The World Cup: More Than Just a Stadium Spectacle
For many fans, the World Cup is not just about the games themselves, but also about the collective experience that comes with being part of this global phenomenon. While the stadiums are undoubtedly where the magic happens, it's often the informal gatherings and impromptu celebrations outside the venues that create some of the most unforgettable moments.
Take Germany in 2014, for example. Instead of traditional stadium seats, fans were watching games on screens in crowded town squares, their cheers echoing off ancient buildings or from the banks of rivers. In Brazil four years later, fans spilled out onto streets closed to traffic, spilling into restaurants and bars. And in Russia, the 2018 World Cup brought together fans in impromptu parties across the country.
So what happened in Qatar this time around? With ticket prices skyrocketing, it feels like a Potemkin World Cup – all curated and staged, but lacking that authentic, grassroots energy. However, there's hope on the horizon.
As 48 teams prepare to descend upon three countries, something interesting is emerging: training camps and pre-tournament warm-up matches in non-traditional locations across the US. Germany will be based at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, while Australia's Socceroos might be playing in Boise. The Netherlands, England, and Argentina are all rumored to be heading for Kansas City.
These expanded horizons mean that fans can still experience the World Cup – even if it means traveling away from the host cities themselves. And with more training sessions and tune-up games announced, there's an opportunity to make this a tournament that's accessible to people who might otherwise be priced out of the action.
Fan fests, those old staples of World Cup celebrations, are also planned in numerous locations across the country – many of them free. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is already hosting watch parties and promising more. If host cities, federations, and US Soccer can work together to create a cohesive and inclusive experience, there's still hope for this World Cup to leave a lasting legacy.
FIFA might not be able to monetize every aspect of the tournament, but with creativity and inclusivity on the table, we might just see something special. After all, it's those everyday moments that often make the greatest memories.
For many fans, the World Cup is not just about the games themselves, but also about the collective experience that comes with being part of this global phenomenon. While the stadiums are undoubtedly where the magic happens, it's often the informal gatherings and impromptu celebrations outside the venues that create some of the most unforgettable moments.
Take Germany in 2014, for example. Instead of traditional stadium seats, fans were watching games on screens in crowded town squares, their cheers echoing off ancient buildings or from the banks of rivers. In Brazil four years later, fans spilled out onto streets closed to traffic, spilling into restaurants and bars. And in Russia, the 2018 World Cup brought together fans in impromptu parties across the country.
So what happened in Qatar this time around? With ticket prices skyrocketing, it feels like a Potemkin World Cup – all curated and staged, but lacking that authentic, grassroots energy. However, there's hope on the horizon.
As 48 teams prepare to descend upon three countries, something interesting is emerging: training camps and pre-tournament warm-up matches in non-traditional locations across the US. Germany will be based at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, while Australia's Socceroos might be playing in Boise. The Netherlands, England, and Argentina are all rumored to be heading for Kansas City.
These expanded horizons mean that fans can still experience the World Cup – even if it means traveling away from the host cities themselves. And with more training sessions and tune-up games announced, there's an opportunity to make this a tournament that's accessible to people who might otherwise be priced out of the action.
Fan fests, those old staples of World Cup celebrations, are also planned in numerous locations across the country – many of them free. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is already hosting watch parties and promising more. If host cities, federations, and US Soccer can work together to create a cohesive and inclusive experience, there's still hope for this World Cup to leave a lasting legacy.
FIFA might not be able to monetize every aspect of the tournament, but with creativity and inclusivity on the table, we might just see something special. After all, it's those everyday moments that often make the greatest memories.
, it feels like they're trying to push people away from the real experience. I mean, what happened to having a drink at a local bar with some mates while watching the match on the telly? It's all getting so commercialized and staged 
. But hey, I'm glad to see some fans are still finding ways to make it happen outside of the host cities... like those training camps in the US 
, that's a cool idea! Let's hope FIFA gets their act together and makes this World Cup more accessible to everyone 
Man, thinkin' about this World Cup stuff got me wonderin' what makes it so special, right? Is it really just about the games, or is it somethin' more? I mean, we're talkin' global phenomenon here... all those people comin' together, vibin', and just losin' themselves in the moment 
. And you're right, it's not just the stadiums that make the experience – it's all them little impromptu gatherings, parties, and celebrations that happen outside the venues 
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. That's what makes the World Cup so powerful, I think. And now, with these training camps and pre-tournament matches takin' place in non-traditional locations across the US... it feels like things are startin' to fall into place 
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. And FIFA, they might not get all the credit for it, but... still, someone gotta acknowledge the power of community, right? 
i heard they have some amazing fan fests planned across the US, even in smaller cities! that's so cool!! 
i'm hoping qatar 2025 will be more than just a stadium spectacle, but an entire experience for fans. i love how germany is having their training camp in NC and australia is playing in BOISE 
thats like, so chill and accessible. lets see if fifa can make this world cup one to remember! 
. But hey, if they can somehow manage to pull off those pre-tournament warm-up matches in non-traditional locations, maybe we'll see something interesting emerge 
... but I'm not holding my breath 
but then i read dis article & it says they r having fan fests in diff locations across the us? 
meanwhile in kansas city, argentina & england are gonna play too? 
what a vibe! if ppl can still experience the world cup even w/o bein in qatar itself, i'm def hyped for dis one 
️ they really r tryna make this world cup more accessible 2 people who cant afford the tickets or hotels cuz of how crazy expensive it's gettin in qatar
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. The fact that fans can now experience the World Cup in different parts of the country is a good start, though 
. But what about those who can't make it to any of these events? I think FIFA needs to find a way to bring the tournament to more people, not just those with means 
It's true that ticket prices can be kinda steep, but I think FIFA is trying to bring some positive changes to the table 
. The idea of fan fests and watch parties across the US is genius 
It'd be dope if fans in smaller cities and towns can experience the tournament too - it's time for some football magic to reach those places. Can't wait to see what unfolds! 
Qatar might be a bit pricey, but if they add more fan fests & training sessions in cool locations like the US, it could actually feel more inclusive 
! I'm loving that we're seeing a shift in how they're doing things - like those non-traditional training camps and warm-up matches across the US 
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. It’s like, yeah, the stadiums are still important but there’s more to it than just watching a game on a giant screen in a packed stadium 
. So yeah, let’s not count Qatar out just yet – there’s still hope for this thing to be amazing 
. It's about time FIFA gets creative and makes the tournament more accessible to everyone, especially those who can't afford tickets 
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