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Free World Cup 2026 Watch Party at Civic Auditorium Plaza for Team USA Opener

Published on Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 4:52 am
 

[photo credit: City of Pasadena]
The City of Pasadena will host a free, public watch party on Friday, June 12, for Team USA’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Paraguay, transforming the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Plaza into an outdoor community viewing space.

The event begins at 4:30 p.m. at 300 E. Green St., with kickoff at 6:00 p.m. Pacific time. The match itself will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood as part of Group D play.

Pasadena is producing the watch party in partnership with the Pasadena Center Operating Company and the Los Angeles County Fifth District, with funding from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro). Organizers are billing the event as a transit-first experience designed to draw fans from across the region without adding to local traffic.

“We are thrilled to welcome the excitement and energy of the world’s biggest soccer tournament to our city,” said Michael Ross, chief executive officer of the Pasadena Center Operating Company. “We’re looking forward to bringing the community and visitors together for a wonderful evening to cheer on Team USA and celebrate the spirit of the game.”

Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger said Pasadena’s role as a host-region city is a source of regional pride.

“Pasadena’s role as a host city is a big point of pride for Los Angeles County and a chance to showcase our community on a global stage,” Barger said. “This watch party will bring neighbors and visitors together through the unifying power of soccer. I encourage fans to take advantage of public transportation and enjoy all that Pasadena, and its surrounding communities have to offer.”

The plaza programming will include food trucks, family-friendly activities, soccer-themed games, live music, and a beer garden with drinks available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite soccer gear and jerseys for iron-on custom artwork. Angel City Football Club will also be on-site with giveaways, raffles, and soccer activations.

Organizers are urging attendees to use the Metro A Line rather than drive. Both Memorial Park Station and Del Mar Station are within a roughly 10-minute walk of the venue. LA Metro staff will provide wayfinding support at both stations, along with music and match highlights to enhance the rider experience.

The event site, surrounding sidewalks, and crossings are accessible to attendees using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. All Metro rail stations, trains, and buses are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted. Only service animals specifically trained to assist a person with a disability will be admitted. For accessibility information and requests, the city asks attendees to contact the City Service Center at (626) 744-7311 or CSC@cityofpasadena.net, with at least 72 hours of advance notice to help ensure availability.

Additional event details are available at VisitPasadena.com/Events/Watch-Party/.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19, with matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Team USA’s June 12 match against Paraguay opens Group D play for the U.S., which also includes Australia and Türkiye.

For more information about the City of Pasadena, visit CityOfPasadena.net or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.

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