The Magic of the 2026 World Cup: A Celebration of Humanity
One Beautiful Summer
Great Vibes, Great Football | 7.31.26
I had been looking forward to the World Cup ever since it was announced that Canada, the United States, and Mexico would be hosting the tournament. Like many people, I wasn't sure what to expect given everything happening in the world, especially here in the U.S. But, for me, what unfolded over those few weeks was something very special. Instead of division, there was celebration. Instead of headlines, there were stories. It was one of those rare moments when it felt like the world was healing and finding its way back to each other :).
Watching supporters from every corner of the world travel here and experience North America was one of my favorite parts of the tournament. The Japanese fans trying massive Texas barbecue platters, the Norwegians doing their iconic rowing celebration, the incredible stories coming out of the Cape Verde camp and their unforgettable goalkeeper, and of course, Messi continuing to make history. Every day seemed to bring another moment that reminded me why the World Cup is unlike any other sporting event.
When the tournament arrived in Boston, the energy was impossible to ignore. Suddenly the city was filled with supporters from Haiti, Morocco, Ghana, Norway, France, England, Scotland, and so many other countries. It felt like the entire world had come to visit.
I was lucky enough to cross a longtime dream off my bucket list by attending the Morocco vs. Scotland match with two friends. Seeing a World Cup match in person was everything I had hoped it would be. What I didn't expect was how much I'd love the Scotland supporters.
Their passion was infectious. Everywhere they went, they brought music, laughter, and a sense of community that made everyone around them want to join in. We spent time singing their chants, celebrating with them at the FIFA Fan Festival, and soaking in the incredible atmosphere before and after the match. In my ten years of living in Boston, I've honestly never seen the city quite like that. The pubs were overflowing, some even running out of beer, bagpipes echoed through the streets, and Scottish supporters somehow managed to decorate statues with traffic cones, a tradition I quickly learned is all part of the fun. For a few days, Boston felt completely transformed.
And it wasn't just Scotland.
Every fanbase brought something unique. Families traveled thousands of miles to cheer on their teams. Friends reunited from opposite sides of the world. Complete strangers celebrated together. Football became a language everyone understood.
In a time when it's easy to feel overwhelmed by everything happening in the world, the World Cup was a refreshing reminder of how much joy people can create when they come together. For a few weeks, differences seemed to take a back seat, replaced by curiosity, kindness, and a shared love of the game.
Boston was lucky enough to be part of that story, and I'm incredibly grateful I got to experience it firsthand.
I'll remember the matches, the chants, and the celebrations. But more than anything, I'll remember how, for one unforgettable summer, people from every corner of the world came together and reminded me just how much good there still is in humanity. Cheers to the 2026 World Cup!
With Love,
LC
And then there was ranch dressing.
Somewhere between the incredible matches and passionate supporters, ranch dressing somehow became one of America's biggest exports. Seeing fans from around the world packing bottles of ranch into their suitcases was probably not on FIFA's official highlight reel, but it was definitely on mine :).