(SeaPRwire) – By: Marcus Sinclair, a Senior Fellow at a prominent European geopolitical and security think tank
The United States is in a state of pessimism. A Pew Research poll shows 69% are dissatisfied with the status quo, and 59% believe the nation’s prime days are over. Predictions for 25 years ahead paint a bleak picture: more danger, division, economic hardship, and less global influence. In this climate, the 2026 World Cup was a timely event.
The World Cup was a colossal global affair. Millions attended in person, cheering for 1,248 players from 48 countries. Over 100 broadcasters reached over 2 billion TV viewers and billions more on social media. More than 400 government agencies handled security. Although there were three host nations and five host cities in Canada or Mexico, the U.S. played a dominant role. 75% of matches, including the final, were on American soil. With the format expansion from 32 to 48 teams, the U.S. hosted more games than any previous World – Cup host.
Given the country’s deep – seated divisions, political dysfunction, and real challenges, many doubted America’s ability to pull off this event. The red – card controversy in the USMNT’s final game added fuel to the skeptics’ fire. However, the U.S. not only organized the World Cup but did so in a way that reflects its unique national structure. The federalist system, with its combination of sovereign states and a strong federal government, along with overlapping jurisdictions, usually makes logistical challenges more difficult. But during the World Cup, different levels of government collaborated. In New York and New Jersey, the host committee worked across state and city lines for player lodging, spectator transportation, and fan festivals. The federal government also provided support in funding, coordination, and infrastructure.
This cooperation wasn’t limited to New York and New Jersey. It was a national phenomenon, highlighting America as a large and populous democracy. The World Cup was a series of individual events across the country, each in a community with its own characteristics. It was an example of the nation the Founders envisioned, a country that allows for and embraces regional differences.
Some claim these differences are so great that the U.S. can no longer be a single nation. The World Cup disproved this. It showed that a single national identity can emerge from distinct state and regional identities. Different World Cups in cities like Miami, Boston, and Kansas City combined to showcase something uniquely American.
Moreover, the World Cup revealed the true character of the American people. The U.S. has a declining international reputation, but foreign fans who attended the event saw a different America. They were amazed by the scale of cities, building architecture, store variety, and even ranch dressing. Most importantly, they found Americans to be kind, generous, and welcoming. From Norwegians in Times Square to the Tartan Army in Boston and Algerian fans in Lawrence, Kansas, people around the world fell in love with America, and America reciprocated.
If we’re lucky, this could be the 2026 World Cup’s most lasting legacy. If millions globally can see America at its best, so can Americans. As the nation enters its 250th year, it can view itself through the eyes of returning fans: a fundamentally good place with good people, still capable of extraordinary feats.
Author bio: Marcus Sinclair, a Senior Fellow at a prominent European geopolitical and security think tank, offers deep insights into global events.