On the heels of what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history, many questions remain about whether the United States is equipped to host the tournament. Alongside Canada and Mexico, the U.S. will co-host the 2026 World Cup, projected to be the most attended ever, surpassing the record held by the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. Nearly 2 million tickets have already been sold for the tournament ahead of Friday’s draw, with an expanded format of 48 teams necessitating more training venues, fans, games, and stress tests for the host nations.

The Club World Cup held in the summer of 2025 offered insights into what to expect at the World Cup, raising some concerns that organizers believe can be addressed. The tournament, marked by impressive fan enthusiasm, faced challenges such as flares in the stadiums, pitch quality complaints, and the logistical challenge of hosting a Beyoncé concert and a soccer tournament simultaneously.

Despite some calling this a test event, Luis Castro, FIFA Match Director, stated, ‘This is the biggest Club World Cup ever made. We are really happy to have the chance to experience first-hand what’s going to be happening next year.’

While the organizers insist it wasn’t a test, many lessons were gleaned that can benefit the World Cup. Six of the Club World Cup stadiums will also be used for matches next summer: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), Lumen Field (Seattle), Rose Bowl (Los Angeles), and MetLife Stadium (New Jersey).

The presence of 80,619 fans at the Rose Bowl for the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético de Madrid game showcases the enthusiasm in the region for soccer, emphasizing LA’s readiness to host global events, according to Jason Krutzsch, Vice President of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission.

The diverse backgrounds of fans brought a unique energy to the tournament, from Boca Juniors supporters to Brazilian teams and Auckland City FC. Yet, on-the-field conditions yielded significant discussion.

Grass is Key

Playing surfaces are a major concern for FIFA, given the diverse climates across the U.S. Some stadiums are covered, while others face heat waves or summer showers. The approach of adding grass to existing football fields proves inadequate across different areas.

Dietmar Exler, COO of the Atlanta organizing group, noted, ‘Seattle, which is known for its rain, is completely different from Miami’s humid, hot climate, just as Kansas City’s heat varies from air-conditioned venues.’

Grass types needed to vary by venue. MetLife required a turf resilient to sun and rain, while Atlanta had no such pressure due to its roof. Growing lamps had never been utilized in the south until now, allowing for testing to optimize the pitch.

Learning about the local conditions was just as critical for FIFA as it was for local organizers. While some may have complained about pitch inconsistencies, plans are afoot to address these gaps by 2026.

Flares: Enthusiasm or Danger?

Fans bringing flares into venues demonstrated their passion but also posed serious risks. A flare landed behind Ederson during a match in Philadelphia, underscoring the hazards associated with allowing them during high-stakes tournaments.

Exler remarked, ‘We took extensive precautions to prevent flare use. We built security around these measures, and despite having big boxes of collected flares, our measures were effective.’

While flares can enhance excitement when used correctly, strict security must be maintained at the World Cup to ensure the comfort and safety of all attendees.

Embracing Global Fanship

The participation of fans will be integral to the World Cup’s success, particularly in preparing cities for various languages they may encounter. The official languages of FIFA include English, French, German, and Spanish, but the Club World Cup highlighted the need for Arabic accommodations as well.

Meg Kane, CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, explained the feedback thus far, stating, ‘We aim to provide an unforgettable experience rooted in preparation that meets the needs of fans and local residents.’

The cities’ ability to accommodate diverse cultures, customs, and languages will be critical going forward. Factors like dining, hospitality, and how social interactions transpire beyond the stadiums will influence the success of the World Cup.