World Cup 2026

World Cup 2026 will be from June 11 – July 19. There are 48 teams playing all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The welcome mat is being rolled out, as people from all over the world come to play and cheer on their team. Each team selects a city to live in for practices and games.

 The soccer team from Algeria chose Lawrence, Kansas. Germany is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Spain is training in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Although most people in Lawrence, Kansas know little about Algeria, they are welcoming their visitors and expressing interest in learning more about the players and their country. By the first week, the residents were beginning to wear green jerseys to cheer on the team. A news crew interviewed an older man and asked him what he knew about Algeria. He replied, “Not much yet, but we want to welcome them here.” The University of Kansas sent its marching band to Algeria’s training field. They had spent the week learning the Algerian National Anthem and played it as the team came out on the field. The Algerian team is investing in the community, by offering training sessions, going through drills, and signing autographs. They are considering themselves honorary Kansans.

 

The people in Alexandria, Virginia had a street festival, with Croatian food and music. Soccer fans in Spokane, Washington have gathered to watch Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah. A new Egyptian restaurant has seen its business increase, since the soccer team came to town.

 

Curacao is the smallest country to ever reach the FIFA World Cup. They are settling in Houston, Texas. There are 156,000 residents in Curacao and almost 7,000 have come for the games. It’s a way to share their island, culture, and team with the world.

 

Players and fans from Scotland, Germany, and the Netherlands are also staying in Texas. Dallas Stadium and Fort Worth shuttle busses are taking tourists to the Buc-ee’s near Texas Motor Speedway. Trinity Metro Cowtown shuttles are offering visitors rides to Buc-ee’s, Tanger Outlets, Fort Worth Zoo, and Six Flags.

 

From grocery stores, amusement attractions, food, and special events, the world athletes have come to experience the US. May they see us at our best.

 

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

John 15:12