The World Cup is the world’s largest sporting event, attracting over 1.4 billion viewers worldwide. Every four years, a country or countries are picked to host this major event. This year, the United States, Mexico, and Canada are hosting the 2026 World Cup. Prepping for the tournament has brought excitement throughout the country. As the event gets closer, fans get more and more ready to cheer their team on till the end. For Brennan Fillsell (11), he is excited for it to be hosted in the U.S. because it brings the energy of the world’s game right to his backyard.
“It’s going to be hosted here, so everything will feel close to home,” Fillsell said.
As the tournament approaches, that sense of connection is something many fans are experiencing. Stadiums across North America are undergoing upgrades, cities are preparing for massive waves of visitors, and local communities are gearing up for celebrations that will last all month long. Even those who don’t typically follow soccer are beginning to feel the buzz, drawn in by the excitement that only the World Cup can generate. Fans are more ready than ever for the day to come for kick off.
“I feel it’s good. All the stadiums are really good, so I’m excited,” Filsell said.
With the World Cup being just around the corner, the anticipation couldn’t be higher. For most, it will be the first time experiencing the world in their home country, making this a rare opportunity to go to the games. Due to mass crowds from all over the world and limited tickets, prices have skyrocketed, leaving fans with no other option but to just watch at home. Still, the excitement hasn’t faded. Cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are preparing public viewing areas, fan festivals, and community events so that even those without tickets can still be part of the action.
“I think the prices are way too high, and it kind of just accommodates for the rich people,” Filsell said.
Even with the prices, the World Cup is becoming more than just a sporting event for North America. It’s becoming a cultural moment, one that blends traditions, languages, and passions from all over the globe. Whether people are traveling to a match, attending a watch party, or simply tuning in from their living room, the sense of unity the tournament brings is undeniable. Even for fans who might not know every player’s name or understand every rule of the game, the World Cup has a way of drawing everyone together, if only for a few unforgettable weeks. As kickoff approaches, the final preparations continue, and the excitement grows stronger by the day. Even for fans like Fillsell, to just cheer for England is to feel connected to something bigger than themselves. It’s a chance to celebrate a team, a culture, and a sport that has shaped so many moments of their lives. And for Fillsell, that connection runs deep.
“It means a lot because I’ve been playing soccer since I was six, so I mean, no matter who wins, it’s just I can relate to everything that they’re feeling,” Filsell said.
