Is the World Cup the therapy we all need right now? I’d say so

July 3, 2026 — 5:00am

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The United States is experiencing an invasion of the benevolent kind by countries Donald Trump has threatened to bomb (Mexico), absorb (Canada), and one he has an unrequited love for: Scotland.

The Tartan Army have been drinking the bars of Boston dry, and filling the city’s streets with kilts, the melody of bagpipes, and good cheer. At least up to the moment their team was eliminated by Brazil.

Their MO, according to New York Times global sports reporter Tariq Panja, is: “be loud, be fun, drink all the beer, but leave the people happy you were there.”

A three-hour flight west, and the University of Kansas’ marching band welcomed Algerian players and football fans by donning their jerseys and performing the African country’s national anthem.

In the small Tennessee town of Chattanooga, the Spanish national team were also received warmly with fans waving flags and, per New York Times, sangria, bacon-wrapped dates and watermelon skewers courtesy of the city’s only tapas restaurant.

Back on the East Coast, Norway’s “Viking Row” cheer, where fans move in unison, as if rowing a longboat while chanting, “Row!” has become a World Cup phenomenon.

People from........

© Brisbane Times