In the first of a new series of dispatches, fans in the 16 host cities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup share their hopes and fears for the tournament. The event will feature 104 matches across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, from Vancouver to Mexico City and San Francisco to Boston. Our correspondents provide a glimpse into the local mood, which ranges from cautious optimism to outright anger over ticket prices, political tensions, and FIFA's priorities.
Atlanta
Kyle from Atlanta says, "I'm much less excited than in 1994. It feels like an event for the rich now. It would cost $2,000 for me to go to a group stage match with my wife and two kids. None of those games is worth that." He notes that most people in Atlanta are apathetic, with those who care disenchanted by prices. "I hope FIFA loses its shirt on it and people do not travel to the US or pay exorbitant ticket prices."
Boston
David Achenbach from Boston says, "With so much going on in the country and around the world, I am finding it hard to generate a lot of enthusiasm." He attended games in 1994 but won't attend this time due to overpriced tickets and a byzantine buying process. He worries about traffic and parking at Foxborough, 30 miles outside the city. "I look forward to the World Cup every four years... I am sure that whatever cynicism and weariness I am feeling will fall away once the first games kick off."
Dallas
Andrew from Dallas says, "I was so excited until the ticket process and prices came out. It has priced me out of what I thought would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance." He notes muted buildup and apathy, with few signs of promotion. "Given the prices, the weather, and the political turmoil, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity seems not so worth it." He hopes for an incident-free tournament and great games.
Guadalajara
Heather Chambers from Guadalajara says, "I was looking forward to the World Cup being on my doorstep... But ticket prices are ridiculous. Most people here earn between 10,000 and 30,000 pesos a month." She cites growing anti-US feeling, visa concerns, and support for Iran. "Zero excitement. This is not a World Cup that is bringing the world together. It's one that proves football is mired in political agendas." She hopes for minimal crowds in the US and protests.
Houston
Ian Sherman from Houston says, "I was extremely excited... But my enthusiasm has been dampened by ticket prices, the difficulty of getting hold of them, and the dilution of quality." He notes subdued excitement compared to expectations. "The infrastructure of the fourth-biggest city in the US may buckle under the strain of additional tourists." He expects to pay over the odds for tickets anyway.
Kansas City
Eric Wahl from Kansas City says, "When I learned Kansas City was a host city, I was ecstatic and proud but also sad because my late brother Grant..." He worries about world events, ticket prices, and guns in American cities. "There is an air of wary excitement... More than anything, we want the experiences to be free of violence and to be looked upon as unexpectedly amazing."
Los Angeles
Walid from Los Angeles says, "I'm excited but conflicted. My first proper World Cup was in 1994... Given the glaring anti-immigrant politics and the war against Iran, it's not great timing." He criticizes FIFA for pricing out true fans. "My hope is that the tournament is accessible to more than just the people who can afford it."
Mexico City
Francisco Fontano Patán says, "I wasn't keen on Mexico joining the North American bid... The decision to play just 13 of the 104 matches in Mexico feels insulting." He calls the Trump administration one of the worst ever hosts. "The ticket prices and the system to buy them is abusive and out of reach for 90% of people." He hopes stadiums are empty to discourage future abuse.
Miami
Geoff Willerton from Miami says, "I'm very excited but don't know anyone going to a game as the cost is outrageous." He notes little buzz and hopes for a smooth, incident-free tournament.
Monterrey
Jose Galindo from Monterrey says, "The World Cup is the most important sporting event... but I have mixed feelings. Most people can't afford a ticket or a new jersey. This tournament feels distant from ordinary citizens." He hopes for a positive economic effect and a good performance from Mexico.
New York/New Jersey
Parker from New York says, "Like most big events in New York, it will be largely ignored. There's just too much going on... I think it will be a big 'nothing burger' in New York City." He hopes for peace, love, and harmony.
Philadelphia
James Powell from Philadelphia says, "I was excited, but my interest has steadily declined due to ticket prices, the peace prize, and the rise of ICE." He notes little excitement and says, "I'm in two minds: half of me wants to enjoy the games, the other half wants to see the whole thing fall apart."
San Francisco
Ali from San Francisco says, "I love the World Cup deeply... But the party I thought would descend on our region doesn't seem to be coming." He criticizes organizers for prioritizing sponsors and VIPs. "It's worse than if the World Cup was halfway across the world. It's here, but we can't even take part. That's heartbreaking."
Seattle
Roger Paul Probert-Baker from Seattle says, "My whole family is super-excited... The mood is very positive, with banners around town ramping up the energy." He looks forward to meeting fans from other countries and showing off Seattle.
Toronto
Peter Nazir Faiz from Toronto says, "I'm very excited. Toronto is a unique city as all nations are represented here... The World Cup was made for a city like Toronto." He expects the city to explode with excitement and hopes all games are moved to Canada and Mexico.
Vancouver
Ian Holliday from Vancouver says, "I became a soccer fan in my teens and remember thinking it would be amazing to live in a World Cup host city. Now that I do, though, I'm not excited." He criticizes FIFA and the tournament's size and cost. He hopes no one gets shot in the US and worries about safety.
