The 2026 World Cup won over America and proved the planet wrong

The 2026 World Cup won over America and proved the planet wrong, according to a reflective account from an embedded sports reporter in East Rutherford, N.J. The author describes how covering one team and monitoring injuries and training schedules meant missing the tournament’s wider atmosphere. Still, fan demand for live coverage followed them, from questions at the airport about satellite TV to people gathering inside the terminal to watch highlights and discuss the Argentina–England match. The piece notes that many skeptics expected empty stadiums, weak passion, and unwelcoming communities, particularly after the U.S. exited early. It argues that the event instead helped turn casual viewers into committed supporters across the United States and beyond. It also references ongoing criticisms around ticket pricing, political entanglements, and VAR, while emphasizing the overall tournament experience.