The 2026 World Cup is bringing about a rare transformation in the United States. The country, traditionally dominated by sports such as American football, basketball, baseball and hockey, is experiencing a real explosion of interest in football thanks to the World Cup played at home and the performance above expectations of the American team.
This year’s tournament has already made history for being the first with 48 teams and 104 matches, in addition to being held simultaneously in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Of the total games, 78 take place on American soil, consolidating the country as the main stage of the competition.
But what draws attention is not just the football in the stadiums. In host cities across the country, the World Cup became a major cultural event.
Em Boston, Scottish fans packed bars and tourist areas. In Miami, Brazilians transformed beaches, avenues and tourist attractions into true extensions of the stands. Em Seattlethousands of American fans participated in organized marches to the stadiums, replicating a common tradition in countries passionate about football. The result is an international atmosphere rarely seen in the United States.
The success of the American team also helps to explain the phenomenon. The United States debuted by beating Paraguay 4-1 and then beat Australia 2-0, guaranteeing early qualification for the knockout phase. In the last round of the group stage, the team lost 3-2 to Turkey in Los Angeles, mHowever, the result had little impact, as the Americans had already secured the leadership of Group D.
Now, the American team will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the knockout stage, scheduled for July 1stat Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The European team advanced after gaining four points in the group stage, including an important victory over Qatar.
The clash is seen by analysts as one of the best opportunities for the American team to reach the round of 16 and dream of a historic campaign. The last time the United States made it this far in a World Cup was in 2002, when they reached the quarterfinals.
Popular enthusiasm has also been boosted by the return of stars like Christian Pulisicthe main name of the American team, who returned to the field after recovering from injury and was received enthusiastically by the fans during the match against Turkey.
Sports marketing experts estimate that the 2026 World Cup could mark a watershed for football in the United States. Major League Soccer, MLS, had already registered growth in attendance, investment and audience in recent years. Now, with packed stadiums, widespread media coverage and the national team advancing in the competition, the sport has reached an unprecedented level of visibility.
The party also takes place off the pitch. Hotels, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions in host cities are seeing an increase in traffic thanks to the arrival of hundreds of thousands of international visitors. The presence of fans from dozens of nationalities transformed the World Cup into one of the biggest tourist events ever held in the country.
With the United States celebrating 250 years of American independence in 2026, a historic campaign for the national team gains even more symbolism. For the first time in a long time, millions of Americans continue to follow the tournament not just because they are hosting the World Cup, but because they believe their team can go further.
And if the results remain positive, the 2026 World Cup could be remembered not only as the World Cup held in North America, but as the tournament that finally established football as one of the great sports in the United States.
