Thursday through Saturday, I left our little corner of Missouri to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience, sharing in the love of the world’s game as we approach our 250th birthday as a nation.

Thursday morning, I embarked on my journey to Kansas City to attend two FIFA World Cup games at Arrowhead Stadium, and it was an experience that did not disappoint.

Going directly to catch a bus to the stadium, I was met with a sea of Oranje at the Netherlands-Tunisia contest. Rain did not stop the game, nor did it stop the mostly Dutch fans from delivering an atmosphere unlike any other.

I have been to a few Chiefs games at Arrowhead, but the World Cup is a different ballgame. My single seat was on the second level by the corner flag above the south goal. 

Having bought the one ticket, I was unsure what the fanbase around me would look like. To my right were two older gentlemen who traveled from the Netherlands to see the game. The pair were highly critical of their nation’s play, but they obviously enjoyed the 3-1 victory. To my left was another Dutchman who now lives in Maine. Dressed in orange from head to toe, he sported a giant orange cowboy hat and the Netherlands flag painted on both cheeks. The whole section, from one corner flag and behind the goal to the other, was lively, chanting, singing and cheering non-stop for Holland. 

In total, more than 68,000 people were in attendance — nearly twice the population of Barry County. When people say the atmosphere in a stadium is electric, words hardly do it justice. For a lifelong soccer fan, it was a dream come true.

On Friday, I caught a bus to the FIFA Fan Festival at the WWI Museum and Memorial, again surprised and delighted with the atmosphere. The gates opened at 2 p.m. for the France-Norway contest, and the line to get in tho the park stretched a literal mile down the street and in front of Union Station, taking me about 45 minutes to reach the end of the line and make my way back to the park entrance.

Inside, it was all smiles. People of all backgrounds, ethnicities and social statuses enjoyed watching the game on the many big screens together, and there were multiple booths with interactive games, like the Home Depot booth with a 15-second juggling challenge. I had 27 touches on the ball in that 15 seconds and scored some oohs for a nearly perfect around the world trick. Fun — while it’s a plain word, it’s the best one I can use to describe the experience.

Saturday, after sleeping in and recouping for a while, I made my way back to Arrowhead for the Austria-Algeria game, a 9 p.m. kickoff under the lights. Before making my way into the stadium, I wandered around the fan experience area, which included a live DJ, a small-sided field where kids could play mini games, and the most fun part of all, a juggling circle with a bona-fide freestyler who shared his skills and his ball with anyone who wanted a touch.

Again, I pulled off a bit of trickery, a skill the freestyler had not performed, which garnered a cheer from the circle and a few high fives. 

Making my way to my seat, this time near midfield in the lower bowl, I was not expecting much from the game itself given the implications for both teams. I was not rooting for either team really, just for a good game — and boy, did I get one.

The 3-3 contest saw two goals scored in the final four minutes, with Austria netting the last one to ensure they advanced to the knockout round. 

As much as I underestimated the game, I grossly underestimated the atmosphere. Nearly 70,000 people, a full house, were in attendance, with the Algeria faithful waving their flags and singing all game long behind one goal, and the Austrian fans with their scarves and drums providing a different but equally lively cheering section.

All six times the ball went in the net, I leapt out of my seat with everyone around me. The second Algeria goal also garnered a high five from the fan two seats over, as we had just been saying Riyhad Mahrez should get the ball more, and when he did, he scored.

Driving home on Sunday, I was still buzzing. Even today (Monday), I’m watching games with a different perspective having been at two.

Reflecting on the whole experience, one thing stands out above the rest — the togetherness of the fans and the worldliness of it all. There were so many different kinds of people I met or interacted with over the three days, and US soccer fans have been showing up and showing out. 

I’ve always been proud to be American, but being part of an event where we are hosting people from all over the world, welcoming them in the true American — and Barry County — way with a smile and mutual respect, I couldn’t help but feel a immense sense of pride.

What better way to celebrate our 250th birthday than creating little melting pots all across the country and showing the world the best of what America has to offer? 

Maybe I’m still just buzzing, but I can’t think of one.

Kyle Troutman has served as editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014 and owner/publisher since 2023. He is a three-time ISWNE Golden Dozen award winner. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or [email protected].