One of the many moments that stands out for me from the 2026 World Cup was on a crowded N train somewhere between Queensboro Plaza and Ditmars Boulevard. Morocco was playing Haiti at the time. Two women in their twenties, dressed in the red and green of the Moroccan team, were watching the score on their phone. It was coming up to half time and Haiti had taken the lead against Morocco, 2-1. The women got into conversation with a guy supporting Haiti, who said that it was through his parents that he began supporting the team.
It was just a brief moment but in many ways reflects the essence of World Cup memories. Moments of connection between people who may not have spoken otherwise. The inter-generational dimension, with older relatives inspiring fandom among younger ones as the Haiti-supporter’s parents had done. And the fact that World Cup vibes spread out throughout a city when it’s underway, on streets, in stores, in transit.
