U.S. Embraces World Cup Across 11 Cities as Fans Forge Unexpected Cultural Bonds
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 19
U.S. Embraces World Cup Across 11 Cities as Fans Forge Unexpected Cultural Bonds
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 19
Summary
American crowds turned the World Cup into a nationwide celebration, with supporters and teams spreading across 11 host cities and generating enthusiasm that outpaced pre-tournament anxiety.
Chance encounters drove that shift: an El Paso fan in Los Angeles found himself cheering for Iran, while visitors brought chants, marches and street parties that drew locals into the tournament.
Boston was swept up by Scottish supporters, Houston by a Dutch party-bus procession, and New York subway riders by Norway’s Viking row as fan rituals spilled into public spaces.
Times Square became a gathering point for supporters from nearly every team, with Argentina fans taking over before Sunday’s final in New Jersey.
The reception contrasted with fears that an increasingly inward-looking U.S. under the Trump administration might offer the world a colder welcome.