As dark storm clouds gather over Mexico City, swirling like a slow-motion whirlpool above the stadium, two England fans remain unbothered. They sit three hours before England faces Mexico in the most anticipated match at the Estadio Azteca in 40 years. While authorities warn attendees to seek cover due to an electrical storm protocol, these fans, clearly enjoying the atmosphere, focus on a game of hopscotch chalked onto the gravel outside the stadium’s Cabecera Norte end. Local children and adults alike join in, celebrating the “Viva Mexico” design at the top of the course.

This scene reflects the general mood around the iconic World Cup venue. Event volunteers in blue and green encourage passers-by to participate in Limbo games, while Mexican dance groups perform south of the main entrance. Nearby, Mexican and English supporters exchange playful banter as they wait to enter the arena.

The environment is infectious and joyful. The World Cup brings together diverse nationalities, cultures, genders, and ages, creating a setting that might seem illogical if not for the two national teams preparing to compete. This vision aligns with founder Jules Rimet’s original goal for the first World Cup in 1930: to unite people from around the world who might otherwise share little in common, even if only for a brief period. Ninety-six years later, in its 23rd edition, the tournament continues to uphold this ethos despite various obstacles.

The message to FIFA remains clear: while the organization controls tickets, visas, water bottles, stadium branding, and player suspensions, it cannot diminish the heartening blend of multiculturalism. This interweaving of different races, religions, and peoples creates a sentiment of something far greater.

During my first time covering a World Cup, I found the enthusiasm and devotion displayed by different groups in cities, airports, and stadiums to be the most striking element of the tournament.

Two weeks ago, Iran played Egypt in a critical Group G match that coincided with Seattle Pride Weekend. The fixture occurred in one of America’s most liberal cities, despite both nations having policies often at odds with such movements, and with Iran currently at odds with the host nation. The atmosphere ahead of the Friday night kickoff sparked deep intrigue and natural concern among local law enforcement.

However, the different strands of humanity—Egypt and Iran supporters, anti-regime protesters, pro-Palestine activists, Christian preachers, and Pride campaigners—coexisted peacefully.

As thousands of Egyptian supporters walked from the Seattle waterfront, Iran fans integrated into the crowd, posing for selfies with men wearing Mohamed Salah masks. On Occidental Avenue in downtown Seattle, protesters organized a 5-a-side football match to raise awareness about the sport, using political placards to call for Israel’s removal from FIFA. “Football is the people’s sport, despite the fact it’s been used and twisted at the top,” says 29-year-old Palestinian campaigner Adam. “We want to raise awareness that football can unite.”

Elsewhere on the same street, anti-Trump protesters and supporters of the Iranian regime gathered. Despite the starkly different beliefs, the groups held their demonstrations without disorder. “That is not the Iranian national team, this is the regime’s team,” says 37-year-old Emery, an Iranian living in Seattle. He adds that many protesters were waving the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag, despite it being technically prohibited in the stadiums.

The groups coalesced peacefully throughout the day. While the match featured drama, including a late Iran winner disallowed by VAR that ultimately led to their tournament exit, there was not a single fan arrest in Seattle or Mexico City.

Post-match festivities further highlighted how distinct cultures assemble in a heartwarming display of joy. After England’s 3-2 victory at the Azteca, most Mexican fans remained magnanimous. Outside the stadium, England supporters sang “Wonderwall” on karaoke, with Mexican fans smiling and singing along. Similar scenes occurred in Seattle, where Egypt and Iran fans danced together after the game. Regardless of the score, rivalries were set aside, and the police remained largely uninvolved.

As the tournament nears its finale, it serves as a reminder that the World Cup remains unparalleled in football and, in terms of global impact, comparable only to the Olympics. Amid increasing global tension, this event brings together a diverse assortment of people in an atmosphere of patriotism and energy that remains its most beautiful feature.