Few expected this. Before a single ball was kicked, the 2026 FIFA World Cup looked destined for chaos in the United States. Political tensions, soaring ticket prices, visa restrictions and fears over the tournament's atmosphere all fuelled predictions of disaster.

Donald Trump had threatened to annex co-host Canada, invade fellow co-host Mexico and was at odds with Iran, one of the tournament's participants. Fans from Senegal, Ivory Coast and Haiti struggled to secure visas, while expensive tickets and disappointing hotel bookings added to concerns.

Critics also questioned FIFA's introduction of hydration breaks that included television commercials, accusing organisers of putting commercial interests ahead of the game. With immigration raids continuing across the country, many feared the tournament would struggle to embody FIFA's promise of uniting the world.

Then everything changed.

Packed stadiums, dramatic matches and record-breaking television audiences transformed the mood almost overnight. According to Sports Business Journal, the first 78 matches attracted an average attendance of 64,511 fans—around 10,000 more than the 2022 World Cup.

Stadium occupancy reached 99.7%, while FIFA said it had already sold 6.5 million tickets. The crowds were not only made up of overseas visitors or immigrant communities but also Americans embracing football in unprecedented numbers.

Television figures smashed previous records. Nielsen reported that the United States' round-of-16 defeat to Belgium attracted an average of 33 million viewers on Fox, peaking at 41 million during the closing stages.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the audience exceeded those for both the 2025 World Series and Game 5 of last month's NBA Finals. The Athletic described it as the most-watched soccer broadcast on a single US network in history.

Interest stretched far beyond the American team. England's dramatic clash with Mexico drew 21.7 million viewers on Fox and another 23.2 million on Telemundo, while both broadcasters posted record tournament averages.

Polling by Ipsos Sports suggested the excitement had spread across American life. Four in ten adults followed the tournament on social media, one in four watched matches in bars or restaurants, and one in five attended a World Cup watch party.

Fans described the atmosphere as impossible to escape. Brooklyn resident Alex Lawton estimated he had watched dozens of matches, often on Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo because it was a cheaper streaming option.

His friend Paul Revell said football had become "completely ubiquitous" across New York City. He even recalled passengers gathering around strangers' phones on the subway, cheering together during live matches.

The surge did not happen by accident. Soccer has steadily grown in popularity since the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup, which helped launch Major League Soccer, while the success of the US women's national team and increased television coverage of European leagues have expanded the sport's audience.

Broadcast times also worked in America's favour, with many matches taking place during primetime instead of inconvenient overnight hours.

The football itself delivered constant drama. The tournament averaged three goals per match, its highest scoring rate since 1958, while stars including Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane thrilled audiences with goals and unforgettable moments.

The expanded tournament also produced surprise stories. Curaçao celebrated its first-ever World Cup goal, while Cape Verde stunned many by reaching the knockout stage after progressing from the group phase.

For many supporters, however, the biggest story unfolded away from the pitch. Alex Lawton called the World Cup "a brilliant reprieve and a unifying force" that brought together people from different backgrounds during a politically divided period.

Scenes across the country reflected that spirit. Lawrence, Kansas welcomed Algeria's national team with chants and a live performance of the Algerian anthem, Japanese fans celebrated with Houston musicians, Scotland supporters filled Boston pubs, and communities from Los Angeles to New York packed streets and bars to watch together.

Ecuadorian American Steven Guevara described strangers hugging, crying and celebrating together after Ecuador's match against Germany. As the tournament heads towards its climax, the World Cup has become far more than a sporting event for many Americans—it has become one of the country's biggest shared experiences in years.

‘A brilliant reprieve, a unifying force’: America falls in love with World Cup

Is it really a surprise that it happened or that peoples bias towards certain things clouded their minds to believing 1 man was the end of everything.

Who knew the US could fill stadiums without Taylor Swift? 😜

On 7/11/2026 at 10:32 AM, blaze master said:

Is it really a surprise that it happened or that peoples bias towards certain things clouded their minds to believing 1 man was the end of everything.

It was all a media blias by the far left, like most stuff these days, next up is the O games in L.A. just watch!

On 7/11/2026 at 11:51 PM, bannork said:

As the tournament heads towards its climax, the World Cup has become far more than a sporting event for many Americans

Yes, I can't wait to see where Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino jointly present the championship trophy to the winning captain on July 19th. Likely Trump will make the presentation about Trump packaged in a canister of lies and personal grievances, ie., the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.

Despite criticism over soaring costs, commercialisation and political tensions, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced something many feared had been lost. From Mexico City to Seattle, rival fans have mixed, celebrated and shared unforgettable moments, turning football's biggest tournament into what many see as a rare display of unity.

Long before England faced Mexico in a blockbuster last-16 clash at the Estadio Azteca, storm clouds gathered over Mexico City. Police warned supporters to seek shelter as thunderstorms approached, but outside the famous stadium the mood remained joyous.

Two England fans happily played hopscotch on a chalk-drawn court marked "Viva Mexico", drawing smiles from local children and adults alike. Around them, volunteers organised limbo games, Mexican dance groups entertained arriving supporters and friendly banter flowed between England and Mexico fans queuing for kick-off.

Those scenes, according to the article, captured the essence of the World Cup. Fans from different countries, cultures and generations gathered around one shared passion despite having little else in common.

The article argues that this was exactly what FIFA founder Jules Rimet envisioned when he launched the tournament in 1930. His ambition was to bring together nations and people who might otherwise never meet, even if only for a short time.

World Cup volunteers form a 'Limbo' dance scene for passers-by in Mexico City

That spirit, it says, has survived despite growing frustration over FIFA's decisions. Supporters have complained about expensive tickets, visa issues, restrictions on items such as water bottles, changes to stadium branding and controversial disciplinary decisions, yet the atmosphere inside and outside the grounds has remained vibrant.

One of the strongest examples came during Iran's group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle. The fixture coincided with Seattle Pride Weekend and unfolded against the backdrop of political tensions involving Iran, anti-gay laws in both competing nations and conflict involving the tournament hosts.

Before kick-off, thousands of Egypt supporters walked alongside Iran fans through the city's waterfront. Many stopped to take selfies together, while nearby campaigners protested over issues ranging from Palestine to the Iranian government and US politics.

Egyptian and Iran football fans in Seattle

According to the article, these very different groups occupied the same streets peacefully. Pride campaigners, anti-Iranian regime demonstrators, Christian preachers, pro-Palestinian activists and anti-Trump protesters all voiced their messages without serious disorder.

One Iranian protester, identified as Emery, said demonstrators wanted to show that the Iranian national team did not represent the regime. He also criticised violence that he said had killed more than 42,000 innocent people in 12 days.

Inside the stadium, Iran suffered heartbreak after a dramatic late winner was ruled out by VAR, eliminating them from the tournament. Yet, according to the article, neither Seattle nor Mexico City recorded a single fan arrest during those high-profile matches.

The celebrations continued after the final whistles. England supporters sang "Wonderwall" at a bar outside the Azteca while Mexican fans smiled and joined in, despite their team's 3-2 defeat.

Elsewhere, fans gathered in Mexico City's Zócalo fan zone, while Egypt and Iran supporters danced together outside a Seattle brewery after their match. Rivalries faded as football took centre stage.

Looking back over the tournament, the article argues that few sporting events can match the World Cup's ability to unite such diverse communities. It concludes that, despite commercial pressures and wider political controversies surrounding FIFA and the tournament, the shared experiences of ordinary supporters remain the competition's defining and most enduring strength.

Why FIFA’s antics cannot take away World Cup’s most beautiful feature

I hope they don't get too involved in to Football ,as they will want to start

changing the rules , like 4 quarters to help the advertisers ,bigger goals

as they don't really understand the concept of a draw , as all their sports

are high scoring .

regards worgeordie

24 minutes ago, worgeordie said:

I hope they don't get too involved in to Football ,as they will want to start

changing the rules , like 4 quarters to help the advertisers ,bigger goals

as they don't really understand the concept of a draw , as all their sports

are high scoring .

regards worgeordie

Is that so ?

Do give us the name of the country that won the last woman's cup ?

13 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Is that so ?

Do give us the name of the country that won the last woman's cup ?

Spain

6 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Yes, I can't wait to see where Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino jointly present the championship trophy to the winning captain on July 19th. Likely Trump will make the presentation about Trump packaged in a canister of lies and personal grievances, ie., the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.

6 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Yes, I can't wait to see where Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino jointly present the championship trophy to the winning captain on July 19th. Likely Trump will make the presentation about Trump packaged in a canister of lies and personal grievances, ie., the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.

6 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Yes, I can't wait to see where Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino jointly present the championship trophy to the winning captain on July 19th. Likely Trump will make the presentation about Trump packaged in a canister of lies and personal grievances, ie., the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.

You should try to make room in your head for other people.

I think Spain beat England.

6 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

Spain

Over England was it? It was few years ago and I have really watched one WC game: Japan vs Australia I think it was in 2015. And soem stupid Australian commentator said, "Oh! The Australian girls really deserved to win that they've worked so hard!"
What the ACTUAL?
Yeah, and the Japanese team did what, exactly, tool off the coral keys for four years? Wha an asinine comment.
So it must have been 2023 that Spain won. The daughter of this household plays football and asked for the TV package to watch the games.
So, based on that,. the USA must have won the 2019 WC.

18 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

Spain

Oops I mean the 2 before that. I dont really follow it too much. Point being the usa has win a few times so it kinda makes the point I replied to moot.

46 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Is that so ?

Do give us the name of the country that won the last woman's cup ?

No one cares about lesbian football other than people with an agenda.
It's unwatchable.

29 minutes ago, Tourist2 said:

No one cares about lesbian football other than people with an agenda.
It's unwatchable.

Didnt say anyone cares just disproving the commentary point is all.

2 hours ago, worgeordie said:

I hope they don't get too involved in to Football ,as they will want to start

changing the rules , like 4 quarters to help the advertisers ,bigger goals

as they don't really understand the concept of a draw , as all their sports

are high scoring .

regards worgeordie

A draw is like kissing your sister.

screw the haters, the whole world cup has been fabulous. haaland is now an icon here lol

1 hour ago, Effective altruism said:

A draw is like kissing your sister.

Please keep your fantasy to yourself 🙂

On 7/11/2026 at 2:52 PM, Nemises said:

Who knew the US could fill stadiums without Taylor Swift? 😜

The stadiums were filled with foreigners who came to support their national teams.

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

screw the haters, the whole world cup has been fabulous. haaland is now an icon here lol

Perhaps, but it it has brought forward the issue of FIFA corruption.

The question was asked long ago; why do the Europeans need FIFA?

31 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Perhaps, but it it has brought forward the issue of FIFA corruption.

The question was asked long ago; why do the Europeans need FIFA?

no idea, but give it to us if you want it run right

4 hours ago, Tourist2 said:

No one cares about lesbian football other than people with an agenda.
It's unwatchable.

No according to my mate AI.

Come on T2, get up to date.

Women's football is currently the fastest-growing sport globally, emerging as a multi-million-euro industry driven by record-breaking international tournament viewership, sold-out club matches, and surging corporate sponsorships. While general interest still lags behind the men's game in some regions, the sport is experiencing unprecedented commercial expansion.

International Tournaments and Global Viewership

Major international competitions have broken historic viewership and attendance records, regularly attracting tens of millions of viewers globally.

• World Cup: The 2023 Women's World Cup drew nearly 2 million fans in person and generated $570 million in commercial revenue.

• Continental Competitions: The UEFA Women's Euros have consistently broken tournament attendance records, with the vast majority of matches selling out and averaging massive live audiences.

• National Milestones: Broadcasts regularly break national television records; for example, up to 11.7 million people in the UK watched England’s semi-final matches, and in Australia, World Cup games became the most-watched broadcasts in the country's history.

how popular is women's football - Google Search

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

The stadiums were filled with foreigners who came to support their national teams.

If the stadiums were only full of foreigners, who exactly was filling the other 99.7% of the seats for 104 matches? 🤔 The evidence says the US public embraced the tournament in a way many critics insisted wouldn’t happen. Reality beat the prediction.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/11/america-world-cup-love-football

America falls in love with World Cup

The world’s TV screens and social media feeds were filled with footage of American stadiums packed with rapturous, record-setting crowds. Through the first 78 matches, according to Sports Business Journal, an average of 64,511 fans were attending each game – 10,000 more than the 2022 tournament. Stadiums have averaged a 99.7% occupancy rate and Fifa says it has sold 6.5 million tickets. Those in attendance haven’t just been from overseas, or Americans with familial ties to other nations, but American fans in love, or falling in love, with the game.

Edited July 13Jul 13 by Nemises

Norway's fans' reaction to their loss to England.

Wonder what the English fans will do when they lose to Argentina, 555.

7 hours ago, Yagoda said:

screw the haters, the whole world cup has been fabulous. haaland is now an icon here lol

I expected the tournament to be well organised, but I thought that some matches would play to half-empty stadiums with kids being bussed in to boost the attendances.

I'll admit that I was wrong. From a distance, it appears that the US public has embraced and supported the tournament, so fair play to them.

The negatives: Firstly, the four quarters - the sooner we go back to two halves the better - and secondly, the poor standard of officiating.

4 minutes ago, RayC said:

Firstly, the four quarters - the sooner we go back to two halves the better - and secondly, the poor standard of officiating

werent any us referees

1 minute ago, Yagoda said:

werent any us referees

😂 Unfortunately, the truth is that the US officials are among the worst. The Ecuador - Germany match is evidence of that.

It's rigged.

I expect a lot of the players friends and family will make bank on Kalshi.

Who's going to prosecute them?

FIFA?

2 hours ago, bannork said:

Wonder what the English fans will do when they lose to Argentina

Maybe England will beat Argentina.

2 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

It's rigged.

I expect a lot of the players friends and family will make bank on Kalshi.

Who's going to prosecute them?

FIFA?

Which team gains an advantage from the rigging?