The excitement is building across the country as the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off right here in the United States! Hosting the world’s biggest soccer tournament alongside Canada and Mexico is a huge moment. Fans from every corner of the globe are arriving — wearing their team colors, singing chants, and bringing incredible energy to our cities and stadiums.
As someone who spent years as a kid reporter traveling tens of thousands of miles across America, talking to people from every walk of life, I can’t help but smile at this. Now, instead of just me going out to meet Americans, Americans are getting the chance to host the world. People from Argentina, Germany, Brazil, Japan, Nigeria, and dozens of other countries are visiting our towns, eating at local spots, exploring our cities, and experiencing what daily life is like here.
I’ve always believed that the best way to understand others is to listen and meet them where they are. This World Cup is giving millions of Americans that opportunity on a global scale. Imagine fans from different nations sharing stories at fan festivals, cheering together (or good-naturedly ribbing each other), and discovering common ground. Even when teams compete fiercely on the field, the spirit off the pitch can show us how to disagree passionately but still respect one another — the same “civil disagreement” I’ve learned is so important here at home.
What makes this extra special is that it’s happening in America. This is a country where people from all nationalities have come for generations seeking opportunity and freedom. Watching international visitors light up at our culture, our hospitality, and our way of life reminds me why I’m so grateful to be American. From massive stadiums and fan zones to small-town welcomes, we have the chance to show the world the best of who we are.
To all the visitors coming from around the globe: Welcome! I hope you experience the real America — the friendly people, the diversity of ideas and backgrounds, and the freedom that lets us celebrate something as unifying as soccer. And to my fellow Americans: Get out there, talk to someone rooting for another team, make a new friend, and soak in the excitement. This is more than just games — it’s a moment for connection.
Let’s make this World Cup one for the history books, on and off the field. The world is coming to us — let’s show them why we’re excited to have them here.
Only in America.