Diary from the States, Day 18 | New sights, new energy

Charlotte reveals yet another face. Today we explored NoDa, the city’s most creative neighborhood — a former industrial area turned artistic hub, filled with colorful murals, independent galleries, and vintage-flavored bars and cafés. Here, time seems to slow down, offering a fresh perspective on a city that lives through many identities.

But the heartbeat is still on the pitch. This morning, a new training ground, a new atmosphere. Focused faces, quiet eyes — it’s clear from the start: this is a different kind of day. Work under the sun, under a heat that weighs down, and then sudden rainstorms that test the team even more.

Work, effort, sweat. That’s all there is. The group moves as one, pushing forward with one goal: to be ready. Every pass, every sprint, every drill carries that determination — to be sharp, to be together.

The Club World Cup goes on. The road is still long. But every day, every session, adds something to the journey. Charlotte welcomes us. We keep getting ready.