/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F06%2Fimago1078096039.jpg)
Excitement is starting to build across the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with thousands of supporters turning out in Charlotte to back the national team in one of its final warm-up matches before the tournament begins.
The atmosphere around Bank of America Stadium offered another reminder of the scale of interest surrounding this summer's competition, as fans packed streets, bars and fan areas long before kick-off.
USA fans flood Carolina for 2026 World Cup warm-up friendly
Tens of thousands of supporters descended on Uptown Charlotte on Sunday as the USMNT took on Senegal in a World Cup preparation match.
Local businesses reported huge crowds throughout the day, while supporters described the atmosphere around the city centre as electric ahead of kick-off.
The official attendance was just under 58,000 at Bank of America Stadium, home to MLS side Charlotte FC, continuing a strong run of support for the national team ahead of a World Cup on home soil.
Many fans attended specifically to support the USA, while others were drawn by the occasion itself and the growing excitement surrounding football in America.
Those in attendance were rewarded with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Senegal.
Christian Pulisic was the standout performer, scoring once and providing an assist as the hosts secured an encouraging result.
Sergino Dest opened the scoring after just seven minutes from a Pulisic cross, before Pulisic doubled the lead midway through the first half.
Senegal fought back, but Folarin Balogun ultimately netted the decisive goal as the Americans edged an exciting five-goal contest.
Beyond the result itself, the sizeable crowd and city-wide atmosphere provided another positive sign for organisers preparing to host the world's biggest football tournament, with the USA set to kick off their tournament against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on June 13th.
FGG says: This is exactly what FIFA and US Soccer want to see
For years, there have been questions about how much World Cup fever would truly grip the United States. Events like this suggest those concerns may be overstated.
Nearly 58,000 supporters turning out for a warm-up friendly shows there is a genuine appetite for the tournament, particularly when the national team is involved.
Just as importantly, the scenes around Charlotte demonstrated how football can transform an American city when a major occasion arrives.
The real test will come once the World Cup begins in a little over a week, but if this atmosphere is any indication, the US looks ready to embrace hosting the biggest sporting event on the planet.