The 2026 World Cup has come and gone. From all accounts it seems, the United States has received positive reviews as a host nation.
The biggest criticism was largely reserved for President Donald Trump. This sentiment was on full display Sunday, when Trump presented Spain with the World Cup trophy after defeating Argentina in the final game in New Jersey. The stadium filled with boos for Trump as fans united to let their feelings be heard.
The moment became even more awkward as Trump tried to soak up the praise meant for Spain’s winning club, resulting in being escorted off stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Despite Trump, the reviews of the United States from international visitors were largely positive. I have read several news reports and social media accounts with stories of international friendship, accommodating hosts, and a general spirit of camaraderie.
Host cities adopted teams and attended rallies and watch parties throughout the country. Cultures that previously had little interaction had a positive, joint experience.
The matches were a triumph despite a myriad of mistakes made by the Trump administration that could have created a disaster.
The administration roiled multiple teams, including Iran, with heavy-handed immigration practices, and hotel bookings suffered as fans worried about Trump-era hostility.
It was widely reported that Trump and Infantino set the ticket prices to attend games. Prices were exorbitant and unreachable for the average fan. All too often, match prices ranged well into the thousands of dollars.
It has already been reported that prices for the 2030 Cup being held in Spain, Portugal, Morocco will return to the norm of 100 to 300 dollar range.
The Trump team approached the World Cup still tied to their policies. But that didn’t stop the United States and the rest of the world from joining together—in spite of Trump and his politics.
International friendship and the unifying bonds of sport proved to win out in the end.
