The FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally here! If you are a soccer family like we are, this is a massive deal.
I was a senior in high school the last time the men’s tournament was played in the U.S. back in 1994. Back then, I didn’t even like soccer and barely remember it happening. Fast forward 30-plus years and two soccer-playing kids later, and the tournament has returned bigger and better than ever, and we are locked in!
While soccer (or football) is a cultural staple and a way of life in most countries, the U.S. is slower to the craze and is finally experiencing an unprecedented surge in soccer popularity. World Cup fever is officially leaving its mark on all ages!
This six-week sprint to the trophy is more than just a sports competition. It is a fantastic opportunity to teach children about sports, geography, diverse cultures, and global unity. Even if your kids aren’t into soccer yet, they are bound to be by the time the final whistle blows.
Starting Our Own Tradition
We kicked off the tournament excitement in our house with the official Panini sticker album. This is a World Cup tradition dating back to 1970. This year’s album is a massive 113 pages full of stats and team rosters, with hundreds of blank spots to fill.
You can buy the sticker packs at local stores or online to stick, collect, and swap with friends. Popular player stickers are even being traded and sold online. The excitement in our living room has been real. My son was pumped when he pulled a Kylian Mbappé (France) sticker and then a USMNT star, Christian Pulisic. He spent hours unpeeling and placing 10 packs of stickers, and he is already asking for more!
Budget-Friendly Ways to Get Kids Involved
If you want to get your kids in on the global action without spending a lot of money, try these fun, hands-on activities:
- Map the Matchups: Print a world map and have your kids pin or dot the 48 participating nations. Look up the flags, capital cities, population sizes, currency, and primary languages of the playing teams.
- Taste the World: Food is a universal language. Pick a match and make a signature snack for each country. Think empanadas for Argentina or large soft pretzels for Germany.
- Halftime Craft Time: Turn the 15-minute halftime break into an art session. Have your kids draw, paint, or assemble different national flags out of colored craft paper. See if they can do all 48 nations.
Where to Watch the Matches
Local soccer clubs, restaurants, and bars are getting in on World Cup fever.
- The Block Jax: Check out their schedule for the upcoming matches. 30-foot LED wall display. Free general admission. Bring your own blankets/chairs and grab dinner and drinks there. The kickoff party for the USA vs. Paraguay match was packed!
- Culhane’s Irish Pub: Two locations, lots of TVs for late matches, great food, and kid-friendly.
- Lynch’s Irish Pub: Their Instagram profile says they are the official USA watch party headquarters. Sounds like a good place to cheer on the red, white, and blue!
Where to Find the Best World Cup Merch in Stores
Part of the thrill for kids is dressing the part. There is no shortage of merchandise out there, especially for fan-favorites like Argentina, Brazil, England, and the United States. My youngest particularly loves his reusable World Cup water bottle ($5 from Five Below) and his stuffed animal of the U.S. mascot, Clutch ($10, Walgreens). Here is where I have spotted World Cup merch that won’t break the bank:
- Walgreens: Tons of merchandise, including hats, shirts, scarves, party supplies, and those adorable stuffed mascots.
- CVS: A great selection of shirts and hats, plus fun extras like World Cup dog toys, cups, and can koozies.
- Five Below: The perfect spot for budget-friendly finds like backpack charms, clear bags, and more. Maybe this will detract from the viral squishy dumplings!
- Walmart: A reliable stop for Panini sticker books, sticker packs, soccer balls, and youth fan gear.
- McDonald’s: Happy Meals currently come with one of 23 limited-edition, soccer-themed Squishmallows. We have collected five so far.
This World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make memories right in our own living rooms. I love watching it today through the eyes of my two boys. Whether your family is counting goals, trying out a new recipe, or frantically hunting for that final Panini sticker to complete the album, it will be some time before this happens on American soil again. So, enjoy the tournament, and GO USA!
