Soccer fans welcome newcomers ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
National Soccer Hall of Fame shows how the sport invites Americans to join the community
FRISCO, Texas (Gray News) — The FIFA World Cup is coming to the United States in June, with 104 matches scheduled across 11 cities from Miami to Seattle and Los Angeles to Boston.
For Americans unfamiliar with soccer, the sport can seem complicated. Offsides, stoppage time and other rules may not be immediately clear. But fans say understanding every detail is not required to enjoy the game.
Kenny Cooper, a former professional soccer player who played for teams including Manchester United and FC Dallas, said the sport is about more than rules.
“It gathers people to be in community… friendships, relationships, memories… that’s really the great treasure of soccer,” Cooper said.
Soccer’s growth in America
Cooper showed visitors around the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas. He said the sport has grown significantly in the United States since his early playing days.
“They used to go knock on doors to give tickets away… and it’s just come so far,” Cooper said.
Fields are now packed with kids playing soccer. Fans wake up early to watch teams playing around the world at soccer-specific pubs.
Emma Hein and Camille Rogers work at the Londoner Pub in Addison, Texas, where they serve food and drinks during matches. Hein said the atmosphere during games is intense.
“It’s shoulder to shoulder… it’s so rowdy… it’s so fun,” Hein said.
Rogers said the culture stands out.
“It’s like finding the home for their home team… a completely different culture,” Rogers said.
Welcoming new fans
Hein said the soccer community welcomes newcomers.
“They’ll open you with open arms… like, ‘Hey… this is how we do it,’” Hein said.
Cooper said no prior knowledge is needed to watch or get involved in soccer.
“There’s no prerequisite to getting involved or watching the game,” Cooper said.
With the World Cup coming to the United States, Cooper said the opportunity to experience the sport will expand.
“If you can get to one… it’ll be a life-changing experience…but even if you can’t you’re going to feel the pulse of the World Cup,” Cooper said.
The FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off in June.
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