Tomi Lahren: Foreign visitors are falling in love with ‘small-town’ America
‘Outnumbered’ panelists discuss the White House’s reaction to World Cup attendees embracing American culture and praising their hospitable experiences around the country.
USA Today columnist Nancy Armour, who faced criticism Thursday over her commentary about WNBA star Caitlin Clark, had declared last month before the World Cup began that American greed and hostility had already cost the United States its opportunity to showcase the country, citing ticket prices and entry restrictions.
"The U.S. men’s national team could make a historically deep run and the tournament could be filled with wondrous goals and compelling games," Armour said. "It will not change the fact that we have shown ourselves to be a hateful and greedy nation, one where leaders are only willing to welcome a world as they want to see it rather than as it exists, and the love of the game is exploited for top dollar."
Armour predicted that the tournament would be remembered for the country's conduct instead of the competition and its ability to bring people together.
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USA Today columnist Nancy Armour predicted American greed and hostility would ruin the 2026 World Cup. (Etienne Laurent/AFP)
"That will be the legacy, and the shame, of this World Cup," Armour said. "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the best of the United States and embrace the joy that soccer brings the rest of the world and, instead, we chose to be ugly Americans."
The columnist criticized visa restrictions affecting Iran's team and the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan. She argued that U.S. entry restrictions conflicted with the country’s responsibility to welcome international participants and fans.
"The U.S. is supposed to be a World Cup host, not a World Cup bouncer," Armour said.
Armour’s columns received renewed attention after Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and other critics condemned her on Thursday for invoking Emmett Till while arguing that Clark’s conduct toward WNBA officials endangered Black and queer players.
"It seems there is a White nationalist element to Clark’s fandom that is deeply, deeply problematic," Armour said.
The World Cup drew nearly 7 million spectators despite Armour’s warning that the tournament would showcase an "ugly" America. (Olivianna Calmes)
The FIFA World Cup concluded Sunday after 104 matches, including 78 in the United States. Nearly 7 million people attended matches, breaking the tournament attendance record, while FIFA reported 99.7% capacity through the semifinals. More than 8.5 million people visited official fan festivals across the three host countries, according to FIFA.
The final between Spain and Argentina drew nearly 63 million U.S. viewers across Fox, Telemundo and Peacock, Reuters reported. Fox averaged 7.74 million viewers throughout the tournament, up 116% from 2022, while Telemundo averaged 6.3 million, a 143% increase.
Bank of America estimated that the World Cup generated approximately $40 billion in global economic activity, with about $20 billion occurring in the United States. The bank found faster spending growth in host cities, particularly at hotels, restaurants, bars and stores, The Independent reported.
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Armour’s World Cup column received renewed attention after criticism of her commentary about WNBA star Caitlin Clark. (Getty Images)
"It’s having this on-the-ground economic impact, and that spending is going into what we call bricks-and-mortar — going to bars and restaurants and things like that — not necessarily only the people in the stadium," Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said in a CBS interview with Margaret Brennan.
Houston recorded more than 439,000 international airport arrivals during the tournament, up more than 2% from the previous year, while hotel revenue rose nearly 15%. Visitors interviewed by Axios praised the city's hospitality, food and diversity.
"People arrived in the United States, they arrived in Texas, they arrived in Houston, and it was a much different experience than what maybe they had originally thought, and in a very, very favorable way," Houston First CEO Michael Heckman said.
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A U.S. Travel Association survey of 2,205 adults found that 81% felt proud seeing international visitors enjoy the country, 86% felt joy watching them experience America, and 70% supported hosting additional global events. Half said positive visitor experiences build international goodwill and cooperation, according to the survey.
"The World Cup reintroduced America to the world. Our best ambassadors aren’t politicians or headlines — they’re the Americans visitors met, the communities they explored and the people who made them feel welcome," U.S. Travel Association President Geoff Freeman said.
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"That’s a win for every American."
