In the electric atmosphere of CityPark stadium in St. Louis, where the roar of more than 22,000 fans thundered through the stands, the United States men’s national team (USMNT) clinched a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final after edging Guatemala 2-1. But the spotlight didn’t shine solely on the pitch or the players. Instead, the story that resonated loudest on a midsummer Wednesday was written by the sea of Guatemala fans whose passion left even US coach Mauricio Pochettino in open admiration. “The fans of Guatemala, I need to say, wow, unbelievable. It was like… to play there,” Pochettino remarked in a postmatch conference. For the Argentinian tactician—formerly of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea—the intensity and unity displayed by the Guatemalan supporters offered an instructive lesson for the American soccer scene, especially with the FIFA World Cup looming on US soil next year.
On paper, a home semifinal should favor the hosts. Yet, as the whistle blew and chants in Spanish cascaded from the terraces, it became clear this was no routine fixture. The US side, buoyed by an early brace from Diego Luna, eventually emerged victorious. But throughout 90 minutes, the audible dominance of Guatemalan fans transformed CityPark into what felt like an away stadium—a remarkable feat considering the geographical odds. Broadcasts captured a stadium awash in blue and white, with Guatemalan flags waving and coordinated cheers that rivaled the heart of Central America itself. According to The Straits Times, the majority of the 22,000-strong crowd stood firmly in Guatemala’s corner, their voices never faltering even with the scoreboard against them.
This isn’t new for CONCACAF tournaments hosted in the US: immigrant diasporas regularly turn out to passionately support their home countries, creating environments that can be both challenging and illuminating for American teams. What set this particular showcase apart was the sheer intensity on display, prompting Pochettino to not only recognize the effect on his players but also to highlight what it signals about football culture in the US.
Pochettino’s comments struck a chord. The American sporting landscape is rich, but soccer still contends with a reputation for polite, almost passive spectating, especially when compared to the vibrant, sometimes raucous, supporter cultures seen in South America or Europe. In stadiums across Argentina or England, club identities are forged in chants, colors, and a sense of communal purpose that borders on the sacred. This level of dedication, he implied, is not built in a day but nurtured over generations, passed through familial and communal ties—traits visible in the Guatemalan contingent as they sang for pride, identity, and hope.
A closer examination reveals why. For many immigrant communities, football provides not just entertainment, but a vital link home. These games become intergenerational family occasions—complete with traditional dress, food, and music—where cultural identity is affirmed. The contrast with the American “event” culture—where going to a game is often as much about the experience as the result—could not be starker. While both approaches have their merits, Pochettino argues that the communal, all-consuming passion evident in Guatemalan support is what the US should aspire to emulate if it wishes to cultivate a true footballing powerhouse.
In many soccer-mad nations, passion for the sport is rooted in socioeconomic realities. Football becomes refuge and aspiration. As Pochettino characterized it: “In a different country, you play to survive. You play for food. You play for pride… it’s not to enjoy, go home and laugh, that’s it.” This isn’t to romanticize struggle, but to underscore the deep sense of occasion, responsibility, and belonging that soccer brings to so many communities. In contrast, the US, with its wealth of professional sports, offers abundant choices. The downside, critics argue, is a diluted, sometimes transactional connection to individual teams, especially for a sport still trying to breach the mainstream.
American soccer faces a unique paradox: the sport is wildly popular at the youth level, yet historically struggles for mindshare against the entrenched behemoths of the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Much of the fanbase has also evolved from its roots in suburban youth leagues, college soccer, and international tournament viewership, which doesn’t always translate into tribal allegiance or the kind of lifelong bonds essential for building culture.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed by US Soccer leadership, who in the wake of the Gold Cup semi-final have recommitted to engaging communities more deeply ahead of the upcoming World Cup. A US Soccer Federation spokesperson acknowledged, “We see this as a fantastic challenge and opportunity. The World Cup offers us a generational chance to rekindle and amplify that sense of belonging—and to build something lasting, inspired by the example set by our own diverse communities.”
Furthermore, the US sporting tradition offers models for big-event spectacle and family-friendly environments, both of which will be essential for a successful World Cup. American fans are famously inventive: from tailgates and thematic dress-up to engaging with advanced analytics and social media banter, the level of engagement is rising swiftly. The USWNT, in particular, is often credited with igniting new enthusiasm among diverse demographics, with supporter culture blossoming around the national teams and their star players.
Moreover, the relatively high security and comfort of American stadiums make matches accessible to families and newcomers—important factors as football looks to build a sustainable and diverse fan base. While extreme forms of fandom, such as hooliganism, are rare (and unwelcome), the US is still discovering its own authentic idiom for passion, one that may ultimately blend the best of various traditions.
Another risk lies in the commercialization of supporter culture. As American matches become more lucrative, there is temptation to prioritize the “Instagrammable” over the authentic. Already, some fans lament the corporate encroachment on core supporter traditions, from ticketing policies that fragment supporter sections to merchandising that homogenizes once-distinctive fan gear. Preserving the grassroots spirit necessary for creating deep cultural bonds will require careful stewardship by club and federation leaders.
Finally, there’s the question of sporting success itself. Passionate support is most powerful when linked to teams that compete at the highest level. While the USMNT’s recent success is encouraging, skepticism is warranted regarding their prospects in a far-more competitive World Cup field. Without consistent, top-tier performance, it will be challenging to transform casual World Cup interest into enduring fandom.
There are signs the groundwork is being laid. In many cities, soccer-specific stadiums are springing up, designed to amplify atmosphere and intimacy. Clubs and federation initiatives now directly target youth and immigrant communities, seeking to make soccer a central pillar of civic life. As TV viewership soars during major tournaments, broadcasters like FOX Sports and Telemundo have shifted coverage to highlight the richness of supporter cultures, not just the on-field action.
To achieve this, American soccer will need to:
Building such a culture takes time and humility. It requires listening as much as leading, borrowing with gratitude, and honoring the unique blend of traditions that only America can provide. If US supporters can harness these lessons—if they can connect, not just attend—then the next great chapter in world football may well be written in American stadiums, echoing not only to the rhythm of drums and voices, but to the heartbeat of a nation learning, at last, what “football” truly means.
Source: The Straits Times US fans can learn from unbelievable Guatemala supporters, Pochettino says
The Match That Felt Like an Away Game
On paper, a home semifinal should favor the hosts. Yet, as the whistle blew and chants in Spanish cascaded from the terraces, it became clear this was no routine fixture. The US side, buoyed by an early brace from Diego Luna, eventually emerged victorious. But throughout 90 minutes, the audible dominance of Guatemalan fans transformed CityPark into what felt like an away stadium—a remarkable feat considering the geographical odds. Broadcasts captured a stadium awash in blue and white, with Guatemalan flags waving and coordinated cheers that rivaled the heart of Central America itself. According to The Straits Times, the majority of the 22,000-strong crowd stood firmly in Guatemala’s corner, their voices never faltering even with the scoreboard against them.This isn’t new for CONCACAF tournaments hosted in the US: immigrant diasporas regularly turn out to passionately support their home countries, creating environments that can be both challenging and illuminating for American teams. What set this particular showcase apart was the sheer intensity on display, prompting Pochettino to not only recognize the effect on his players but also to highlight what it signals about football culture in the US.
A Lesson in Support: Pochettino’s Call
For Mauricio Pochettino, the boisterous Guatemalan support was not merely a spectacle, but a call to action. “That was good for our players because it was an atmosphere we didn’t expect,” he explained, attributing part of his team’s resilience to being tested in a truly hostile setting—something all too rare on home ground. “An unbelievable energy. That is football, that is football. When we say, the connection between the team and the fans, that’s the connection we’d like to see at the World Cup. The connection that makes you fly.”Pochettino’s comments struck a chord. The American sporting landscape is rich, but soccer still contends with a reputation for polite, almost passive spectating, especially when compared to the vibrant, sometimes raucous, supporter cultures seen in South America or Europe. In stadiums across Argentina or England, club identities are forged in chants, colors, and a sense of communal purpose that borders on the sacred. This level of dedication, he implied, is not built in a day but nurtured over generations, passed through familial and communal ties—traits visible in the Guatemalan contingent as they sang for pride, identity, and hope.
Gold Cup Atmospherics: Why Diaspora Crowds Dominate
Crowds like those seen in St. Louis are an increasingly familiar phenomenon, especially when Central American or Caribbean teams play in North America. The US' immigrant-rich demographic ensures that even “home” games can turn into de facto away fixtures. According to FIFA and CONCACAF data, matches featuring Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala routinely draw majority-supporting crowds—even in US-hosted tournaments.A closer examination reveals why. For many immigrant communities, football provides not just entertainment, but a vital link home. These games become intergenerational family occasions—complete with traditional dress, food, and music—where cultural identity is affirmed. The contrast with the American “event” culture—where going to a game is often as much about the experience as the result—could not be starker. While both approaches have their merits, Pochettino argues that the communal, all-consuming passion evident in Guatemalan support is what the US should aspire to emulate if it wishes to cultivate a true footballing powerhouse.
Cultural Roots and Footballing Identity
Pochettino was explicit in his analysis: “When we talk about culture, that is culture… to see (Guatemala), how they fight, how the fans behave, that is an important thing we need to learn in this country.” For US soccer, often branded as an up-and-coming force yet still seeking legitimacy in its own sporting landscape, these words carry weight.In many soccer-mad nations, passion for the sport is rooted in socioeconomic realities. Football becomes refuge and aspiration. As Pochettino characterized it: “In a different country, you play to survive. You play for food. You play for pride… it’s not to enjoy, go home and laugh, that’s it.” This isn’t to romanticize struggle, but to underscore the deep sense of occasion, responsibility, and belonging that soccer brings to so many communities. In contrast, the US, with its wealth of professional sports, offers abundant choices. The downside, critics argue, is a diluted, sometimes transactional connection to individual teams, especially for a sport still trying to breach the mainstream.
The State of US Soccer Fandom
To understand the challenges, one must consider the history and structure of the sport in the US. Major League Soccer (MLS) has made significant inroads since its founding in 1996, with attendance figures now reaching record highs, and supporter groups like the Seattle Sounders’ “Emerald City Supporters” and LAFC’s “3252” earning international acclaim for their passion. Yet, even these celebrated fan bases often lack the sheer intergenerational intensity seen elsewhere.American soccer faces a unique paradox: the sport is wildly popular at the youth level, yet historically struggles for mindshare against the entrenched behemoths of the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Much of the fanbase has also evolved from its roots in suburban youth leagues, college soccer, and international tournament viewership, which doesn’t always translate into tribal allegiance or the kind of lifelong bonds essential for building culture.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed by US Soccer leadership, who in the wake of the Gold Cup semi-final have recommitted to engaging communities more deeply ahead of the upcoming World Cup. A US Soccer Federation spokesperson acknowledged, “We see this as a fantastic challenge and opportunity. The World Cup offers us a generational chance to rekindle and amplify that sense of belonging—and to build something lasting, inspired by the example set by our own diverse communities.”
Strengths of the US Soccer Model
The American soccer system, for all its criticisms, has strengths that should not be discounted. US fans, particularly those who have flocked to MLS clubs in burgeoning soccer cities, have built increasingly sophisticated supporter sections, complete with organized chants, elaborate tifos (choreographed fan displays), and a spirit of inclusivity rare in more insular football cultures. This is no accident; many fan organizations have drawn inspiration directly from European and South American ultras, adapting traditions for a North American context.Furthermore, the US sporting tradition offers models for big-event spectacle and family-friendly environments, both of which will be essential for a successful World Cup. American fans are famously inventive: from tailgates and thematic dress-up to engaging with advanced analytics and social media banter, the level of engagement is rising swiftly. The USWNT, in particular, is often credited with igniting new enthusiasm among diverse demographics, with supporter culture blossoming around the national teams and their star players.
Moreover, the relatively high security and comfort of American stadiums make matches accessible to families and newcomers—important factors as football looks to build a sustainable and diverse fan base. While extreme forms of fandom, such as hooliganism, are rare (and unwelcome), the US is still discovering its own authentic idiom for passion, one that may ultimately blend the best of various traditions.
The Risks and Challenges Ahead
Even as the US looks to borrow from vibrant cultures like those seen in St. Louis, challenges remain. The biggest is authenticity. Manufactured atmosphere—be it piped-in music, “fan prompts,” or staged crowd activities—risks alienating core supporters and undermines the organic connections Pochettino praises. There is also a danger in viewing immigrant passion as a commodity to be mined, rather than as a partnership to be fostered. As US teams and organizers embrace multicultural engagement, they must do so with humility and cooperation, ensuring that new traditions are respected and that communities feel welcome not just as “noise-makers” but as full participants in shaping US soccer's identity.Another risk lies in the commercialization of supporter culture. As American matches become more lucrative, there is temptation to prioritize the “Instagrammable” over the authentic. Already, some fans lament the corporate encroachment on core supporter traditions, from ticketing policies that fragment supporter sections to merchandising that homogenizes once-distinctive fan gear. Preserving the grassroots spirit necessary for creating deep cultural bonds will require careful stewardship by club and federation leaders.
Finally, there’s the question of sporting success itself. Passionate support is most powerful when linked to teams that compete at the highest level. While the USMNT’s recent success is encouraging, skepticism is warranted regarding their prospects in a far-more competitive World Cup field. Without consistent, top-tier performance, it will be challenging to transform casual World Cup interest into enduring fandom.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 World Cup as Inflection Point
All eyes now turn to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico. Pochettino’s hope—that American fans will demonstrate connection and energy on par with their counterparts abroad—faces a real test. The World Cup offers a once-in-a-generation chance to write a new script for soccer support in America, one that reflects the nation’s diversity, dynamism, and growing footballing pedigree.There are signs the groundwork is being laid. In many cities, soccer-specific stadiums are springing up, designed to amplify atmosphere and intimacy. Clubs and federation initiatives now directly target youth and immigrant communities, seeking to make soccer a central pillar of civic life. As TV viewership soars during major tournaments, broadcasters like FOX Sports and Telemundo have shifted coverage to highlight the richness of supporter cultures, not just the on-field action.
What Can US Fans Learn from Guatemala’s Example?
The road ahead is not about importing another country’s traditions wholesale, but rather learning from the authenticity, connection, and shared identity that animate the world’s best footballing atmospheres. For US fans—and for coaches like Pochettino—the lesson from the Gold Cup is clear: True support is not just about numbers or decibel levels; it’s about unity of purpose, inherited pride, and a willingness to be part of something larger than oneself.To achieve this, American soccer will need to:
- Foster Local Identities: Encourage clubs and national teams to embrace the unique histories of their regions, drawing on local culture while building new traditions.
- Engage with Diversity: Place immigrant communities at the heart of supporter culture initiatives, valuing their contributions and integrating their traditions respectfully.
- Make Matches Matter: Invest in narratives that enhance the stakes of every match, ensuring fans feel part of a continuing story, not just a one-off spectacle.
- Prioritize Authenticity: Resist the lure of over-commercialization and instead empower organic supporter-led efforts, which tend to forge the deepest connections.
- Promote Accessibility: Ensure tickets, broadcasts, and fan activities are available to all strata of society, making it easy for new supporters to join in.
Conclusion: Toward an American Football Culture All Its Own
The Gold Cup semifinal in St. Louis may be remembered for its scoreline, but its real legacy lies in the soundscape: the unwavering chants and colorful spectacle of Guatemala’s faithful. Mauricio Pochettino’s public praise was less about critique of American fans and more a clarion call for evolution. With the world's biggest tournament approaching, the US has an unprecedented opportunity to cultivate a football culture as eclectic, passionate, and inclusive as the nation itself.Building such a culture takes time and humility. It requires listening as much as leading, borrowing with gratitude, and honoring the unique blend of traditions that only America can provide. If US supporters can harness these lessons—if they can connect, not just attend—then the next great chapter in world football may well be written in American stadiums, echoing not only to the rhythm of drums and voices, but to the heartbeat of a nation learning, at last, what “football” truly means.
Source: The Straits Times US fans can learn from unbelievable Guatemala supporters, Pochettino says
