There are moments when you realise that sport is doing something politics cannot.
Walking through downtown Atlanta after the final whistle for the match between Uzbekistan and DR Congo on Saturday night was one of those moments. Tens of thousands of supporters streamed through the streets long after the match had ended. Many wore the colours of DR Congo and Uzbekistan, but they were joined by fans from dozens of other countries. The atmosphere was international, diverse, joyful and peaceful, all held together by the beautiful game.
Having now experienced the World Cup in Miami, Atlanta, Houston and Kansas City, I can say without hesitation that the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been extraordinary.
That matters because the tournament arrived amid heavy negativity. Critics warned that an expanded 48-team format would dilute quality. Others feared that geopolitical tensions, polarisation and security concerns would overshadow the event. Instead, the football has been compelling, the cities have come alive, and the fan experience has been exceptional.
The United States, in particular, needed this. At a time when the country often appears divided against itself, the World Cup has offered a different picture: people from every continent walking together, singing together, trading shirts, taking photos and celebrating without suspicion. It has restored, if only for a few weeks, some faith in what America can still be at its best.
