Soccer spirit unites Wenatchee Valley fans during World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has brought out strong emotions among soccer fans while uniting people from different cultures behind a common goal: seeing their favorite nation win the tournament.

With North America hosting this year's World Cup, the United States, Mexico and Canada are welcoming teams and fans from around the world for one of the summer's biggest sporting events. The tournament also highlights the diversity of the United States, where many fans support both Team USA and the countries tied to their family heritage.

Mireya Cuevas, owner of Futbol-Era Soccer Store in Wenatchee, is a longtime soccer fan. While she supports several teams around the world, Mexico remains her favorite.

"Of course it would be nice if team USA won, but Mexico will always be the best," she said. "In my heart I want Mexico to win, but I think France will win it."

Some fans are cheering for teams because of players they have followed for years. Veteran stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, known as Neymar, are making what could be their final World Cup appearances, giving supporters one more chance to watch them compete on soccer's biggest stage.

Mykaila Arciga, an employee at A Paw Above in Leavenworth, said she has followed the tournament closely and rooting for Ronaldo and Portugal.

"I've been watching the games and supporting Portugal because of Ronaldo and I've been cheering for him since it's his last year," she said. "Team USA, I think they have potential, and I would be happy if they won."

Others are putting their support behind the United States.

The U.S. men's national team has historically struggled to make deep runs in the World Cup. Its best finish came in 1930, when the Americans placed third in the inaugural tournament. This year, however, some fans believe the team has the talent to contend for a championship.

Cooper Rudin, taproom manager at Icicle Brewing in Leavenworth, said he is confident Team USA can win it all.

"How can I not have a lot of pride for the USA? I was born and raised and we love the states," he said. "Of course we have the talent to win it all. There's not a doubt in my mind. USA all the way."

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