The U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2026 World Cup run is underway, and boy, does it already feel like the entire nation has caught a case of World Cup fever.
Trust the science.
That’s the beauty of international sports, though. Any other time, we’re all divided and cheering for our respective pro or collegiate teams, but now?
We’re all in on Team USA, baby.
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And there was some serious patriotism at the U.S.’s first game of the tournament against Paraguay, and here is the definitive power ranking of the top 5 patriotic fans spotted in and around Los Angeles Stadium (or as it’s known during non-World Cup times, SoFi Stadium).
No. 5: The Uncle Sam boxing dudes
There are no rules with patriotism — other than, well, be patriotic — but I love seeing some creativity infused with it.
I feel like we got that from these fellas who went all out with Uncle Sam hats, Apollo Creed “Rocky IV” robes, boxing gloves and all kinds of USMNT paraphernalia.
This is what I call “patriotic maximalism,” and I’m all about it.
Just drench everything in red, white, and blue and stars and stripes.
That’s what this is all about.
No notes. Well done, fellas.
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No. 4: These people in Minnesota getting clobbered by rain
I know I said we were going to look at fans in and around LA, but I had to throw a bone to these folks in Minnesota, because they are hardcore.
There were many of them outside.
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Anyone can watch soccer in perfect conditions, but it takes a special kind of fan to stand there in the miserable rain to cheer on the Stars and Stripes.
A lesser fan would’ve said, “I’m gonna go find a Chili’s and post up there,” the second their socks could get a tad soggy, but not these folks. They were gutting it out in a veritable monsoon.
I love the commitment, and that’s why they’re on this list.
No. 3: Tom Cruise
Hey, he’s United States Navy (USN) Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.
He’s making the list.
Thank you for your service to U.S. soccer fandom, Mav.
Can’t wait for “Top Gun 3.”
No. 2: The Founding Fathers
You may be catching on to the fact that I put a lot of value in how much you inconvenience yourself to cheer on a team. I’m all about sticking it out through bad weather and uncomfortable costumes, and the Founding Fathers fit the bill.
Sure, the match is at a stadium with a roof on it, but it’s still Los Angeles in June.
That’s usually shorts-and-T-shirt weather, but these literal patriots said, “No, give us the wool getups and powdered wigs for the boys.
You love to see it.
No. 1: The American Outlaws
Was there any other option?
The OGs of the OGs, the biggest ride-or-die US soccer fans, were out in full force.
While most of the country checks out the USMNT every four years, these are the men and women who have helped grow the sport of soccer among fans here in the States.
The World Cup is off to a hot start, and I get the sense it’s only going to heat up as the group stage progresses.
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