The most watched sports event on the planet begins Thursday, June 11 in Mexico City with a match between Mexico and South Africa, kicking off a cavalcade of 48 national teams battling for the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy.
In countries across the globe, people gather in city squares or parks to follow the action on giant screens. But in the U.S., watch parties tend to be smaller affairs – until now.
The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is offering a Summer Tailgate event for two weekends, June 11-14, and the finals rounds July 18-19.
“We thought it was only natural to be able to host a free family-friendly World Cup watch party,” says Jonathan De Anda, SRSC’s general manager.
The Tailgate includes a 20-foot screen where people will enjoy the games. During breaks between matches, a DJ will entertain the attendees and there will be food options from local vendors and a beer garden.
The Mexico-South Africa match will be a first test of the tailgate. Team USA’s opener is on Friday, June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
De Anda says that if the event is a success, the organization will continue what he hopes will become a tradition.
“We plan to bring this back again next year to celebrate the Women’s World Cup and have screenings and watch parties,” he says.
Of course, many local bars and restaurants will also show games live, with or without a planned party. The Brass Tap in Marina is advertising coverage on its many screens, as is the more intimate Monterey taqueria space Mission 19 on a single monitor, among others.
“It’s fun to watch all together and root for your team,” says Ximena Waissbluth of Hops and Fog Brewing Co. in Pacific Grove. Hops and Fog hosts a World Cup trivia night June 11, with players from the Monterey Bay Sirens.
The 2026 World Cup is hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The last time the U.S. welcomed the world of soccer on the men’s side was in 1994. It set an average attendance record in a country which – at that time – did not have a top-tier professional soccer league.
The U.S. hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999 and 2003.
SUMMER TAILGATE PARTY runs 11am-9pm Thursday, June 11-Sunday, June 14; TBD Saturday, July 18-Sunday, July 19. Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, 1440 Constitution Blvd. bit.ly/saltailgatewc2026.