Van de Ven (Netherlands Player): "During my vacation in America last summer, I met people who didn't even know their country would host the World Cup"
T.E (Elbotola)
09 June 2026at22:47
Micky van de Ven, a player for the Dutch national team, spoke about the atmosphere surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, just days before the tournament, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
The Dutch international stated during a press conference: "We went out to eat together in America, but we didn't meet any fans. The atmosphere varies from place to place."
When asked if he felt the World Cup atmosphere in the United States, he replied: "Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I spent my vacation here last summer, and there were people who didn't even know their country would host the World Cup."
The Dutch national team is in Group F of the 2026 World Cup finals, alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Q&A
What did Micky van de Ven say about the 2026 World Cup atmosphere in the U.S.?
Micky van de Ven noted a surprising lack of World Cup excitement in the U.S., even encountering individuals during his vacation who were unaware their country would co-host the major tournament. He observed varying atmospheres across different locations.
How does the perceived lack of awareness impact the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The perceived lack of awareness suggests a potential challenge for building widespread enthusiasm for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite its status as a global event. Van de Ven's comments highlight the varied local engagement across the host nation.
What are the next steps for Micky van de Ven and the Dutch national team in the 2026 World Cup?
Micky van de Ven will continue preparing with the Dutch national team for the 2026 World Cup finals. Their focus will be on their group stage matches, aiming to advance from their competitive pool.
