SoFi Stadium will host the U.S. Men's National Team's first FIFA World Cup game against Paraguay on June 12. Inglewood will offer a free Fan Festival for fans who cannot afford tickets.
Key points
SoFi Stadium will host the USMNT's first FIFA World Cup game.
The match is against Paraguay on June 12.
Inglewood will offer a free Fan Festival for fans.
Ticket sales for the game have been challenging.
Donald Trump criticized the high ticket prices.
Mentioned in this story
SoFi StadiumInglewood, California
U.S. Men's National TeamParaguay
An interior view of SoFi Stadium with a World Cup ball close-up
SoFi Stadium will host the U.S. Men's National Team's first FIFA World Cup game against Paraguay -Credit:Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The U.S. Menâs National Team is set to kick off its FIFA World Cup campaign on June 12 against Paraguay in front of as many as 70,000 soccer fans inside SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
But with the game proving a tough one to sell out, with U.S. President Donald Trump even admitting he wouldnât pay as much as was being charged, the City of Inglewood has revealed that it will be providing a free alternative for fans who want to soak up the gameday atmosphere without spending a dime.
On Thursday, the City announced it will be hosting a watch party, accompanied by a street festival, with the plan to close almost a mile of Market Street for the event. The Market Street Festival will be split into six different zones, with local art on display, a beer and wine garden, as well as performances from musicians, as per a local CBS affiliate.
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An interior view of SoFi Stadium
SoFi will also host the USMNT's last group game against TĂŒrkiye -Credit:Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images
Fans looking to demonstrate their skills will also have the chance to do so at the inflatable pitch, with ex-players such as Paul Caligiuri, Mauricio Cienfuegos, Kyle Martino, and MartĂn ZĂșñiga set to appear.
However, for those going along in support of their soccer-loving loved ones, the roller rink may be more for them.
Funding for this event has been secured courtesy of a Metro Open Streets Grant, with fans able to easily access the location via the Metro K Line.
âAs the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup, The Wood Cup will give visitors and residents alike an opportunity to experience the culture, creativity and the spirit of our city," City Mayor James Butts said.
âIt's a free alternative to attending the very expensive World Cup soccer match in person and there will be family-friendly fun, turf soccer, and interactive games.â
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The Market Street festival will be held on June 12 from 2pm until 6pm, at which point the game will kick off. According to Mayor Butts, there will be plentiful spots where the game can be watched.
For the USMNT, this will mark the first of their three Group D games, with Australia and TĂŒrkiye to follow, with the latter also being held at SoFi.
Ideally, Mauricio Pochettinoâs side will be aiming to finish in the top two, guaranteeing them a spot in the Round of 32. However, third place may still be enough to reach the next round, with the eight best third-placed teams also progressing this year.
There, the USMNT would be looking to win their first World Cup knockout game since 2002 in South Korea/Japan, when they reached the quarter finals.
But before the USMNT can even think about their game plans for Paraguay, Australia, or TĂŒrkiye, first, they have a pair of friendlies to navigate, starting with Senegal on May 31 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, followed by a trip to Chicago, Illinois, where they will take on Germany at Soldier Field.
