‘So vibrant and full of life’
This summer has been incredibly lively and full of energy. I had my reservations, but as the World Cup got closer and Boston prepared to host its first match, I began to feel the buzz in the air. A big part of that was due to the large number of Scottish fans who showed up for their game against Haiti. They were a joy, with their antics of placing cones everywhere, strolling around in kilts, and playing bagpipes while jamming with other street performers. They were such a fun crowd. I found myself getting caught up in it all. Seeing people from so many different nations wearing their jerseys made it feel like something special was happening. Friends and coworkers who usually don’t follow soccer were just as excited as I was. I went to three matches, and my only gripe is how pricey the tickets were. The fans visiting had nothing but nice things to say about American hospitality – though everyone acknowledged that the political situation here is pretty bad. It was uplifting that the visiting fans could distinguish between the government and everyday people living here. Moon, Boston
‘We sent out a message’
Before the World Cup started, there was a bit of gloominess; shop owners complained about Fifa shutting them out and many felt down about the sky-high ticket prices. But once things kicked off, that didn’t stop folks from heading out to various watch parties around town filled with excitement and joy. We may not have been able to afford the real deal, but we kept celebrating without Fifa’s involvement. Despite everything Fifa did wrong, we made it clear that football belongs to people, not institutions. One highlight for me was witnessing the incredible celebrations after Colombia defeated DR Congo – they went on for hours into the night spilling out into multiple blocks – it felt like our city had never been more Colombian than at that moment. Oh yes, and Merlin the duck! Eme Guitron, Guadalajara
Merlin the duck turns heads in Mexico City. Photograph: Paola Garcia/Reuters
‘We saw the best of Canada’
The first week set an amazing tone: Vancouver’s often unpredictable weather was perfect; closing Granville Street off to traffic worked really well; everyone seemed excited about being part of it all. I attended Egypt vs New Zealand which turned out to be an unforgettable experience for me. Everything went smoothly from start to finish: public transport ran perfectly, fan parks created a fantastic atmosphere along with what felt like an electric stadium vibe during games – plus it ended up being a thrilling match! I even won on a score prediction bet! People truly embraced this global gathering with open arms. They say “Canadians are born all over,” and seeing various communities come together added so much color watching games on big screens everywhere across town made me proud of my country’s reputation for hospitality at this tournament: welcoming and beautiful Canada shone through! I’ve been telling friends about Vancouver’s charm for years now-hopefully this will encourage travelers worldwide to visit too! Watching my son open his very first pack of Panini football stickers right before kickoff? Priceless moment! Ben Lane, Vancouver
‘The host cities were way too spread out’
Having lived in South Africa during their 2010 World Cup hosting experience where fans gathered primarily in Johannesburg or Cape Town kept excitement centralized throughout those weeks-I can confidently say these host cities spread far apart didn’t generate quite as much unity among supporters over here at times either! During this tournament alone I’d traveled through DC , New York , Chicago , then Atlanta-all marked differences concerning vibes between two official venues versus neighboring locations nearby where you’d hardly notice anything unusual amidst regular life routines unless seeking places showing football matches specifically. Kyle , New York
Argentina fans gather in Times Square before the World Cup final. Photograph : David Ramos / Getty Images
‘I am glad it’s all over’
It seems like everyone enjoyed themselves overall ! Transit systems struggled somewhat while streets became chaotic-not something locals expect seeing crowds lining bars by 9 AM-especially since beer availability ran low at peak hours too ! Reminded me back when Vancouver hosted Winter Olympics previously under similar vibes surrounding events occurring downtown. Personally speaking though ? Happy it’s wrapped up now-I want my quiet city back please… Eleanor , Vancouver
‘The Mexican fans were wonderful’
I attended several matches during ’86’ ’World cup but couldn’t manage any games this year due high costs involved instead opting enjoy watching every match enjoying company restaurants bars public squares fan fests stadium crowds filled positivity. The Mexican supporters provided such great experiences showcased how warm-hearted they truly are towards others across globe making good impressions worldwide. My partner hails from England along two sons passionate about football so best moments shared included catching live-action Mexico vs England matchup right together within Mexico City itself ! Oliver Regueiro , Mexico CityA Mexico fan prepares for their match against Czechia. Photograph : Natacha Pisarenko / AP
‘ A surprising success ’
We went along Philly’s fanfest although skipped attending any actual games since finances weren’t working our favor-neither would eldest brother who once witnessed previous world cup held S. Korea Olympic action China choose splurge tickets thanks inflated pricing levels currently expected nationwide regardless issues raised thanks FIFA Donald Trump yet surprisingly enough festival atmosphere succeeded beyond expectations despite everything else surrounding hosts ! Loved having visitors join us experiencing diverse cultures cheering proudly alongside fellow citizens supporting ancestral roots combined camaraderie friendliness shown particularly amongst Norwegians Scots Japanese reminds us humanity shines brightest even amidst chaos sometimes.. W Pfister , Louisiana
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