A masked Mexican football fan reacts as they watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 football match between Mexico and England at the Angel of Independence in Mexico City on July 5, 2026. (Photo by Claudia Rosel / AFP)
DOHA: When FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to Canada, Mexico and the United States, many expected the topic of discussion to center around logistics, sold-out stadiums, and successful engagement.
Few expected all three hosts to build their own story and legacy into the tournament.
From Mexico's disciplined displays and Canada making history to the United States' performance on the world stage, the tournament has become more than just a
venue in North America’s land. The region has really leaned in, as hosts embrace the world's game.
For Canadian supporter Baher, the change has been impossible to ignore.
"There's a big football craze and I think the fact we're hosting contributes to that," he said.
"Canada is definitely not known for football. It's more hockey or curling, but this has changed in the last ten years. We've seen a big shift with soccer academies, summer camps that actively recruit and train local talents."
The excitement has extended well beyond football fans.
"Every day at work it's been an ongoing topic of discussion for all genders and age groups, even people who don't usually watch football," he said.
"It is the World Cup, and even if it isn't Canada playing, everyone has their favourite picks."
That growing interest has been matched by Canada's performances on the pitch. They made history by securing their first World Cup point and first tournament victory before eventually reaching the knockout stage for the first time from a favourable yet competitive group featuring Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar.
For Baher, everything after the group stage already felt like a win.
"Canada just making it past the group stages was amazing. Anything after that felt like a bonus, but I've personally been extremely satisfied with their overall performance."
He credits the team's success to an outstanding collective effort rather than individual performances.
He did, however, single out Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David as players who stood out.
"They defend as a team, the chemistry is amazing and they're one of the youngest and fittest teams. They're relentless with their pressing and quick transitions."
Their historic run eventually came to an end against Morocco, but not before making history for the nation and leaving supporters believing Canadian football has entered a new era.
"It was shocking, as it felt like watching two completely different games,” said Baher.
As for the other co-hosts, Mexico entered the tournament carrying what felt like a heavy burden.
Being the first nation to host three FIFA World Cups, expectations were enormous. Having failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 since reaching the quarter-finals on home soil in 1986, and after a disappointing group-stage exit in 2022, many fans viewed this tournament as an opportunity to restore belief.
Selvin, a Mexican living in the United States, believes his team did exactly that despite falling short of their ultimate goal.
"I'd say Mexico had a strong and promising campaign," he said.
"Even though they didn't go as far as we’d hoped, the team looked confident and competitive, continuing to live up to how we (their fans) see them."
"They showed discipline, consistency and gave their fans a show they won't ever forget," Selvin added.
Mexico impressed not only their fans, but the world, as they performed with organised defence and a balanced midfield in the group stages, before ultimately being eliminated by England in the Round of 16.
According to Selvin, small mistakes proved to be costly.
"When you're playing against a top team, every mistake matters. The tactics didn't work the way they planned and they left too many gaps."
One player, however, gave supporters great hope throughout the tournament.
"Julian Quinones stood out the most," he said. "He created chances, kept putting pressure on defenders and always looked like he knew what to do with the ball."
Like many supporters, Selvin believes playing at home was both a blessing and a burden.
"It made them stronger because they were playing with their own people behind them," he said. "But at the same time there's pressure because you don't want to let your country down."
Despite the disappointment, his optimism remains unchanged.
"My opinion hasn't changed because they didn't go further. They're still an amazing team and next time they'll come back stronger."
Just across the border, the United States have also made a name for themselves, shocking the international community.
Jalen Savariau, an American supporter, believes the team's performance has really made a name for them, beyond hosting.
"Their star players have uplifted the team while the defence has remained solid," he said. "I was especially surprised by Folarin Balogun and how much of a threat he's been."
Under coach Mauricio Pochettino, the United States recorded its first World Cup knockout victory since 2002 before bowing out in the Round of 16.
For Jalen, that represents meaningful progress rather than disappointment.
"I think this was a reasonable World Cup display from the USA and is a good building block as they aim for sustained success in international football."
While many have spoken about home advantage, he believes hosting brought its own pressures.
"The US is still trying to build its football culture," he explained. "I don't think we have the same loyal fan base as traditional football nations, so hosting actually creates more pressure because Americans expect their teams to succeed."
Beyond the pitch and game itself, supporters across the three host nations agree the tournament has transformed everyday life.
Although Baher praised Canada's hospitality and the atmosphere created in Vancouver, he pointed to soaring ticket prices and the challenge of travelling across three vast countries as drawbacks compared to previous World Cups.
Jalen also noted that while staging the tournament across North America inevitably complicated logistics, the event has nevertheless introduced millions more people to the sport.
Perhaps that is this year’s tournament's greatest legacy.
Mexico reminded the world of its football heritage. Canada announced itself as a growing, fierce and ambitious force. The United States continued building toward international success.
All carrying different journeys, but together they exceeded expectations. The three host nations were entrusted with bringing the World Cup to North America. Instead, they may have shown that North American football has finally arrived.
