​England’s supporters have not held back in letting the United States know exactly what they dislike about the way soccer is experienced across the pond. While the 2026 World Cup has largely been a success for the United States, with the USMNT’s run to the last 16 drawing in many new fans, English fans are quick to point out the cultural differences and debate the football culture on American soil. As Mauricio Pochettino and his team watch from afar, England’s grip on a spot in the tournament’s final four is a talking point, especially with the team set to play in Miami on Saturday. The English fans feel they have the upper hand in the current moment, especially after watching the hosts advance to the quarter-finals, a milestone that has given the United States a surge of support, yet also provided a ripe opportunity for English supporters to voice their opinions.
English supporters have openly claimed bragging rights over a hopeful US following, and they have not shied away from detailing precisely what they dislike about how the sport is perceived and discussed in America. One English journalist even thanked Mexico for their hospitality after a victory at the Azteca, a reminder of the broader, sometimes colorful, exchanges that accompany international tournaments. Yet the remarks circulating about U.S. soccer culture skew more toward irritation than gratitude in many cases.
“They call it soccer. I keep explaining to them that it’s football because you play with your feet, but they keep calling it soccer. It’s so annoying,” explained one England fan to DAZN, reflecting a broader sentiment among some supporters who feel the terminology choice underscores a larger disconnect. Another Englishman admitted he had hoped for more banter with the U.S. fans, only to find them too friendly to oblige with negative exchanges. “They’re too nice, I get confused. Yeah, they’re too nice. Even when you’re chanting obscenities at them, we like a bit of hostility,” he said, acknowledging that the warmth of American fans can deflate the kind of rivalry some travelers enjoy. “They go: ‘Have a nice day.’ That’s not the response I was waiting for.”
There was also a pointed remark about the American broadcast coverage of the World Cup. “The commentators of these matches… There’s got to be a way to silence the commentators but keep the crowd sound. The only way I can do it right now is switch over to the Spanish channel,” offered one England supporter, highlighting a desire for a purer atmosphere or at least more control over the on-screen presentation. While some English fans have appreciated the U.S. experience—the enthusiasm, the crowds, and the unique atmosphere that accompanies the World Cup in the United States—others remain keenly aware that the game of soccer, or football as it is more rightly called by many, still has cultural mileposts to cross in America. The enjoyment is tempered by a sense that the American version of the sport is still evolving, and that particular differences in style, language, and fan interaction will continue to be points of discussion and, at times, friction.
In sum, the English supporters’ commentary captures a blend of appreciation and critique. They toast the moments that illustrate a growing American enthusiasm for the sport while not hesitating to air frustrations about terminology, rivalry banter, and the overall presentation of the game in a country that is proudly hosting a global event. As England eyes a place in the semifinals in a city like Miami, the ongoing dialogue between English fans and the American soccer culture remains a hallmark of this World Cup, underscoring how international tournaments can serve not only as competition but also as a forum for cultural exchange and debate.