Latvian Fans Share World Cup Experience in Texas: High Beer Prices, Quiet Atmosphere, and Local Interest

Two Latvian football fans, Raivis and Rūdolfs, attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Texas, sharing their observations with Sportacentrs. They purchased tickets well in advance, originally planning to go to Mexico but switched to Texas due to logistics. Tickets later sold on the secondary market at three to four times the original price.

Entry into the United States was smooth, despite rumors of strict checks. "No social media history was checked, and no one asked to see our phone content," they noted. At the airport, there was no signage or decorations indicating the World Cup. The fans attended a baseball game in Houston before their first football match. A hotdog cost $8 but was described as disappointing - just a simple bun and sausage. During the baseball game, a ball landed nearby but they did not catch it.

Their first World Cup match was Netherlands vs. Sweden. They joined the famous Dutch fan march, which was mostly attended by locals. "The march was much quieter than similar events in Latvia," they said. Stadium atmosphere was subdued, with the loudest reactions coming during water breaks, when fans booed. The "injury time" display read "at least 4 minutes" to avoid confusion among local fans unfamiliar with soccer.

Beer at the stadium cost $18, plus an expected tip. The fans noted the US tipping culture: "The vendor just handed us a can and opened it, and then stopped smiling when we didn't add a 20% tip." Despite pre-tournament predictions of disinterest in soccer, the fans observed significant local engagement. "At gas stations, they sell jerseys of various national teams, and bars show live matches." They also encountered people handing out water during the fan march.

The fans still plan to attend more matches, including Argentina vs. Jordan in Dallas, drawn by Lionel Messi.