America's World Cup report card: some As for atmosphere, but F for affordability
As the 2026 World Cup concludes, The Guardian assesses the United States' performance as the primary host nation. The US held 78 matches across 11 cities. Stadiums received a B+ grade for atmosphere and design, though concourse congestion was noted. Transport earned a D+ due to car-centric infrastructure and costly, slow travel to venues. Affordability received an F, with ticket prices far exceeding historical norms and FIFA admitting to treating the tournament as an 'ATM'. Hospitality was mixed: community spirit among fans was praised, but Trump administration policies barred referees, team staff, and fans from certain nations (including Côte d'Ivoire, Haiti, Iran, and Senegal), with FIFA failing to intervene. The analysis highlights a stark contrast between successful fan atmosphere and systemic accessibility failures.
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