Tales from 16 World Cup cities

July 2 : Sixteen cities scattered across North America have been hosting the 2026 World Cup, welcoming fans from around the world and transforming stadiums to play the beautiful game.

Reuters has had photographers stationed at every training camp and match, capturing the action on and off the pitch.

Here's a selection of their photos from each host city and some of their comments on the experience so far.

Mexico City

Raquel Cunha has been struck by how ubiquitous soccer is in Mexico's capital. The focus of the World Cup has been on the famous Estadio Azteca, which has hosted some of the tournament's most noted games over the years, including two finals. But Cunha also found "la pasion" in local neighbourhoods, with many communities adapting their geography to accommodate a soccer pitch.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara also has a special connection with the World Cup. Many locals in this western Mexican city still recall Pele playing here in 1970, and a statue of the Brazilian legend was unveiled there this year. Ivan Arias was particularly struck by how fans of visiting teams were welcomed. "One of my favourite things to witness was the friendship that grew between Mexican and Colombian fans. They ended up attending each other's gatherings, matches and celebrations, and by the end it felt like they were supporting each other as much as their own teams," he said.

Monterrey

Most Mexican cities have a well-established soccer tradition. Locals in Monterrey may gather in their backyards to enjoy the game alongside a barbecue and some beers, or perhaps congregate in bars, says Daniel Becerril.

Miami

Miami already has a strong Latin American presence, so the World Cup has felt less like a new event and more like an extension of the existing