By Laura Hollis
Monday, June 22, 2026
The biblical passage from Psalm 23:5—“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies”—profoundly captures this year’s FIFA World Cup. Hosted for the first time by the United States since 1994, the tournament has revealed that many nations are not America’s adversaries but its most enthusiastic allies.
Athletes and fans from across the globe have traveled to the U.S., sharing heartfelt experiences that have taken social media by storm. In Lawrence, Kansas—home to the University of Kansas—the Algerian national team was welcomed with open arms. The Jayhawks’ marching band learned the Algerian anthem, and local residents waved flags while players invited children to practice and signed soccer balls.
American culture has been a source of delight: from Costco and Buc-ee’s to Waffle House, Texas barbecue, Southern sweet tea, biscuits and gravy, and the vast stadiums of American football. While some visitors noted challenges like heat in the South and thunderstorms in the Midwest, they remained remarkably positive.
Highlights include Norway’s Viking-themed photos, Scotland fans renting boats for a “booze cruise” in Boston Harbor, Japanese fans cleaning stadiums, Dutch revelers singing “Sweet Caroline,” Dallas pubs handing out World Cup passports, and the Czech team attending a rodeo in Fort Worth.
This World Cup has been the best development for international relations in decades. Foreign visitors have shown that much of what they previously heard about America was negative—portrayed by media, politicians, and intellectuals as being founded on “systemic racism” and “white supremacy,” with Americans described as greedy, racist, sexist, and filled with “toxic masculinity.”
Witnessing the warmth and generosity of fans from France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Norway, Greece, Algeria, Scotland, and beyond has been a profound revelation. It’s like finally breaking free from an abusive relationship where the other person hated you.
For too long, institutions dominated by the left—media, entertainment, academia—have told Americans how they are unworthy of respect and love. This has led to widespread self-loathing among some citizens.
Yet now, through the eyes of foreign visitors, America reveals itself as a country with family-friendly parks, world-class athletic facilities, meaningful traditions, delicious food, and service industries built on pride and excellence.
The professional critics who have built careers on making Americans hate themselves are the true enemies—those who deny America’s richness.
With its 250th birthday approaching next month, this World Cup is the best present ever.
Professor Laura Hollis is an attorney and university professor with more than 30 years of experience in law and business.
