How the World Cup unites fans across the globe

From Scottish supporters in kilts filling New York's Times Square to Dutch fans in bright orange marching through city streets and international visitors gathering in neighborhood pubs across North America, this summer's 2026 FIFA World Cup has transformed the United States, Canada and Mexico into the world's largest soccer celebration.

Now as the tournament heads into the knock-out phase and competition heats up, faculty in the University of Delaware's Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics say it's the connections that are created, not just the matches themselves, that illustrate the World Cup's greatest impact.

"I overheard someone say this: It's like we're celebrating America's 250th birthday, and we invited all of our cousins over to share," said Matthew Robinson, professor of sport management. "The world is here to celebrate with us.