Fans praise vibrancy of 2026 World Cup while flagging costs and politics
Supporters from the United States, Mexico and Canada have celebrated the tournament’s energy and friendly atmosphere, even as many criticised high prices and the political backdrop in the host country. Fans and visitors described joy, camaraderie and lively scenes that, for them, outweighed commercial pressures and other negatives.
Published 2026-07-23, voices from host cities captured a mix of enthusiasm and frustration as the triple-host World Cup unfolded. In Boston, which staged its first match of the tournament, organisers and spectators encountered large contingents of visiting fans, notably a substantial Scottish presence for the Scotland v Haiti fixture. Those supporters stood out for their costumes and street performances, creating an audible and visual buzz around the stadium precincts, according to eyewitnesses. Moon, Boston
Many travelling supporters and local attendees emphasised the sense of occasion generated by international visitors in team jerseys, with impromptu music and street gatherings contributing to a carnival-like feel. Observers noted that groups of visiting fans interacted with local buskers and brought their own traditions into public spaces, helping fill neighbourhoods with noise and colour. The scenes were repeatedly described as infectious, drawing people who do not normally follow football into match-day celebrations.
Despite the atmosphere, criticism of the event’s commercial aspects surfaced frequently among fans. Multiple visitors pointed to the burden of ticket costs, with at least one attendee reporting that they had been to three games and found the ticket prices “extremely expensive.” Those concerns ran alongside appreciation for hospitality from local residents, who many said helped make the experience memorable.
Hospitality from people living in host cities received consistent praise from visiting fans, even as they voiced unease about wider national politics. Several supporters remarked that, while they enjoyed local warmth and friendliness, they perceived the political situation in the country as troubling and discussed it openly with fellow travellers and hosts. Commentators also highlighted that many visitors were careful to distinguish between the actions of the administration and ordinary citizens when reflecting on their stay.
The combination of lively fan activity and pointed complaints paints a complex picture of the World Cup on the ground: a tournament famed for bringing people together, yet one that has exposed tensions over cost and politics. For many attendees the memorable human moments and hospitality provided a counterweight to those issues, leaving a lasting impression of shared celebration amid debate.