As the world cup in 2026 plays out, it plays out in a strange way for the United States. I don't think that a World Cup has ever been hosted in three separate nations before, and it is highlighting the host nations in ways I don't think anyone anticipated.
Fans are surprised by how bad Canada is. For all my life, I remember hearing that Canada was the "kinder, friendlier, superior version of the United States". Fan reactions don't seem to corroborate those feelings, at least not anymore.
Fans are surprised at how welcoming Mexico is. Leading up to the games, there was cartel violence in Mexico, but Mexico City has pulled out all the stops to renovate an old stadium and welcome visitors to their country. Even Americans.
Fans are surprised at how awesome America is. I've traveled extensively in Europe and the Caribbean since 2018, and I can tell you that international sentiment about America is not laudatory. However, fans seem to be loving America, particularly Texas despite the heat, and it is heartwarming to see so many people coming here and happy with their experience.
The world cup visitors are one of the best presents America could get for it's 250th Birthday, which is actually technically today. Although we celebrate on the 4th, the Declaration of Independence was actually ratified on July 2nd. So, it is a great blessing to America and Americans to have so many of our brothers from other mothers excited to be here and having a marvelous time here.
It wasn't a trick or a trap or a Trump endeavor. FIFA did this. And I'm 100% sure it was accidental.
People are glad to come to America, and they always have been. Foreign sentiment of late has many people believing that we are "a nation in decline". Foreign news had some people convinced they were going to be gunned down by an American. Instead, fans are loving our food, our stores, our landscape, and our freedoms, and I think we may see a change in attitudes about America and Americans as a result of the world cup, which means that no matter how well our team does, it will be a win for America. Sure, people will still detest our government (just like many Americans do), but they are seeing as we all know that Americans are not all represented by whomever controls Congress or resides in the White House.
So, happy Independence Day. Happy 250th Birthday to America. Go fly Old Glory, and long may she wave o'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.
Good luck to our FIFA team.
No comments:
Post a Comment