The 2026 World Cup was more than just a sporting event; it was a testament to America’s ability to unite and overcome challenges. In a time when pessimism about the future is rampant, with 69% of Americans dissatisfied with the current state of affairs and 59% believing the country’s best days are behind it, the World Cup served as a reminder of what America can achieve.
The tournament brought together 1,248 players from 48 countries with 400 government agencies involved in security alone. It was a massive undertaking that showcased America’s unique federalist system and the ability of different regions to work together.
The World Cup as a National Endeavor
The 2026 World Cup was not an exclusively American event, with matches held in Canada and Mexico as well. However, the United States played a central role, hosting 75% of the matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This was the largest number of games ever hosted by a single nation in World Cup history.
Given the deep divisions in the country, many doubted America’s ability to organize such a massive event. However, the tournament proved that America could rise to the challenge. The USMNT‘s final game, marred by controversy, provided additional fodder for skeptics. But in the end, the World Cup demonstrated that America could organize a historic event while reflecting its unique national structure and character.
The Power of Federalism
The World Cup highlighted the strength of America’s federalist system which combines sovereign states with a strong federal government. This decentralized structure made the logistical challenges of hosting the tournament more complex, requiring more effort, compromise, and involvement from civic institutions and the business community.
In New York and New Jersey where I served as chair of the host committee, we worked across state and city lines to lodge players, transport spectators, coordinate fan festivals, and more. Despite political differences, we were able to count on partners throughout the federal government, who supported states and cities with funding, coordination, and infrastructure development.
This collaboration didn’t just happen in the Northeast. It occurred across the country, reflecting America’s place as one of the world’s largest and most populous democracies. The World Cup was a major national event made up of dozens of individual events, each with its own budget, laws, priorities, and culture.
The Character of the American People
The World Cup also showcased the character of the American people. Despite a decline in America’s international reputation, the tournament allowed millions of foreign fans to see the country in a new light. Visitors were stunned by the scale of our cities, the architecture and history of our buildings, the variety on our store shelves, and our hospitality.
Foreign fans discovered that Americans are kindgenerousgregarious and welcoming. Whether it was Norwegians rowing in Times Square, the Tartan Army drinking Boston dry, or Lawrence, Kansas becoming the unofficial home away from home for fans of the Algerian national team, people around the world fell in love with America. And America returned the favor.
Perhaps the most lasting legacy of the 2026 World Cup is the reminder it provided of America’s potential. If millions of people from around the globe could imagine America at its best, then so can we. As we enter our 250th year, we can see our country the way so many fans returning home now see us: as a fundamentally good place, full of fundamentally good people, still capable of doing extraordinary things.
