The 2026 World Cup was meant to showcase soccer’s U.S. breakthrough, but its opening week is raising harder questions. High ticket prices, travel barriers, and uneven crowds now sit beside online mockery of American chants, exposing a tournament chasing both packed stadiums and authentic fan culture.
The 2026 World Cup was meant to showcase soccer’s U.S. breakthrough, but its opening week is raising harder questions. High ticket prices, travel barriers, and uneven crowds now sit beside online mockery of American chants, exposing a tournament chasing both packed stadiums and authentic fan culture.