Soccer fans welcome newcomers ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup is coming to the United States in June, and soccer fans say newcomers don’t need to understand every rule to enjoy the experience.
Alex Flippin, a soccer influencer, said offsides and stoppage time still confuse many Americans. But spending time around the game reveals it’s not really about understanding every detail.
Kenny Cooper, a former professional soccer player who played for Manchester United and FC Dallas, said the sport brings people together.
“It gathers people to be in community… friendships, relationships, memories… that’s really the great treasure of soccer,” Cooper said.
Soccer’s growth in America
Cooper showed Flippin around the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco. He said the sport has come far since his early days, when teams knocked on doors to give away tickets.
Fields are now packed with kids. Fans wake up early to watch teams playing around the world at soccer-specific pubs.
Camille Rogers and Emma Hein work at the Londoner Pub in Addison, Texas, where they take orders between the cheering and chanting that accompanies every match.
“Seeing these people come out… rooting for their team… it’s just insane to me,” Rogers said.
Hein said the atmosphere gets crowded and rowdy.
“It’s shoulder to shoulder… it’s so rowdy… it’s so fun,” Hein said.
A welcoming culture
Rogers said the culture stands out. Fans find a home for their team and bring a different culture with them.
Hein said the environment is welcoming despite the intensity.
“They’ll open you with open arms… like, ‘Hey… this is how we do it,'” Hein said.
Cooper said there’s no prerequisite to getting involved or watching the game.
With the World Cup coming to the United States, that invitation is about to expand.
“If you can get to one… it’ll be a life-changing experience…but even if you can’t you’re going to feel the pulse of the World Cup,” Cooper said.
The FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off in June with 104 matches scheduled across 11 U.S. cities, from Miami to Seattle and Los Angeles to Boston.
