For more than two decades the Bertram family of Scottsdale has turned the quadrennial spectacle of the FIFA World Cup into a pilgrimage of its own, chasing the world’s most watched tournament across continents and cultures.
A Promise That Grew Into a Legacy
The tradition began in 2002 when Darren Bertram made a simple promise to his growing family: attend a World Cup together. That vow set a pattern that would stretch across seven tournaments, covering both the men’s and women’s stages.
Their itinerary reads like a world tour. From the bustling streets of Qatar to the historic avenues of France, from the sun‑kissed stadiums of Brazil to the snow‑capped arenas of South Korea, the Bertrams have chased the ball across six continents, each trip deepening the bond that ties them together.
The most recent chapter unfolded in Los Angeles, where the family occupied the front row of a U.S. match against Australia. Elyse Bertram’s iconic Statue of Liberty costume, bright green and fiercely patriotic, caught the cameras of millions and sparked a wave of online admiration.
Beyond the roar of the crowd, the Bertrams treasure the quieter moments that the tournament affords — shared meals in foreign hotels, spontaneous street celebrations, and the chance to watch their children, Tyler and Madeline, absorb the global passion for the sport.
A Tradition in the Making
Looking ahead, the family already charts the next leg of their journey. With the Women’s World Cup slated for Brazil next year, they see an opportunity to pass the tradition to the next generation, ensuring that the colors, chants and camaraderie endure.