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These cities captivated international visitors with their vibrant festive atmosphere, the friendliness of residents, and a respectful attitude towards the diverse cultures of international fans, according to the NYPost.
Many visitors were impressed by small gestures, such as complimentary baskets of tortilla chips with salsa, and memorable encounters with locals.
New York City (New York State)
Experiences in New York City during the World Cup helped many visitors change their perceptions of locals. Contrary to rumors of an unfriendly demeanor, residents displayed warmth and hospitality.
Last week, Norwegian fans gathered in Times Square to sing traditional cheers. This group also performed a "rowing" motion on the subway, receiving support from many locals. *Photo: IHG Hotels.*
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Scottish fans were surprised by the enthusiasm of New Yorkers in an interview with CBS. "Abroad, we hear many things about New York. People often say it's unfriendly, but everyone has treated us wonderfully," one fan shared.
Fans also noted support from police and convenient public transportation. Some locals even paid for meals and drinks for supporters. *Photo: NYPost.*
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Boston (Massachusetts State)
Boston residents enthusiastically embraced the festive atmosphere. They welcomed fans, carrying traditional bagpipes, singing, dancing, and celebrating in the streets. Many Boston pubs reported record-breaking revenue during this period, surpassing even popular events like the Super Bowl or St. Patrick's Day. *Photo: Tripadvisor.*
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Scottish fans transformed Boston into their "territory" as their national team returned to World Cup play for the first time since 1998. The supporters brought a vibrant festive atmosphere and were quickly welcomed by locals like family. This bond even prompted a proposal for Glasgow and Boston to become "Sister Cities." *Photo: NYPost.*
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Philadelphia (Pennsylvania State)
Visitors from all over gathered on the famous Rocky steps, enjoyed the renowned philly cheesesteak, and praised the city and its people, known as the "City of Brotherly Love."
Daniel Andrade, a fan from Ecuador, told Fox News that he completely "fell in love" with the city. *Photo: Travel and Tour World.*
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City officials distributed about 30,000 maps to help visitors navigate and explore easily. According to Daniel J. Hilferty, co-chair of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the FIFA Fan Festival in Philadelphia attracted over 100,000 people in just four days. *Photo: NYPost.*
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Seattle (Washington State)
The atmosphere on the streets during the 2026 World Cup was likened to a party, with locals and visitors celebrating together.
Bradley Howe, a Seattle pub owner, stated that the number of Australian fans was so large his pub "ran out of beer."
"It's unbelievable. This is the moment any bar owner dreams of," he said. *Photo: Ranch & Coast Magazine.*
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Lumen Field stadium, ranked as the best World Cup venue by The Athletic, hosted the match between the U.S. and Australia. On this occasion, fans from both teams gathered, paraded through the streets on a large scale, before joining the soccer viewing atmosphere at the public fan zone in Bellevue, near Seattle. *Photo: NYPost.*
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Atlanta (Georgia State)
The hospitality of the U.S. South has long been renowned, so Atlanta's inclusion on the list of friendliest cities comes as no surprise.
Many international visitors experienced and enjoyed culturally significant Southern establishments like Waffle House and Buc-ee's, which offer an authentic sense of warm American service.
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Throughout the FIFA Fan Festival, soccer fans from around the world flocked to downtown Atlanta, creating an enthusiastic cheering atmosphere with a vibrant cultural exchange.
World Cup matches continue to serve as a bridge for fans from many nations to interact and connect culturally.
The final match will take place on 19/7 at MetLife Stadium (New Jersey State, U.S.), which has a capacity of 82,500 spectators. *Photo: NYPost.*
By Tam Anh (according to NYPost)









