11 of 48 countries: visa refusal rates above 40%
Fans and support staff from 11 of the 48 countries that qualified for the World Cup encountered visa refusal rates above 40%.
Snapshot · The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
No Mercy / No Malice: World Cup Experience
Explore episode
Jun 27, 2026
Where this was said
World Cup Highlight Reel: Unity, Diplomacy, and the Tartan Army
At 11:40 · chapter starts 11:35
Zooming out from the economics, Galloway delivers his personal World Cup highlight reel. There were real concerns that America would export its political dysfunction — visa refusal rates above 40% for fans from 11 qualifying countries gave those fears some substance. But on the pitch and in the stands, a different story emerged. Norway supporters performed their coordinated Viking rowing chant. Japanese fans went viral for cleaning the stadium after victory over Tunisia, a practice called gomihiroi that Galloway frames as a lesson for a world that daily experiences the tragedy of the commons. Scotland's Tartan Army drained Boston of beer, cheered on the Red Sox at Fenway, and raised $30,000 for Rhode Island charities. And fans from countries with every reason to be angry at America posted videos celebrating Americans instead [1] — George Hahn "Despite real concerns about American political dysfunction affecting the tournament, the World Cup has delivered something the UN never can…" 11:28 . Most remarkably, Iran's national team left a handwritten thank-you note in their SoFi Stadium locker room: 'We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.' The World Cup, Galloway concludes, does what the UN cannot — unify people and nations around a common pursuit.
Scotland fans raised $30K for RI charities
Scotland's Tartan Army raised $30,000 for local charities in Rhode Island during the 2026 World Cup.
56% of US soccer fans under 34
In the US, 56% of soccer fans are under 34 and two-thirds are men, making soccer a particularly youth-oriented and male sport.
Soccer and the New Masculinity
In the US, the dominant dark definition of masculinity centers on dominance and an inability to show emotion. Soccer offers a correction: men who display strength, cooperation, emotion, and devotion. Galloway wants his sons to take permission — not patriotism — from the beautiful game.
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