KENNESAW, GEORGIA – The very start of this World Cup trip, and the grand idea to find out whether and how hosting the World Cup resonated in smalltown USA, did not go well. I landed in Seattle, a large World Cup host city, and sidled up to the desk to pick up my hire car, waiting in line with a group of Belgium supporters who were touring before their first group game in the city.
Not only did the kind gent at the desk not know that a World Cup was coming, he had no idea which sport it involved when prompted by a colleague (there was bunting in the terminal building, but not at car hire). Nothing like really cutting through your search for a World Cup buzz.This always promised to be a World Cup of host cities. I am attending matches in nine of the US’s 11 – I left Seattle too soon and the Miami semi-final was just too far south for the car. In each of the six cities I have visited so far, I’ve found an unshakeable major tournament identity that has surpassed my expectations.All the usual hallmarks are there: electronic road signs warning of soccer traffic, the bars with bunting and promises of watch parties and drinks deals. The walking, talking Epcot-ification of downtowns with umpteen different nations represented by home or away shirts. This is normal. This is how it always is.And the vast hordes of travelling supporters have been aided by something I’ve not experienced before: locals choosing a team for each match and offering their dedicated support, if only for one day. That doesn’t feel twee – it’s uplifting.
