by InTrieste
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across North America with its early share of goals, surprises and upsets, football fever is finding expression in many corners of the world.
On a recent Thursday evening, the conversation at Bar Tergesteo in the heart of Trieste drifted naturally toward the tournament. From 7 to 11 p.m., nearly 50 expatriates from around the globe gathered for the city’s weekly multicultural aperitivo, a longstanding tradition organized by Expats in Trieste, an international community that will celebrate its 10th anniversary this December.
The group reflects the cosmopolitan character of Trieste itself. Americans chatted with Australians, Britons exchanged predictions with Germans, and newcomers compared notes with longtime residents who have made the Adriatic city their home. While the event is not explicitly about sports, the World Cup quickly became the evening’s unofficial theme.
For many of the Americans in attendance, this year’s tournament carries special significance. Hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the World Cup has brought a piece of home closer, despite the thousands of miles separating Trieste from the stadiums packed with fans across North America.
“I’ve been following every match I can,” said one American expat. Others gathered around tables debated favorites, celebrated unexpected results and discussed whether the United States could build on its impressive opening performance.
The World Cup’s ability to unite people across borders felt particularly fitting in Trieste, a city shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. At Bar Tergesteo, where conversations flowed effortlessly, the tournament served as a reminder that football remains one of the few truly global languages.
