The Guardian gathered reactions from football fans across the United States, Mexico and Canada on hosting this summer's World Cup, with contributors describing an experience marked by warmth and enthusiasm despite steep costs and organisational frustrations. Contributors from Boston to Vancouver described vibrant street scenes, welcoming locals and unforgettable moments, even as many felt shut out by high ticket prices and Fifa's commercial grip on host cities, suggesting the tournament succeeded through fan spirit rather than official planning.

Specific accounts included a Boston fan praising the influx of Scottish supporters and citywide excitement despite expensive tickets and concerns about the political climate; a Guadalajara resident describing subdued pre-tournament mood turning into joyous watch parties, including scenes of Colombian fans celebrating for hours after beating DR Congo; and a Vancouver fan calling the Egypt v New Zealand match a "flawless" experience thanks to smooth transport and welcoming diaspora communities. Another contributor, drawing on having attended the 2010 South Africa World Cup, criticised this tournament's host cities as too spread out across the US, Mexico and Canada, diluting the concentrated atmosphere seen in past events.