The soccer fans who fell in love with America during the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup was an undeniable sensation in the United States, setting records for television ratings while millions of fans piled into stadiums to take in all the action.Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.What happened off the field was arguably just as exciting, as people from all over the world traveled to the U.S.not only to watch their favorite teams and players perform, but to engage in a cultural exchange with Americans.Follow along for live coverageWith the World Cup coming to a close with Sunday’s final, here are some of the best off-the-pitch moments from the summer tournament.

The love affair between Algeria and Kansas CityKansas City was the smallest host city in the United States, but that didn’t stop Algerian fans from having a big party in the Midwest.Kansas City hosted a group match between Argentina and Algeria, which drew fans from both countries into a city with a population only a little over 500,000 people.The Algerian contingent seemed especially happy with their trip, with many also enjoying their time in nearby Lawrence, Kansas.“A lot of people don’t even know Algeria exists.

And it’s the same for us.We had never heard of Lawrence until the Algerian team came here.

The people were very, very welcoming, and they adopted the Algerian team,” Hanafi Habbas told NBC affiliate KSHB in Kansas City.Add NBC News to GoogleKansas City welcomes soccer fans for World Cup02:32David Sauter, who runs a local T-shirt printing shop in Lawrence, said his sales exceeded his typical Christmas figures.“It has been so wonderful how everyone here has just been open with open arms, welcoming people.The Algerians have been amazing,” Sauter said.The ‘Viking Row’ becomes a sensationPlaying in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, Norway quickly endeared itself to the greater soccer community thanks to its now-infamous “Viking Row” celebration.Mimicking a group of Vi...