World Cup Fever Turns U.S. Cities into a Global Fan Festival
TL;DR
As the 2026 World Cup lit up the U.S., record TV numbers and packed venues were complemented by off-field moments—Algerian fans in Kansas City, Norway’s Viking Row, the ranch-dressing craze, the Scottish Tartan Army in Boston and Miami, and a Texas lemonade stand drawing visitors from around the globe—showing the tournament as a vibrant, cross-cultural celebration beyond the matches.
- The soccer fans who fell in love with America during the World Cup NBC News
- The U.S. Braced For the World Cup. It Fell in Love Instead. The New York Times
- America’s World Cup report card: some As for atmosphere, but F for affordability The Guardian
- How the U.S. Lost the World Cup—and Won Over the World WSJ
- This World Cup served as the ultimate proof of how big global soccer stars have become in America Inquirer.com
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