The upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to feature 104 matches over 16 cities spanning Canada, Mexico, and the United States, from Vancouver to Mexico City and San Francisco to Boston. As we move closer to this grand event, we are collecting perspectives from fans in these cities as part of our “My World Cup” series. Here, several correspondents express their initial thoughts.
Atlanta
My excitement for the approaching tournament pales in comparison to the thrill I experienced in 1994 when the World Cup last visited the United States. Nowadays, it feels like an event meant solely for the wealthy. For my wife, two children, and me to attend a group stage match, it would cost around $2,000, which I simply cannot justify. The prices for the knockout rounds will be even steeper.
Watching from home feels like being on another planet, which is disheartening given that the 1994 tournament left a lasting impression on me as a teenager. I long for my kids and the city to feel that same thrill. Back then, American awareness of the tournament was limited, yet this time, fewer people will have the chance to witness it live.
In Atlanta, indifference towards the World Cup appears to be the norm. Those who care seem frustrated by ticket prices, while the majority aren’t discussing it at all. The media coverage has been minimal, mostly spotlighting the rampant price hikes.
I genuinely hope FIFA faces substantial losses and that fans choose to stay away from the US or refuse to pay those outrageous ticket prices. I also wish for the expanded format to fail, leading to low viewership during the early rounds. I expect a repeat of the situation seen in Qatar, where empty seats were common, yet the number of games was high for revenue. Once the knockout stage begins, global viewers will tune in for the competitive matches. I can envision the US advancing from their group only to stumble against their first real opponent, much like Qatar did. Kyle
Boston
Amid the chaotic events both nationally and globally, finding enthusiasm for the tournament proves challenging. In 1994, I attended all the matches at Foxborough, including the unforgettable clash between Diego Maradona’s Argentina and Nigeria, as well as the Italy-Spain quarter-final. My excitement was through the roof; witnessing a World Cup in person was a lifelong dream, and I thought I’d never get another chance.
Now, perhaps due to this being my second experience, my enthusiasm has faded. However, I am confident that once the tournament begins, I will become engrossed in the games, including watching them on television. I look forward to welcoming international guests to the museums where I work part-time; I can already envision some friendly banter about the US team’s less-than-rosy outlook.
Unfortunately, I won’t be attending any matches. The ticket prices are ridiculous, and the buying process is overly complicated. Currently, I don’t sense much buzz surrounding the event. That might change as the tournament date nears and the weather warms. We did have a pre-tournament friendly match—Brazil versus France—that attracted a large crowd, thanks to our thriving Brazilian community, whose enthusiasm remains strong.
Discussions regarding the tournament have largely focused on negative aspects, particularly traffic congestion. The stadium is located in Foxborough, approximately 30 miles from the city. Although improvements to train services are planned, they won’t be adequate for the expected influx of visitors. Complaints from the local community have led to reduced parking availability near the stadium. Recently, an agreement regarding traffic and parking was reached among the town, the New England Patriots, the State of Massachusetts, and FIFA, but it may result in significant complications.
Dallas
I was initially excited about the World Cup until I learned about the ticket prices and the purchasing process. My passion for the sport remains intact, and I plan to closely follow the tournament, but the costs have made it feel like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slipping away. The buildup in Dallas feels lackluster; there is a noticeable absence of promotional materials or signs, and it doesn’t seem to be a major event here. I haven’t heard of any prominent national teams choosing to set up camp in our area, which is understandable given the soaring temperatures expected in late June and July.
My main hope is for a smooth tournament devoid of incidents. I wish for the focus to remain on great games rather than on international or national political issues. I’d love to see the US team reach the quarter-finals, using the tournament to elevate soccer’s popularity in the country. However, my hopes and expectations feel worlds apart. Andrew
I was looking forward to having the World Cup right in my backyard, hoping to attend a match. Instead, the ticket prices are outrageous. Most locals earn between 10,000 and 30,000 pesos monthly, which translates to about $425 to $1,275.
Enthusiasm is noticeably lacking for various reasons. There’s a growing anti-US sentiment; concerns persist about whether fans from certain countries can travel to matches due to visa restrictions; and there is significant support for Iran. It feels as though the World Cup has been commandeered by the US. Politically, FIFA appears to be yielding to US pressures. The promotion for the event seems nearly non-existent, and excitement is at a standstill.
We love our soccer, and I believe the mood will improve as the tournament approaches, but this World Cup feels tainted. In my view, the games should have been moved to Canada and Mexico the moment Donald Trump took office. I wish for minimal attendance at the US games and for people to protest the way this event has been managed. This World Cup doesn’t seem to unite the world; rather, it highlights the political agendas that have sullied the sport, transforming it into a profit machine that overlooks dedicated fans. The only assurance I can provide is that visitors will be treated with kindness and respect; safety will be prioritized. Heather Chambers
Houston
Initially, I was thrilled that Houston was chosen as a host city for the World Cup. Having seven matches taking place right in my city felt like a dream come true. However, my excitement has somewhat diminished due to ticket prices, the difficulties associated with acquiring them, and the dilution of the competition from including too many teams. Tickets for the match between Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde are priced over $200, which is absurd.
The unfortunate reality is that my love for football might lead me to spend exorbitant amounts on resale tickets for England’s game in Dallas. Having lived here for over 25 years, I recognize that this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see England play in a World Cup match in Texas.
While there is some underlying excitement in Houston, it is more subdued than I had anticipated. Over the past two decades, soccer has gained traction across the US, including in Houston, yet the city still leans more towards American football, baseball, and basketball. Some areas are being adorned with World Cup decorations, and infrastructure improvements are underway, but I sense the city is unprepared for the influx of tourists. Expect heavy traffic during the event. Ian Sherman
Kansas City
Upon hearing that Kansas City would host matches, I felt a surge of joy and pride, but sadness also washed over me as my late brother Grant and our parents, who passed away during the pandemic, cannot share in this excitement. While I remain proud of my city’s prominence on the global stage, I harbor concerns regarding our nation’s current state, the US’s military actions in Iran, and Gianni Infantino’s questionable ties to our president.
I am eager to showcase my city, but I fear international visitors may be taken aback by our sprawling distances, dependence on cars, and inadequate public transportation. I worry about how global events may affect the tournament, alongside the steep ticket prices, and the troubling prevalence of guns in American cities, especially after a mass shooting that occurred during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebrations, just across from the fan festival location.
My late brother held a profound connection to the World Cup, which brings me both deep sorrow and a desire to ensure positive experiences for this global soccer competition. I mourn for Grant, who cannot witness this moment, and I miss the insights he would have shared. More importantly, I hope our hometown will honor his memory.
In Kansas City, there’s a sense of cautious anticipation. High ticket prices could exclude many locals, but we will fill the sports bars and community viewing venues. The people here take pride in their hometown, and local businesses are hopeful for a lucrative season. Above all, we want the experience Kansas City offers during the World Cup to be safe and positively perceived by the international community. Sporting events like this can unite us in joyful ways, which is something we all need. Eric Wahl
Los Angeles
While I feel thrilled, I also have reservations. My first World Cup experience was in 1994, and since relocating to the US in 2004 and embracing this country, I have dreamt of attending a match in my home city. However, the current climate of anti-immigrant sentiment and the ongoing conflict with Iran make this a difficult time.
Moreover, FIFA’s ticket pricing appears to exclude genuine fans. I attended the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and had an incredible time, purchasing tickets for $100-200. Now, it’s absurd that paying over $600 for a group stage match is considered normal, not to mention the outrageous parking fees, especially since public transport options to the stadium in LA are limited.
I would love to take my wife and children to a game, but the ticket prices may prevent that from happening. It feels like the tournament caters to those willing to spend anything to attend, regardless of their knowledge of the sport. My hope is for the tournament to be accessible to more fans, fostering growth in the sport among younger generations and ensuring a smooth experience for international visitors without concerns over immigration enforcement. Walid
Mexico City
From the outset, I was skeptical about Mexico joining the North American bid, sensing that the US was leveraging our involvement to lend an air of inclusivity while leaving us with mere scraps. The decision to host only 13 out of 104 matches in Mexico feels demeaning, especially since this is a nation deeply passionate about soccer and has previously hosted two successful World Cups.
Participating in this World Cup feels wrong. Under the Trump administration, the US is poised to be one of the least welcoming hosts. They should be opening their doors to fans worldwide, yet they are creating barriers for citizens from several qualified nations, not to mention being the first host nation engaged in military action against one of the participating countries. Mexico has no enemies and welcomes everyone, so being involved in this discriminatory World Cup is disheartening.
This is arguably the worst FIFA has ever been, and while the World Cup will take place here, it seems many will not be able to partake. The ticket prices and purchasing system are exploitative and unattainable for 90% of the population. I don’t know who will fill the stadium. Most people I know cannot afford the prices, and those who can choose not to participate in this exploitation. I hope the stadiums remain empty to deter such practices in the future.
I’ll be watching from home (though the expanded number of teams makes most matches feel inconsequential) and will engage in fan festivals, which we’ve experienced at previous tournaments. Watching matches at El Zócalo will feel no different from our experiences in Russia 2018 or Qatar 2022. While the matches will occur in the Azteca, they could just as easily be in Turkey, New Zealand, or Antarctica—the experience for most Mexicans will remain unchanged. The city is making efforts to promote the tournament, but I haven’t sensed any excitement on the streets.
Ultimately, this event has been a disruption to daily life, a squandered opportunity for long-term benefits, and a disservice to the people who should enjoy it. It feels like an affront to a country that loves soccer, treated like an afterthought, and it’s embarrassing to co-host a tournament tainted by FIFA and Trump. Francisco Fontano Patán
Miami
I’m genuinely excited but don’t know anyone attending a game due to the outrageous costs involved. I hope to celebrate the tournament in a fan zone. Unfortunately, there’s not much buzz in Miami; many local bars are still unaware of the tournament’s significance. My wish is for everything to unfold smoothly without any incidents. This is a particularly unsettling time for everyone in the country. Geoff Willerton
Monterrey
The World Cup is the pinnacle of global sporting events, and while I am genuinely thrilled, I have mixed emotions. Most people cannot afford tickets or even a new jersey. This tournament feels alienated from the average citizen. FIFA has commodified it for the elite. Fortunately, regular folks can gather in parks to watch games, creating unofficial fan festivals.
I’ll aim to attend a game in Monterrey, as they are more reasonably priced than in Mexico City. Overall, people aren’t buzzing with excitement, but I anticipate that the mood will shift positively as the tournament approaches. I hope Mexico’s team performs admirably. While I don’t expect them to win, I hope they at least deliver a commendable performance. Ultimately, I hope the event generates some positive economic impact. Jose Galindo
New York/New Jersey
As is typical with major events in New York, this one seems likely to be largely overlooked. There’s simply too much happening in the city for anyone to focus on a few “soccer” matches at MetLife Stadium, which is actually located in New Jersey and feels distant from New York City. Even during the Super Bowl in 2014, the event barely registered on the radar. I’m excited about attending a couple of Australia’s matches in San Francisco and Vancouver, but I suspect it will be a lackluster affair in New York City.
The atmosphere will resemble any other day in New York, where life moves at a dizzying pace and countless events vie for attention. I doubt many are aware or care that we will soon host a World Cup final. My primary hope for the tournament is that it fosters peace, love, and harmony, with everyone enjoying themselves. We desperately need that! Parker
Initially, I was thrilled, but my interest has waned due to ticket prices, the ongoing political climate, and the rise of ICE. Perhaps it was easier to overlook FIFA’s questionable practices when the event was further in the future, or maybe things have truly worsened. I had planned to attend matches, but the ticket costs and general apathy suggest that’s unlikely. I’m curious to see how the fan zones will be set up, yet I fear it will simply turn into another cash grab (and the heat will make it uncomfortable to be outside for long).
In Philadelphia, I’ve noticed some posters and merchandise, but enthusiasm is lacking. It’s not a common topic of conversation—people often ask which “EPL” team I support when they hear my accent, but I can’t recall anyone mentioning the World Cup. I’m torn about the tournament: half of me wants to enjoy the matches, while the other half hopes it collapses so FIFA isn’t encouraged to continue draining the joy from the sport. James Powell
San Francisco
I have a deep love for the World Cup, having grown up watching it with my family, and I plan to catch every single match this year. However, the anticipated celebration in our region seems absent. My friends had hoped to join me for fan zone activities, but we may not have any fan zones at all. I also thought we would be able to attend at least one match, but ticket prices are simply prohibitive. I’m unwilling to pay $250 to watch Austria face Jordan from extreme nosebleed seats. If prices drop significantly, I would love to see the Paraguay-Turkey match due to the incredible Turkish fans.
I wanted my friends to truly experience the World Cup. I envisioned them mingling with Paraguayans, Algerians, and others. But who will actually be attending? This won’t be the kind of World Cup where you stroll down the street and feel the host city’s vibrancy.
What frustrates me most is the prioritization of sponsors and VIPs over true fans. I don’t believe American sports executives grasp the significance of the World Cup or its fundamental importance. Our host city committee CEO has stated that the Super Bowl is the event they’re preparing for most, while the World Cup is considered secondary. If we had organizers who understood soccer, they’d be doing everything to foster fan energy and create a World Cup atmosphere. Instead, we can likely expect just concerts and events that lack real connection.
Many people are indifferent to soccer and unaware that the World Cup is happening this summer, much less in our backyard. Others may know but simply don’t care. For those who do care, the ticket prices are prohibitively high. It’s disheartening to think that the World Cup is here, yet we can’t engage with it. That’s truly heartbreaking. Ali
Seattle
The entire family is thrilled about the World Cup arriving in Seattle. We regularly attend Seattle Sounders matches and follow our city’s sports teams. All four of us—my wife, our daughters, and I—have applied to volunteer. The stadium is conveniently located downtown, and I plan on attending fan zones with my daughters as often as possible. My wife and I hail from Bristol in the UK, so naturally, we’ll be rooting for both England and the USA, but we also have a soft spot for the team from Curaçao after our recent vacation there.
Seattle is a vibrant sports city with several professional teams. The Seattle Sounders have been a fixture here since 1974, supported by a dedicated fanbase. As expected, the local sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with banners decorating the city and ramping up excitement.
On a serious note, security measures are being implemented for the matches. Following the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory parade, which attracted nearly a million fans downtown, we have valuable experience in managing large crowds, which will serve us well for the World Cup. I hope fans in all the host cities have a fantastic time, and I’m excited to meet supporters from around the globe, showcasing what a wonderful place Seattle is. Roger Paul Probert-Baker
Toronto
I’m filled with excitement. Toronto is a melting pot of cultures, representing all nations, and during the World Cup, our streets, bars, homes, backyards, and stadiums will be teeming with fans from every corner of the globe. This tournament was tailor-made for a city like Toronto. When Italy won, a million Italians flooded into Little Italy. Fans from Germany, Portugal, Cameroon, France, Britain, Scotland, and Mexico will all join in friendly competition, celebrating by honking their horns every time their teams score—and will fill the streets in celebration when they triumph. It’s an exhilarating sight to behold.
I reside in a Portuguese neighborhood where residents are eagerly anticipating stars like Ronaldo. Toronto lives and breathes World Cup football, and this year, the excitement will reach new heights. I wish for all the matches to be moved to Canada and Mexico! Peter Nazir Faiz
Vancouver
I became a soccer fan in my teens and once dreamed of living in a World Cup host city. Now that I do, however, my enthusiasm has waned. The primary factors dampening my excitement are FIFA’s poor reputation, the overwhelming scale of the tournament, and the burdensome costs and logistical challenges it poses for host cities. I won’t be attending matches due to exorbitant ticket prices, but I plan to participate in public viewings, though my enthusiasm for the fan festivals is lukewarm as they seem geared more toward profit, even if general admission is free. I do have high hopes for at least one unofficial viewing area at Granville Island.
Vancouver doesn’t seem to be buzzing with anticipation. Local politicians and officials are all abuzz, but I sense the average Vancouverite is only mildly interested in the tournament and somewhat irritated by the traffic and transit issues expected on match days.
This concern is more pertinent to the US, where I grew up, as I hope no one gets hurt. My home country feels like a powder keg at the moment, and I lack confidence in US authorities to ensure fan safety, especially at fan festivals and areas outside the stadium. Ian Holliday
