The Beautiful Game: The Cultures, Music, and Game That Bring People Together
If you weren’t already aware, the 2026 World Cup is here! While some Americans have been busy watching the Knicks win or the start of baseball season, soccer has taken over the US. As someone who lives near one of the host cities, Atlanta, it’s almost impossible to ignore. Even if you aren’t in a host city, it’s all over social media. From German fan Freddy’s adventures to Korean fans eating Mexican food for the first time, this World Cup is bringing people together in a divided world.
When it was first announced that North America would host the World Cup, I think most people were skeptical. How would that work across three countries, especially after the 2024 election in the US? The US government was and still is at odds with both Canada and Mexico. I have to admit I was pretty apprehensive the closer we got to the games. However, I have become enthralled with the unity from both fans and mildly interested Americans. Like the Olympics, the World Cup is uniting people all across the globe through cultures, music, and, of course, soccer.
Image via Fifa.com
Cabo Verde, Curaço, and the Ivory Coast are small countries with populations smaller than most American towns. This World Cup, they’ve had a huge impact! All three nations have made it to the biggest soccer stage and shown the world their culture. I saw a pretty big watch party for Cabo Verde in Atlanta. In no other context would I have learned anything about these beautiful countries and the people who live in them if it weren’t for the World Cup. Smaller countries are being spotlighted, and the fans are being brought to the forefront.
Speaking of fans, we have to mention how fans from around the world are experiencing new cultures within the US. People from all around the globe have now been to a Buc-ee’s. A Japanese fan on X wrote a whole poem about the unlimited supply of chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant. There are small moments every single day for international fans as they experience American norms, changing the way they see the world. There are plenty of horrible things happening around the US and in the world, but what a gift to watch people come together over some In-N-Out and a gas station sandwich.
Image Via X
Music is a universal language. You don’t need to understand it for people to resonate with it. Nowhere is that truer than in soccer. During the England vs. Croatia game, you could hear the fans scream the lyrics to The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside”. An odd choice, sure, but the stadium came alive. One of the most famous examples is how internationally known The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” is. No matter what corner of the world they will chant along to the beat. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is another song you will hear across the globe from sporting events to small town bars. The World Cup also puts out an album with Shakira and Burna Boy, with the official song. The album features a ton of different artists from around the globe, including Jelly Roll, LISA, Daddy Yankee, and more. There’s also the FIFA Fan Festivals happening at all 16 different locations. They feature some bands from the local area and a few heavy hitters. Even if you’re not interested in soccer, a free concert is a free concert.
Lastly, I know what you’re thinking: What’s the big deal with soccer? Americans don’t even really pay attention to the sport. While there has been a huge push with US cities getting their own teams and streaming showing Premier League games, there are people who still don’t really care. Personally, I don’t watch soccer outside of the World Cup and the Olympics. You don’t need to watch it regularly to be excited about the World Cup. Soccer is an accessible game that anyone can follow. You can find a team you enjoy watching and become a fan. You don’t need to be from Cabo Verde to love their goalie or to be from Czechia to want them to win. You just have to let yourself have fun and get invested in the game.
The World Cup has proven that the walls we put up can be broken down so easily by enjoying soccer, music, and each other’s cultures. There is something so beautiful about watching the world come together, whether it’s in person or through someone’s travels online. We can learn from one another if we share a meal, play a game, or just listen to a song. I highly recommend trying to find a local watch party and enjoying the World Cup together. We’re better together than we are apart.
