They had, in many cases, paid thousands of dollars to see their team play on the biggest global stage for a sport that has long been eclipsed in the United States — a sport many say is finally having its moment.
Many fans said they grew up playing football in recreational leagues as young children, and well into high school and college.
Nakisha Gutierrez, a 37-year-old occupational therapist from Los Angeles, and her sister both played the sport. Their Argentine father raised them on soccer, and the next generation is now taking it up, too, she said.
“It’s in the family blood,” said Gutierrez, her cheeks painted with sparkling red-and-blue stars. “It is the American culture — it’s starting to be.”
Ava Cupit, 14, traveled with her family from Franklin, Tennessee, to cheer on the US team, dressed up as the Statue of Liberty. Her great-grandfather was from Spain and helped bring football to their small town, where he built fields and promoted the sport.
“He made us all fall in love with it, and our whole family loves soccer,” Ava’s mother Rachel Cupit said. “The people who’ve married in, they’ve just become a part of it too.”
Self-proclaimed football “addict” Jose Contreras said he grew up playing the sport with his uncle in Mexico because it was cheap and accessible. He flew from Georgia to support the US in its opening match, even though there are games he could attend in Atlanta, closer to home.
“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” Contreras said.
In the massive stadium in Inglewood, California, usually home to other games, the stands thundered with the roar of fans, with 70,492 in attendance. Seats were a sea of red and white.
Fans wore glitter, Stars-and-Stripes high-tops, overalls, robes and the team’s hallmark jerseys. Some dressed as that ultimate symbol of American patriotism, Uncle Sam, with long white beards and top hats. A few wore George Washington costumes.
Hector Garcia, 63, said he was at his sixth World Cup. He thinks the US team is the best it’s been, and that the players will be energised seeing so many fans dressed in the Stars and Stripes.
“This is World Cup atmosphere,” he said, “and I think this is really going to lift their spirits.”
