Once every four years, while the World Cup is happening, I make a point of saying that there is only one thing I am interested in wrting about. This time we are hosting the tournament, and if we have been payng attention, we have learned something about ourselves in the process.
But let me be more respectful to our co-hosts, Mexico and Canada. We did not host this tournament alone, and it was better for having been shared by our two neighbors.
Let's be honest, though, the biggest moments of the 2026 World Cup - both good and bad - have happened in the United States.
Actually, one more disclaimer; I am publishing this while the semi-finals are still happening, so I might be premature. Who knows what will happen in the coming days after I post this?
THE GOOD!
American hospitality! Yes, it is reassuring to know that even during one of our most divided and rancorous moments in history, when families are divided against themselves, friends and relatives struggle to find common ground, that good ol' American hospitality can shine through.
Let's start with the town of Lawrence, Kansas. Lawrence was announced as the home base of the Algerian national soccer team while they were in the U.S. for the tournament, and the town went all in. Algerian flags were draped across the town. Locals met the team at the airport and went out of their way to thank the Algerian team for choosing their town as their home base, and made absolutely sure that the team felt welcome.
When I read this it made me smile. Thanks, Lawrence, Kansas, for reminding the world that Americans of all stripes still prioritize hospitalaity and a welcoming spirit.
Then there's Waffle House.
Sometimes we Americans need a reminder; a reminder that we live in abundance. Sometimes it takes folks from another country to come here and give us that reminder. This time it seems to have been the massive swarms of Scottish fans who poured into the country and found a new guilty pleasure in Waffle House. Some of them couldn't get enough of it. Big portions, sweet butterey syrupy waffles. "Oh, it's so GOOD," one Scottish fan is quoted as saying.
You're welcome Scottish fans. I mean, myself, I've laid off of the buttery syrupy sweetness, but go crazy. Enjoy!
Thanks to Americans of all persuasions for welcomng the world to a soccer tournament.
Now...
THE BAD!
Donald Trump!
Where to begin; with the Presidetial meddling in a red card drama (after he admitted he did not know what a red card was), or... well...ok, just that.
Our childish, petty, illiterate President (thank god we still live in a country where I won't be thrown in jail for saying that) did more to motivate Belgium to, not only beat us, but beat us in high flying style, make our national team look like amateurs in the process, and then cap it all off by making fun of the President's dance in the locker room afterwards.
I support the Belgium players in mocking Donald Trump's dance. There is an old saying in sports; don't say anything that will motivate your opponent. Our Prez just walked right through that truism, and in the process fucked up the World Cup.
What else is new?
Actually I take that back. He was unable - try as he might - to completely fuck up the World Cup. The tournament has just been too good. The quality of play on the field. The way Americans embraced the sport, a sport that used to be ignored in this country.
The game of soccer has just been too good to fuck up.
Well done, America!
Even when we have moronic, selfiish, leaders, the American people seem to find a way to come through.
Peter Wick
July 14, 2026
