Source: Pixabay
Soccer isn’t exactly the biggest or most popular sport in the United States. It’d be fair to argue that it’s not a top-three sport, or even a top-four sport. Even so, the US is a co-host of the biggest single-sports tournament on the planet, and so, there’s a natural allure for local sports fans who want to witness the massive event.
For the opening of the tournament, New York and large parts of the country were infatuated by the New York Knicks finally winning their first NBA Championship. Now, those fans who crave more high-octane sporting action can look to the World Cup. Helping to spur them on will be countless brands and superb fan groups.
Building World Cup Fever Beyond the Stadiums
The 2026 World Cup is bigger than any previous instalment and is being treated as a huge opportunity to connect to fans. Just about every brand, business, and platform that can tap into the surge in interest for football are doing so. Even places like Guadalajara Zoo are getting in on the action by letting their residents predict match winners.
Football has become a huge selling point, just as it is every World Cup summer. In the UK, you’ll see iceberg lettuce being wrapped in football-style bags at supermarkets, and more football games arriving at the online casino. Despite seemingly being very detached, fishing and blackjack have now combined with football in different games.
Big Bass Football Bonanza is an all-in football game from the most popular fishing slot series going, while Goal Goal Goal! Blackjack brings the football setting to the classic card game. Elsewhere, you can see even non-sporting fashion brands getting in on the action, including GAP, CQP, Percival, and Clarks.
Spurring on World Cup Fever in the Streets
It’s all well and good being surrounded by football things and FIFA collaborations, but nothing beats seeing the scenes and experiencing the buzz in-person. Three fan groups from the opening round of games stand out for their ability to coax in even the least football-friendly sports fans across the country.
#FIFAWorldCup, ARE YOU READY?! 🧡#NothingLikeOranje #NEDJPN pic.twitter.com/2uDy8WGbc3
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 14, 2026
Fans of the Netherlands took to the streets of Dallas to amp up for their clash with Japan. A sea of orange flooded the paths to the stadium, complete with left-right bouncing, cheering, and orange smoke. Few could walk past such revelry and not get wrapped up in the occasion set by the Dutch.
Looking to go deep in the tournament and take on the favoured French national team, Brazil have brought a massive following to fill the stadiums of the famed Canarinho. After their opening game, the contingent of some 10,000 Brazil fans walked the Brooklyn Bridge decked out in green and yellow, bringing Carnival joy to New York.
Then, there are the Scots. Although they took the lead in a group that also features Brazil and Morocco, few predict them to go beyond the Round of 32. As such, Scottish fans are determined to make the most of it. Boston has been the hub for the Tartan Army, with thousands of them bouncing in the streets to Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.
World Cup fever is sweeping across the US, with bubbly fan groups from around the globe almost certainly inspiring more locals to get involved and help take the occasion to the next level.
