It’s a rather strange experience during a World Cup in the United States.
For starters, everything is measured in miles rather than kilometers, and each stadium appears to be slightly further away than Google Maps suggests. The tournament has quickly become a lesson in geography, logistics and the American definition of «close.»
Journalists have it a little easier than the supporters. FIFA operates special media shuttles from designated hotels. As long as you can get there on time – few can afford to stay there, especially journalists from countries where the dollar has developed an unhealthy obsession with climbing – you can get a free ride.
However, fans haven’t been so lucky. Those staying in New York and traveling to New Jersey have likely felt the most disadvantaged. A round-trip New Jersey Transit pass costs about $98 on game days, while on normal days the same trip can be made for just over $20.
One of the few venues allowed to keep its original name during the tournament, MetLife Stadium, unlike Gillette Stadium or Levi’s Stadium, is an imposing bowl that can seat more than 80,000 people. Fortunately, the seats are full despite the best efforts of the transport networks and FIFA, who have priced the tickets far too high.
Atlanta, meanwhile, was a pleasant surprise. The stadium is within walking distance of the center. Having hosted the Olympic Games before, it seems that the city is comfortable with events of this magnitude. The World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium provide valuable distractions for fans on a journey that is a unique experience for many.
Here too, the media are quite spoiled. The lavish lunch buffet is standard for cricket reporters at home, but almost mythical for football correspondents. By the second helping, most of us were considering extending our stay in Atlanta for “professional reasons.”
However, American cities have one habit that repeatedly catches traveling fans and journalists off guard. They go to bed surprisingly early, except in New York. Most city centers are deserted by 7:30 PM and it is almost impossible to find a place to celebrate or mourn.
After a 7pm game in Philadelphia we continued to wander the city looking for food. Finally, we found a taco shop that had heroically ignored the curfew that everyone seemed to be adhering to.
The bus back to New York arrived well after midnight, leaving hundreds of people at an uninspiring bus station after Brazil’s match against Haiti.
Dallas may have done the best job among the host cities. With nine World Cup matches, the city’s organizing committee has made a genuine effort to welcome both supporters and the weary press. The media center is first class, requiring reporters to commute to Arlington daily on non-match days and providing us with every amenity possible.
Argentine fans had turned Klyde Warren Park into a temporary corner of Buenos Aires through their now famous banderazo rallies. The locals, initially curious, have joyfully embraced the colorful parade of cultures that has arrived with the World Cup.
The Japanese remain everyone’s favorite and win admirers not only with their football, but also with their now famous ritual of cleaning the stadium, regardless of the result.
However, the taxi drivers remain thoroughly amazed at the excitement among many visiting fans about making pilgrimages to Target and Walmart.
Published on July 1, 2026
