In an interview that has gone viral, an American reporter reacted to a Japanese fan expressing their excitement in broken English as the 2026 FIFA World Cup fever seems to be gripping North America.
The quadrennial event – first to feature 48 teams and three co-hosts – kicked off last week in Mexico, with the co-hosts beating South Africa 2-0 in Mexico City. A day later, the two other co-hosts – USA and Canada – also got their campaigns underway.
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While USMNT beat Paraguay 4-1 for their first World Cup opening win in more than a decade, Canada drew 1-1 in Toronto against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Meanwhile, Asian powerhouse Japan kicked off their campaign on Sunday with a 2-2 draw against two-time finalists Netherlands on Sunday.
In a viral interview posted by TSN Official on Instagram, a Japanese fan told an American reporter.
“My name is Hiroshige Nagakune. It’s live?”
On getting the affirmation from the reporter, the fan responded when asked how excited he was for the World Cup:
“Excuse me, I cannot speak English, but I’m excited.”
“Japan, baby, look it’s lit,” the reporter said.
The video has garnered over 90K likes, nearly 900 comments and has been reposted over 1400 times.
Going back to the Japan game, the 2002 co-hosts (with South Korea) twice came from behind in the second half, including an 89th-minute equaliser from Daichi Kamada to salvage a share of the spoils against the Oranje.
“We’re not completely satisfied with the draw” – Japan head coach after 2026 FIFA World Cup opener
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu hailed his team’s character and resilience as they commenced their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.
Following a goalless first period at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, centre-back Virgil vn Dijk opened the scoring for the Netherlands six minutes into the second period. However, Japan drew level through Keito Nakamura six minutes later.
The 1978 and 2010 finalists surged ahead again – through Crysensio Summerville – in the 64th minute. A win wasn’t to be for the Oranje, though, as Daichi Kamada bagged a late equaliser for Japan.
“The Netherlands were very strong,” said Moriyasu. “We were trailing behind, a very difficult opponent, the players were united as one, tenacious, they fought to the end and did not cease to persevere. Of course, we’re not completely satisfied with just the one point for the draw.”
Japan take on Tunisia on Sunday in their second Group F game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe.
Edited by Bhargav
