Mexico: US soccer player says World Cup at home is "truly amazing experience".

U.S. Major League Soccer defender Dylan Nealis said in a recent interview with China Media Group that hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup held on home soil is a "truly amazing experience". The World Cup officially kicked off on June 11 with an opening ceremony at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City that celebrated Mexican culture and the tournament's return to the historic venue. The expanded 2026 tournament is the biggest ever World Cup, featuring a record number of 48 teams and seeing the competition hosted by three nations for the first time, with matches taking place in Mexico, Canada and the United States from June 11 to July 19. Nealis, who currently plays for the New York Red Bulls, said despite not being on Team USA, he was still excited to see the top tournament held in his hometown. "This is special. It's going to be a unique experience. I grew up here, so just seeing it in my hometown is amazing. This is a sport and a tournament that brings so many people together. So it'll be a truly amazing experience," he said. The U.S. defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their first game, greatly boosting local supporters' confidence. Nealis said the legacy of the World Cup goes beyond football itself, noting the profound unity among people and nations that it creates. Shotlist: Mexico City, Mexico - June 11, 2026: 1. Various of stadium; New Jersey, New York, USA - Recent 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Dylan Nealis, defender, New York Red Bulls: "This is special. It's going to be a unique experience. I grew up here, so just seeing it in my hometown is amazing. This is a sport that and a tournament that brings so many people together. So it'll be a truly amazing experience."; New Jersey, USA - Recent 3. Various of New York New Jersey Stadium, signs reading "FIFA World Cup 2026," "We are New York New Jersey"; New Jersey, New York, USA - Recent 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Dylan Nealis, defender, New York Red Bulls: "You could tell maybe there's a little nervous energy to start. But once the guys got going, I mean, they put on an unbelievable performance. I think that was Friday night, a huge 4-1 win to start the tournament. So I think everybody was watching around the world and are gonna take this game and hopefully root for them even some more in the next few games coming up."; Kansas City, Missouri State, USA - Recent 5. Various of World Cup-themed decoration at airport; New Jersey, New York, USA - Recent 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Dylan Nealis, defender, New York Red Bulls: "I think it'll be huge. I think hopefully a lot of European and South Americans and just fans from everywhere across the world. They're just so passionate about this game where I hope they American fans kind of see that and realize how fun this sport can be when you know that you got a group of fans together just cheering and rooting for the all 90 minutes. It's a special sport."; Kansas City, Missouri State, USA - Recent 7. Arrowhead Stadium; 8. Words reading "FIFA WORLD CUP 2026"; 9. FIFA Fan Festival site; 10. poster showing open dates, times for FIFA Fan Festival; 11. Banner reading "Heart of America, heart of the game"; 12. Children taking photos with World Cup inflatable ball. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]