The bulk of the FIFA World Cup 2026 action has been played on American soil, but Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne has all but admitted he prefers playing in Canada.
While the United States have joined forces with Canada and Mexico to host the biggest World Cup in the tournament’s 96-year history, it is the US who have seen most of the action.
Some of the most iconic venues in sport are hosting games, such as the AT&T Stadium in Dallas and the MetLife in New Jersey.
Still, De Bruyne – one of the leading players in European soccer over the past decade – actually prefers playing in Canada.
De Bruyne feels Canadian stadiums reflect the soccer experience
The Belgium star played in Canada when his side beat New Zealand 5-1 at BC Place in Vancouver.
After playing there, the former Manchester City star said: “The city of Vancouver, I’ve only been here a short stay, but I have to say it was a really nice stadium to play.
“It feels like a real football stadium for me, the other two are massive, but you have all the NFL feeling, so I think for us it’s really nice. You felt it on the pitch, it’s a bit different, so it was a pleasure.”
De Bruyne’s Belgium had previously played in Los Angeles and Seattle, drawing with Iran and Egypt respectively.
While they are perhaps no longer the force of old, Belgium have reached the round of 32 and will likely play African giants Senegal in Seattle next week.
It is fascinating to hear what an elite athlete thinks of the difference. So much has been made about the difference in fan experience from European supporters heading over to North America this summer.
With that in mind, actually hearing from a player at the World Cup is interesting. That certainly doesn’t mean American stadiums do not offer a brilliant experience, just that the differences across the tournament are notable.
The World Cup final, of course, will be held in the US. The MetLife– renamed the New York New Jersey Stadium due to FIFA branding rules – will have that honor on July 19 when the world will be watching the biggest game in soccer.
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