World Cup 2026: Football in the US – Familiar Yet Strange

A reporter's notebook from Miami: exploring the complex relationship between America and football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico draws closer, one question lingers: what is the true state of football culture in the US? To find out, I embarked on a field trip to Miami, a city known for its vibrant sports scene. Walking through the streets of Miami, I saw fans wearing jerseys from various national teams, gathering in bars to cheer for goals. Yet, unlike the all-consuming passion seen in Europe or South America, the enthusiasm here seems more concentrated among immigrant communities and younger generations. A local fan told me, 'Football is growing in America, but it's still far from the status of American football or basketball.' There is a paradox in how Americans perceive football: during the World Cup, TV ratings soar, and US men's national team matches draw massive audiences. However, the daily reality of Major League Soccer (MLS) lags far behind European top leagues in attendance and attention. This 'tournament fan' phenomenon highlights football's dual identity in the US—familiar through the World Cup's spectacle, yet strange when it comes to the domestic league. At the home stadium of Inter Miami CF, I experienced an MLS match firsthand. The stands were packed, and fans sang loudly, creating an electric atmosphere. But a closer look revealed many fans wearing jerseys of European giants rather than the home team. A veteran sports commentator explained, 'American football culture is still being built. Many fans fell in love with the sport through European football, and they need time to transfer that emotional attachment to local clubs.' The youth development system in the US is also evolving rapidly. I visited a local football academy where children were undergoing professional training. The coach said that with the 2026 World Cup approaching, more families are prioritizing football education, hoping it will open doors for their children. However, compared to traditional sports like basketball and baseball, football's penetration in schools remains limited. Notably, the success of the US women's national team has given a powerful boost to the sport. As four-time World Cup champions, the USWNT boasts a massive fan base, often surpassing the men's team in influence. At a sports store in Miami, I saw jerseys of female stars selling as well as those of male players. A female fan said, 'The women's team makes us proud. They prove that football can be just as exciting in America.' Looking ahead to 2026, the US will experience an unprecedented football frenzy. But the real challenge lies in converting short-term excitement into long-term passion. As a local journalist put it, 'The World Cup is a shot in the arm, but the true test comes after. We need to make football a part of American life, not just a quadrennial celebration.' In closing, I recall the words of an old fan: 'Football in the US is like a familiar stranger—we know it, but we don't really know it. 2026 might be the year we finally get to know it.'

World Cup 2026: Football in the US – Familiar Yet Strange

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