Smiles From the World Cup
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World Cup fans from all 48 participating countries show off their team spirit.
What happens when soccer (football) fans from all over the world gather for a giant competition? It turns into an opportunity for friendship, music, and fun!
The 2026 World Cup has been taking place in several cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico since mid-June. The event features soccer teams from 48 countries. But it’s not just the players who have made themselves at home in North America. Enthusiastic fans from all corners of the globe traveled thousands of miles to see the games in person. Together with their hosts, they’re making the World Cup a celebration of goodwill and kindness.
Here are a few World Cup stories that are making us smile.
Kansas Welcomes Algeria
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In this June 27 photo, Algerian fans display a banner thanking the town of Lawrence, Kansas, for hosting them during the event.
When the Algerian national soccer team decided to stay in Lawrence, Kansas, to prepare for its first game (which took place in Kansas City, Missouri), they received a warm welcome from the people of Lawrence.
The city posted welcome signs on streetlamps, and a local artist recreated the flag of the North African nation on the University of Kansas soccer field, where the team practiced. The university marching band also played the Algerian national anthem during practices.
Japanese Fans Clean Up the Stadium
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A Japanese fan cleans up garbage after her team’s match with Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico.
After Japan’s national team won a June 20 match against Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico, it was time to party. But before leaving the stadium, Japanese fans pulled out bags and began picking up trash.
The Japanese people believe in a practice called gomi hiroi (picking up trash). The idea is that everyone takes responsibility for the places they share, such as stadiums. Gomi hiroi is not just a sports tradition. It’s also practiced in Japanese schools, where children are expected to help clean up their classrooms.
Scottish Fans Bring Joy to Boston
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Members of the Tartan Army prepare to watch a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers on June 14.
When fans from Scotland (known as the Tartan Army) arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, to support their team, they brought their culture with them. Bagpipe music could often be heard in the streets as Scottish fans joyously chanted, sang, and danced. Scottish fans even attended a baseball game at Boston’s Fenway Park, bringing energy to the stadium by loudly singing songs from the stands.
Boston residents loved their Scottish visitors, but it was soon time for the Tartan Army to move on to Miami, Florida, for Team Scotland’s next game. A newspaper called the Boston Globe published a farewell message.
“Thank you for the laughter, the bagpipes, and the memories,” it said. “The World Cup will move on. So will the songs, but we’ll never forget the joy you brought to our city.”
