roadworks. Perhaps we should host major events more frequently. I was genuinely impressed by the number of fans visiting our city; their processions to the stadium, particularly for the Portugal versus Croatia match, were striking. This World Cup has proven that Canada is not solely a hockey nation, and I eagerly anticipate its impact on the sport here.
‘I cannot get enough of those bagpipes’
Everyone has shared positive feedback about our international visitors, and we’re thrilled they enjoyed their time here. Our guests displayed remarkable politeness while celebrating with enthusiasm. A friend who attended a game in Atlanta described it as the greatest experience of her life. Even those who typically disregard sports, myself included, found themselves glued to the television for the matches. I believe this tournament will create a legacy of U.S. cities being capable of hosting large events in a way that delights our guests. It was heartwarming to witness our visitors enjoying our food and the overall American experience. Additionally, seeing the Scots parade through the streets of Boston was exhilarating. I cannot get enough of those bagpipes! They captured my interest and got me watching.
‘It was purely a party’
I was fortunate enough to attend five games, and the excitement from fans will remain with me forever. Being able to see Canada play in my hometown during the World Cup (and win) is something I never thought I would say. I hope those who watched the games in Vancouver leave with a positive impression of my city, and I believe the event’s execution will achieve that. I want people to view Canada as a welcoming and celebratory nation. Our diversity as a country is our strength, especially during a time when populism and xenophobia are on the rise globally. Witnessing people from all walks of life joyously supporting their teams was beautiful. There was no animosity towards opposing teams or countries, just pure celebration.
‘We have been one again’
The experience was incredible. Our nation has been divided—like the rest of the world—due to political strife for quite some time. However, during the past six weeks, we united as one: one country, one team! We rediscovered the sense of hospitality we had lost amid troubling headlines about violence and drug cartels. I did not hear of any incidents occurring around the games. I will cherish the moment of singing the national anthem during the opening ceremony with my family.
‘Some cities did a better job than others’ve never seen anything close to it’
I was taken aback by the level of interest in the tournament. The excitement typically peaks when U.S. teams make significant runs, but this year was different. Everyone I know was invested in the matches. I was fortunate to attend several, including U.S. games in Santa Clara, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The stadium atmospheres were electric; I’ve never experienced anything like it at U.S. matches before. Seattle was particularly breathtaking, with fans on their feet throughout the entire match and the surprisingly fitting use of ‘Country Roads.’ The stadium’s proximity to the city center allowed the energy to spill into the streets in ways suburban stadiums cannot replicate.
‘Some cities did a better job than others’
I traveled from Massachusetts to follow my team, Egypt, during the tournament. It was evident that some cities managed the event better than others; the vibe was noticeably different when the stadium was located downtown compared to those situated outside the city. In Dallas and Boston, it was hard to sense a World Cup atmosphere, while Seattle, Vancouver, and Atlanta thrummed with it. Overall, despite the negative sentiments leading up to the tournament, it exceeded my expectations. I only wish there had been more games held in Canada and Mexico.
