The World Comes to America: The Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Living in the United States during the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup feels like witnessing history in the making.

For many Europeans, football is deeply embedded in everyday culture. In France, major international tournaments are moments that bring entire communities together. Cafés fill with supporters, families gather around televisions, and national conversations revolve around matches, players, and unforgettable moments.

The 2026 World Cup will be unique. For the first time, the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, creating the largest World Cup in history.

As a French citizen living in California, I am particularly excited to follow the French national team as preparations intensify. France remains one of the strongest football nations in the world, and expectations will once again be high.

Beyond the sporting competition, the World Cup represents something larger. It brings together countries, cultures, and millions of people around a shared passion. In a world often divided by politics and geography, sports remain one of the few experiences capable of creating truly global moments.

Over the coming months, American cities will welcome visitors from every corner of the world. Stadiums, airports, restaurants, and public spaces will become meeting points for cultures and traditions that rarely intersect.

The World Cup is ultimately more than a tournament. It is a celebration of international connection, competition, and human achievement—and I am excited to experience part of it from here in the United States.