International supporters visiting the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup said they were surprised by the friendliness of American hosts [1, 2].
These observations suggest a disconnect between global perceptions of U.S. attitudes toward foreigners and the actual experiences of tourists during the June 2026 tournament [1, 3].
Fans from Haiti, Morocco, and Canada interviewed in Atlanta, Georgia, highlighted the hospitality and helpfulness of local residents [1, 2]. Visitors said their interactions with locals were warm and welcoming, a sentiment that contradicted prior expectations some held about the country [2, 4].
Beyond the social interactions, visitors expressed appreciation for American food, customs, and the overall culture they encountered in various host cities [2, 3]. The scale of the event and the bigness of the American experience also left a strong impression on the visiting crowds [3].
Some British visitors said their previous assumptions about the U.S. were incorrect after experiencing the tournament atmosphere [5]. This trend of positive reception has been observed across multiple host cities as the tournament progresses this month [2, 5].
While some U.S. journalists have expressed skepticism regarding the tourist enthusiasm, the prevailing sentiment among international fans remains positive [3]. The contrast between internal media reactions and the external visitor experience highlights a gap in how the U.S. is perceived domestically versus internationally during major global events [3].
“Visiting fans are surprised by the friendliness of American hosts”
The positive reception of international fans suggests that large-scale sporting events can act as a catalyst for soft-power diplomacy, potentially improving the global image of the U.S. by replacing preconceived stereotypes with direct, positive human interactions.
