American fans' legacy: Sights around the world during World Cup 2026

America has a football team that makes this World Cup memorable and for one summer, American football is coming without helmets, huddles or fourth downs. Mauricio Pochettino arrived in 2024 and spent two years preparing the USMNT for soccer's biggest tournament, and his work is paying off. They finished first in Group D, beating Paraguay and Australia, thanks to Fowlerin Balogan, Weston McKenney and Chris Richards. Despite a late 3-2 loss against Turkey, it's a good start — next up is Bosnia and Herzegovina. While their country is hosting the World Cup, not many American fans are there to watch. They are scattered across cities and time zones around the world, from Tangier to Tokushima, and are searching for memories of their homeland.

Tokushima, Japan While Mark Cotter's friends are filling bars, watch parties and stadiums in America, he's up at two in the morning in Tokushima, watching his friends' night on Instagram while watching the American team on Japanese television. "My country is hosting the World Cup and I'm not there," he says. "It's kind of disappointing." Cotter, 29, who hails from Chicago, now teaches English at a high school. He invites American friends and other football supporters to the games, while fitting the rest of the tournament into lesson plans and school holidays.

Madrid, Spain Fifteen Americans and five Australians crammed into a room in Madrid to watch a football match 5,000 miles away on TV. It's an event that gives soccer enthusiast Stanton Marcum and his teammates a chance to bond with their home. "Everywhere you look, matches in bars or T-shirts on the streets, you see football," says Marcum, who moved to Madrid from Seattle two years ago.

Vienna, Austria The World Cup is buzzing in Vienna, with national team shirts on the streets, matches in bars and watch parties in the streets. Nick Silvestri hasn't seen a single countryman wearing a USMNT t-shirt. "I meet a lot of Americans here, but I don't think anyone is as focused as I am."

Tangier, Morocco When the USMNT started their game, Tangier fell silent. Matt Van Dis was watching with friends in his living room. Morocco's football culture has fueled his appreciation. "When Morocco does well, it's different from anywhere else — and so, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything at home."

Mexico City, Mexico In Mexico City, Mexicans and Americans are rooting for each other. "Every time Mexico wins, my bed starts shaking as people gather at night to celebrate," says Dan Defosi.

London, England "There's a lot of pressure," says Leo, a bartender on Passyunk Avenue. USMNT supporters' activism brings back his memories. "It's a bar that feels very American."