**A Soccer Journey Across America: Paul Kennedy’s Cross-Country Adventure**
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As the excitement builds for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, one enthusiastic football fan is preparing for a unique road trip that combines nostalgia with passion for the beautiful game. Paul Kennedy, a 55-year-old resident of Fort Myers, Florida, is reviving his beloved 1974 Volkswagen Beetle, adorned with a distinct soccer-ball design, to travel across the United States, celebrating football and its global community.
Kennedy’s beetle first made its debut in this iconic guise for the 1994 World Cup. A project that began as a promotional tool for his soccer store, the distinctive design has since become a symbol of his long-standing love for the sport. “I had this car since I passed my driving test in it,” he shared. “To see it transformed into a soccer ball was an incredible experience.”
Before embarking on his inaugural 1994 road trip to the World Cup games, Kennedy sought sponsorship from major companies such as Adidas and Snickers to help fund his travels. His meticulous planning ensured he visited every stadium where the matches were held, featuring iconic scenic routes along the way, including stops at Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. “It was an adventure of a lifetime, and I want to recreate that spirit now,” he reflected.
Over the years, Kennedy has attended nine World Cups across the globe, travelling to destinations from France to South Africa. He describes the experience as a remarkable opportunity to connect with fans from various countries. “You’re sharing stories and experiences with people who have travelled from all corners of the world just to witness a football match,” he explained. It’s not just about the games; it’s the wonderful moments spent with family and friends that have made these journeys unforgettable.
This year’s cross-country trip is set to be just as significant. Kennedy plans to retrieve his close friend from Jacksonville and then traverse across Route 10, making his way to various key locations such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Kansas City. Detailed planning for the journey has taken over a year and a half, with Kennedy working extra jobs to finance his ambitious road trip. “I’ve been driving for Uber to cover some of the costs involved. It’s a labour of love,” he admitted.
Despite the heavy financial implications, Kennedy’s family is supportive. His daughters find his adventures thrilling, with one even jokingly asking if she could inherit the Beetle. After being married for over 20 years, his wife is well-acquainted with his dedication to football. “She’s been by my side since I returned from the World Cup in Germany in 2006. She knows what she signed up for!”
Preparing the Beetle for its journey has demanded considerable effort. With the odometer tipping 200,000 miles, Kennedy has replaced several vital components, including the engine, tyres, and brakes. “It’s vital to keep the Beetle in tip-top shape for this trip,” he said, adding a light-hearted comment about its heating system. Although the vehicle lacks modern air conditioning, he cherishes the charm of his vintage car and aims to evoke the spirit of the 1994 World Cup.
While Kennedy can’t take the Beetle to every match this time, he assures fans that it will make appearances at various events throughout the World Cup. His hilarious tales of past experiences include a flat tyre adventure before a long stretch of road and the time he and his friends camped out in the car near Bourbon Street, waking up with mysterious red marks on their bodies.
Kennedy’s path has not been singularly composed of whimsical misadventures; his Beetle also boasts a few celebrity signatures from past tournaments, including those from footballers Tony Meola and Alexi Lalas. Although the original signatures have faded over time, he dreams of reconnecting with them to collect fresh autographs.
As he gears up for his latest World Cup adventure, Kennedy recalls the electrifying moment the U.S. team triumphed over Portugal in 2002—a cherished memory etched in his heart. “That match truly felt like a miracle,” he reminisced, surrounded by blissful memories of cheering alongside his brothers.
With the tournament on the horizon, Paul Kennedy remains excited about the prospect of witnessing the U.S. team in action again. He aims to make lasting memories on this journey while celebrating the camaraderie that comes with the love for football. As he set off from Fort Myers on June 7, he can hardly contain his enthusiasm. “It’s about unity,” he stated. “The World Cup brings people together, and there’s no better feeling than sharing that excitement with fans from around the globe.”