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"content": "\u003cp>If you hadn’t already heard, the U.S. men’s national soccer team is coming to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a> — to play its first World Cup knockout stage match at Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although the team suffered its \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/06/25/nx-s1-5869807/2026-world-cup-fifa-usmnt-turkey\">first loss\u003c/a> in the tournament last week with a 3-2 loss against Turkey — in a true nail-biter of a match that went to overtime — the team has nonetheless advanced to the next phase of the competition after pulling off a pretty historic run in the group stage matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the 2022 World Cup, the Americans only scored three goals in the \u003cem>whole tournament\u003c/em>. This year, they’ve already more than doubled that. And even two consecutive wins — first against Paraguay, then Australia — are something the men’s soccer team hasn’t achieved since 1930.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, the most dominant USMNT of a generation is coming to Santa Clara for the July 1 knockout stage match to play against Bosnia and Herzegovina.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if the fútbol hype is getting to you and you’re tempted to try to see superstar striker Folarin Balogun score — or Christian Pulisic play after finally recovering from his calf injury — you’re not the only one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12089024\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12089024 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/USAWorldCupGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/USAWorldCupGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/USAWorldCupGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/USAWorldCupGetty2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026, in Inglewood, California. \u003ccite>(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Demand for World Cup games has only grown since the tournament kicked off, with many of the more “affordable” seats for the upcoming USMNT match listed online still going for thousands of dollars — although prices for some of these spots have dropped sharply in the immediate run-up to the game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know if you’re hoping to see the USMNT play their World Cup knockout match in Santa Clara on Wednesday — how much tickets are going for and how to avoid falling prey to a ticket scam.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I still get a ticket to see the United States men’s national soccer team’s Bay Area World Cup match?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>FIFA is no longer offering tickets or hospitality packages for the upcoming USMNT match on its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/tickets\">official website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means your remaining option is to check out available resale tickets on verified resale sites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek and TickPick.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087136\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087136\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-02-BL_KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-02-BL_KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-02-BL_KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-02-BL_KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A team locker room at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, temporarily renamed from Levi’s Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Santa Clara on June 10, 2026, where six tournament matches will be played. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you end up buying tickets on a resale site, you will choose the seat you want and make your payment on that site, but you will then have to confirm that these tickets are now yours on either the official FIFA World Cup 2026 App or the FIFA Resale Marketplace website.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for the actual tickets, they will only be available on FIFA’s FWC2026 Mobile Tickets app — available in both the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fwc2026-mobile-tickets/id6532603739\">Apple\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.tixngo.app.fifatickets&hl=en_US\">Play\u003c/a> stores.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A resale vendor can only transfer the tickets via the FIFA Resale Marketplace — they can’t promise to email or text you your tickets.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How much are tickets for the USMNT’s July 1 World Cup match?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>What’s a fair price for tickets? Because FIFA is no longer offering tickets for this match, it’s difficult to say with accuracy. Last week, seats furthest from the field were going for between $2,000 and $4,000, while those closest to the action were surpassing $5,000.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, a day before the match, prices for seats in the 100 section have dropped significantly on StubHub, SeatGeek and TickPick, with some now going for less than $2,500. A few seats in the 400 section — the farthest from the field — were being offered for less than $2,000 on Monday morning. TicketMaster is no longer offering tickets for this match.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Even on verified resale sites, stay alert\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>A few weeks before the Australia vs. Paraguay match at Levi’s Stadium on June 25, Marin County soccer fan Lei Cai bought two tickets to the game on StubHub. She soon received an email from StubHub telling her that her tickets were ready.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But when she logged into the FIFA portal, “that’s when I found out there’s no tickets to claim,” Cai said. And after calling StubHub multiple times for several weeks, trying to get an answer, she was eventually informed by the company that the person who listed the seats online never actually made the tickets available for her.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087142\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12087142 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-51-BL_KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-51-BL_KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-51-BL_KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-51-BL_KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, temporarily renamed from Levi’s Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Santa Clara, on June 10, 2026, where six tournament matches will be played. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Cai said StubHub originally offered only a refund for her tickets after learning of the situation. “You should not be able to sell something that doesn’t exist,” Cai said after accepting she wouldn’t be going to the game. “You’re scamming families.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, after KQED contacted the company requesting comment on Cai’s situation, StubHub reached out to her directly to offer two new, free tickets to the same match — in a seating section much closer to the field.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Similar ticket transfer problems have plagued soccer fans \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-ticket-problems-stubhub-fifa-21c31f5cc33012e7f4619d4bff3b44a1\">nationwide\u003c/a>. At Spain’s World Cup match against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15, an Associated Press journalist \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-ticket-problems-stubhub-fifa-21c31f5cc33012e7f4619d4bff3b44a1\">encountered\u003c/a> more than a dozen fans who reported being in similar situations, stuck outside the stadium without access to the tickets they thought they’d bought.[aside postID=arts_13990640 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/20260528-WORLDCUPBARS-JY-02-KQED.jpg']StubHub told KQED that FIFA’s ticketing app has seen performance issues affecting ticket transfers across all resale platforms, leading to situations where the transfer process couldn’t be completed in time for the match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Every order is backed by our FanProtect Guarantee and getting fans to their matches remains our top priority for the rest of this tournament,” a company spokesperson said, adding that fans who are still having ticket problems should contact customer services directly and ask for “World Cup specialist support.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In an emailed statement, FIFA told KQED that it “can guarantee the validity and delivery of tickets purchased through its official platforms.” However, the problems that Cai and other fans have experienced on third-party sites have arisen when they can no longer \u003cem>buy \u003c/em>tickets on FIFA’s website.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://help.ticketmaster.com/hc/en-us/articles/9781090147985-Third-Party-Resale-Tickets-Everything-You-Need-to-Know#2026_world_cup\">Ticketmaster\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://seatgeek.ca/buyer-guarantee\">SeatGeek\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.tickpick.com/buyertrust-guarantee/\">TickPick\u003c/a> also have consumer guarantees listed on their website that promise buyers will receive their tickets on time ahead of the event. If you’ve already bought a ticket, confirm — as soon as possible — that you actually have access to it on the FIFA Resale Marketplace and FWC2026 Mobile Tickets app.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you don’t see your tickets? Contact the resale site as soon as possible. Have your order number ready, along with any other information you had to share when you made your purchase. In past cases, these sites have usually offered affected customers a full refund, and in some instances, folks got different seats to the same game.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Don’t fall for a scam\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Vendor problems on resale sites may encourage some soccer fans to look \u003cem>elsewhere\u003c/em> for a better deal. But talking to strangers on sites that are not verified — like Facebook Marketplace — increases the risk of getting ripped off, Santa Clara County Assistant District Attorney James Gibbons-Shapiro said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The criminal is simply looking for someone desperate enough to go to the World Cup that they’re willing to send a lot of money right away to a total stranger,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088839\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088839\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2282393383-scaled-e1782497582317.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Weston McKennie of the United States runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. \u003ccite>(Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you find seats you like on a verified site like Ticketmaster or SeatGeek, make sure you make the actual payment on this same website — and never on another platform. Scammers often promise you “a better deal” if you make the payment using instant payment sites like Zelle, Venmo and Cash App.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But fraudsters aren’t trying to save you money with this suggestion: They’re trying to make it easier for themselves to keep your money.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you paid for seats that are listed on Ticketmaster, for example, but paid the “vendor” on Venmo, you can’t claim Ticketmaster’s buyer protections, as you didn’t actually use the resale site to make a purchase.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>No, don’t try to buy a ticket outside Levi’s Stadium on July 1\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While some scammers are able to print tickets that look very “realistic,” there are, in fact, no physical tickets being issued during this World Cup. FIFA has adopted a fully electronic model for fans to store and display their tickets on their phones using the FWC2026 Mobile Tickets app.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if someone approaches you outside Levi’s Stadium and offers you a physical ticket, that’s a fake. “Don’t go to the stadium to try to buy a ticket there,” Gibbons-Shapiro said. “You’re not gonna be able to get in, and you’re going to lose all your money.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087462\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087462\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans gather ahead of the USA vs Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Scalpers are actually not permitted on stadium grounds — and reselling tickets near the stadium is a misdemeanor crime in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Additionally, ticket rules require fans to claim their tickets on FIFA’s platforms at least 1 hour before the match starts; otherwise, they won’t be able to enter the stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If someone shows you they have a virtual ticket available on the FIFA Resale Marketplace website — but the game begins in 20 minutes — it’s likely you won’t be able to claim the ticket once the seller has transferred it to you.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I just got scammed buying a fake World Cup ticket. What can I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If this were an individual you met online, make sure to document all your communication with them — including screenshots of any messages in case they attempt to delete anything from their end of the conversation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you were scammed online or over the phone:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can then report the situation to your local police department, as the city where you live is defined as where the crime took place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you bought the fake ticket in person from a scalper:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Contact the police department of the city where the transaction took place. “If that happened right outside the stadium, that would be Santa Clara Police Department,” Gibbons-Shapiro said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085866\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085866\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/FIFAWorldCupLevisStadiumGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1235\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/FIFAWorldCupLevisStadiumGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/FIFAWorldCupLevisStadiumGetty-160x99.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/FIFAWorldCupLevisStadiumGetty-1536x948.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (temporarily renamed from Levi’s Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup) in Santa Clara, California, on May 19, 2026. Levi’s Stadium will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including five group stage matches throughout June 2026. \u003ccite>(Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can also file a complaint with the \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company\">California Attorney General’s office\u003c/a> or the \u003ca href=\"https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint\">Better Business Bureau\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gibbons-Shapiro said his office is ready to prosecute anyone who tricks others into buying fake World Cup tickets, adding that he would consider that to be a felony.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have robust teams for consumer protection and theft enforcement,” he said. “We’re going to prosecute the scammers.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you think you were scammed while using a verified resale site, contact the platform’s customer service team immediately. While it’s not certain that they can get you the seat you initially bought, they can usually help you get your money back — something that’s not guaranteed at all if you contact a stranger making offers on social media.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Ticketmaster:\u003c/strong> Call their customer service line directly at 800-653-8000, available Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. PST, Saturdays 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST, and Sundays 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>StubHub:\u003c/strong> You can message the customer service team \u003ca href=\"https://my.stubhub.com/contactus\">online\u003c/a> or call 888-720-9452.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>SeatGeek:\u003c/strong> You can message the customer service team \u003ca href=\"https://seatgeek.com/help/articles/8985475094931-Help-with-an-order\">online\u003c/a>, email \u003ca href=\"mailto:hi@seatgeek.com\">hi@seatgeek.com\u003c/a> or call 888-506-4101.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>TickPick:\u003c/strong> You can fill out an \u003ca href=\"https://support.tickpick.com/hc/en-us/requests/new\">online form\u003c/a> or call 845-538-4567.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from The Associated Press.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>If you hadn’t already heard, the U.S. men’s national soccer team is coming to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a> — to play its first World Cup knockout stage match at Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although the team suffered its \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/06/25/nx-s1-5869807/2026-world-cup-fifa-usmnt-turkey\">first loss\u003c/a> in the tournament last week with a 3-2 loss against Turkey — in a true nail-biter of a match that went to overtime — the team has nonetheless advanced to the next phase of the competition after pulling off a pretty historic run in the group stage matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the 2022 World Cup, the Americans only scored three goals in the \u003cem>whole tournament\u003c/em>. This year, they’ve already more than doubled that. And even two consecutive wins — first against Paraguay, then Australia — are something the men’s soccer team hasn’t achieved since 1930.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, the most dominant USMNT of a generation is coming to Santa Clara for the July 1 knockout stage match to play against Bosnia and Herzegovina.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if the fútbol hype is getting to you and you’re tempted to try to see superstar striker Folarin Balogun score — or Christian Pulisic play after finally recovering from his calf injury — you’re not the only one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12089024\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12089024 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/USAWorldCupGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/USAWorldCupGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/USAWorldCupGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/USAWorldCupGetty2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026, in Inglewood, California. \u003ccite>(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Demand for World Cup games has only grown since the tournament kicked off, with many of the more “affordable” seats for the upcoming USMNT match listed online still going for thousands of dollars — although prices for some of these spots have dropped sharply in the immediate run-up to the game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know if you’re hoping to see the USMNT play their World Cup knockout match in Santa Clara on Wednesday — how much tickets are going for and how to avoid falling prey to a ticket scam.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I still get a ticket to see the United States men’s national soccer team’s Bay Area World Cup match?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>FIFA is no longer offering tickets or hospitality packages for the upcoming USMNT match on its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/tickets\">official website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means your remaining option is to check out available resale tickets on verified resale sites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek and TickPick.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087136\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087136\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-02-BL_KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-02-BL_KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-02-BL_KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-02-BL_KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A team locker room at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, temporarily renamed from Levi’s Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Santa Clara on June 10, 2026, where six tournament matches will be played. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you end up buying tickets on a resale site, you will choose the seat you want and make your payment on that site, but you will then have to confirm that these tickets are now yours on either the official FIFA World Cup 2026 App or the FIFA Resale Marketplace website.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for the actual tickets, they will only be available on FIFA’s FWC2026 Mobile Tickets app — available in both the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fwc2026-mobile-tickets/id6532603739\">Apple\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.tixngo.app.fifatickets&hl=en_US\">Play\u003c/a> stores.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A resale vendor can only transfer the tickets via the FIFA Resale Marketplace — they can’t promise to email or text you your tickets.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How much are tickets for the USMNT’s July 1 World Cup match?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>What’s a fair price for tickets? Because FIFA is no longer offering tickets for this match, it’s difficult to say with accuracy. Last week, seats furthest from the field were going for between $2,000 and $4,000, while those closest to the action were surpassing $5,000.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, a day before the match, prices for seats in the 100 section have dropped significantly on StubHub, SeatGeek and TickPick, with some now going for less than $2,500. A few seats in the 400 section — the farthest from the field — were being offered for less than $2,000 on Monday morning. TicketMaster is no longer offering tickets for this match.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Even on verified resale sites, stay alert\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>A few weeks before the Australia vs. Paraguay match at Levi’s Stadium on June 25, Marin County soccer fan Lei Cai bought two tickets to the game on StubHub. She soon received an email from StubHub telling her that her tickets were ready.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But when she logged into the FIFA portal, “that’s when I found out there’s no tickets to claim,” Cai said. And after calling StubHub multiple times for several weeks, trying to get an answer, she was eventually informed by the company that the person who listed the seats online never actually made the tickets available for her.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087142\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12087142 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-51-BL_KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-51-BL_KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-51-BL_KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-51-BL_KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, temporarily renamed from Levi’s Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Santa Clara, on June 10, 2026, where six tournament matches will be played. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Cai said StubHub originally offered only a refund for her tickets after learning of the situation. “You should not be able to sell something that doesn’t exist,” Cai said after accepting she wouldn’t be going to the game. “You’re scamming families.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, after KQED contacted the company requesting comment on Cai’s situation, StubHub reached out to her directly to offer two new, free tickets to the same match — in a seating section much closer to the field.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Similar ticket transfer problems have plagued soccer fans \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-ticket-problems-stubhub-fifa-21c31f5cc33012e7f4619d4bff3b44a1\">nationwide\u003c/a>. At Spain’s World Cup match against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15, an Associated Press journalist \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-ticket-problems-stubhub-fifa-21c31f5cc33012e7f4619d4bff3b44a1\">encountered\u003c/a> more than a dozen fans who reported being in similar situations, stuck outside the stadium without access to the tickets they thought they’d bought.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>StubHub told KQED that FIFA’s ticketing app has seen performance issues affecting ticket transfers across all resale platforms, leading to situations where the transfer process couldn’t be completed in time for the match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Every order is backed by our FanProtect Guarantee and getting fans to their matches remains our top priority for the rest of this tournament,” a company spokesperson said, adding that fans who are still having ticket problems should contact customer services directly and ask for “World Cup specialist support.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In an emailed statement, FIFA told KQED that it “can guarantee the validity and delivery of tickets purchased through its official platforms.” However, the problems that Cai and other fans have experienced on third-party sites have arisen when they can no longer \u003cem>buy \u003c/em>tickets on FIFA’s website.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://help.ticketmaster.com/hc/en-us/articles/9781090147985-Third-Party-Resale-Tickets-Everything-You-Need-to-Know#2026_world_cup\">Ticketmaster\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://seatgeek.ca/buyer-guarantee\">SeatGeek\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.tickpick.com/buyertrust-guarantee/\">TickPick\u003c/a> also have consumer guarantees listed on their website that promise buyers will receive their tickets on time ahead of the event. If you’ve already bought a ticket, confirm — as soon as possible — that you actually have access to it on the FIFA Resale Marketplace and FWC2026 Mobile Tickets app.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you don’t see your tickets? Contact the resale site as soon as possible. Have your order number ready, along with any other information you had to share when you made your purchase. In past cases, these sites have usually offered affected customers a full refund, and in some instances, folks got different seats to the same game.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Don’t fall for a scam\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Vendor problems on resale sites may encourage some soccer fans to look \u003cem>elsewhere\u003c/em> for a better deal. But talking to strangers on sites that are not verified — like Facebook Marketplace — increases the risk of getting ripped off, Santa Clara County Assistant District Attorney James Gibbons-Shapiro said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The criminal is simply looking for someone desperate enough to go to the World Cup that they’re willing to send a lot of money right away to a total stranger,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088839\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088839\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2282393383-scaled-e1782497582317.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Weston McKennie of the United States runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. \u003ccite>(Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you find seats you like on a verified site like Ticketmaster or SeatGeek, make sure you make the actual payment on this same website — and never on another platform. Scammers often promise you “a better deal” if you make the payment using instant payment sites like Zelle, Venmo and Cash App.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But fraudsters aren’t trying to save you money with this suggestion: They’re trying to make it easier for themselves to keep your money.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you paid for seats that are listed on Ticketmaster, for example, but paid the “vendor” on Venmo, you can’t claim Ticketmaster’s buyer protections, as you didn’t actually use the resale site to make a purchase.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>No, don’t try to buy a ticket outside Levi’s Stadium on July 1\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While some scammers are able to print tickets that look very “realistic,” there are, in fact, no physical tickets being issued during this World Cup. FIFA has adopted a fully electronic model for fans to store and display their tickets on their phones using the FWC2026 Mobile Tickets app.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if someone approaches you outside Levi’s Stadium and offers you a physical ticket, that’s a fake. “Don’t go to the stadium to try to buy a ticket there,” Gibbons-Shapiro said. “You’re not gonna be able to get in, and you’re going to lose all your money.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087462\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087462\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans gather ahead of the USA vs Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Scalpers are actually not permitted on stadium grounds — and reselling tickets near the stadium is a misdemeanor crime in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Additionally, ticket rules require fans to claim their tickets on FIFA’s platforms at least 1 hour before the match starts; otherwise, they won’t be able to enter the stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If someone shows you they have a virtual ticket available on the FIFA Resale Marketplace website — but the game begins in 20 minutes — it’s likely you won’t be able to claim the ticket once the seller has transferred it to you.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I just got scammed buying a fake World Cup ticket. What can I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If this were an individual you met online, make sure to document all your communication with them — including screenshots of any messages in case they attempt to delete anything from their end of the conversation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you were scammed online or over the phone:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can then report the situation to your local police department, as the city where you live is defined as where the crime took place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you bought the fake ticket in person from a scalper:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Contact the police department of the city where the transaction took place. “If that happened right outside the stadium, that would be Santa Clara Police Department,” Gibbons-Shapiro said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085866\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085866\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/FIFAWorldCupLevisStadiumGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1235\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/FIFAWorldCupLevisStadiumGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/FIFAWorldCupLevisStadiumGetty-160x99.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/FIFAWorldCupLevisStadiumGetty-1536x948.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (temporarily renamed from Levi’s Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup) in Santa Clara, California, on May 19, 2026. Levi’s Stadium will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including five group stage matches throughout June 2026. \u003ccite>(Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can also file a complaint with the \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company\">California Attorney General’s office\u003c/a> or the \u003ca href=\"https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint\">Better Business Bureau\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gibbons-Shapiro said his office is ready to prosecute anyone who tricks others into buying fake World Cup tickets, adding that he would consider that to be a felony.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have robust teams for consumer protection and theft enforcement,” he said. “We’re going to prosecute the scammers.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you think you were scammed while using a verified resale site, contact the platform’s customer service team immediately. While it’s not certain that they can get you the seat you initially bought, they can usually help you get your money back — something that’s not guaranteed at all if you contact a stranger making offers on social media.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Ticketmaster:\u003c/strong> Call their customer service line directly at 800-653-8000, available Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. PST, Saturdays 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST, and Sundays 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>StubHub:\u003c/strong> You can message the customer service team \u003ca href=\"https://my.stubhub.com/contactus\">online\u003c/a> or call 888-720-9452.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>SeatGeek:\u003c/strong> You can message the customer service team \u003ca href=\"https://seatgeek.com/help/articles/8985475094931-Help-with-an-order\">online\u003c/a>, email \u003ca href=\"mailto:hi@seatgeek.com\">hi@seatgeek.com\u003c/a> or call 888-506-4101.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>TickPick:\u003c/strong> You can fill out an \u003ca href=\"https://support.tickpick.com/hc/en-us/requests/new\">online form\u003c/a> or call 845-538-4567.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from The Associated Press.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "Older Adults Reaping the Benefits of Going Back to Class",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cb>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, June 26, 2026:\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Enrollment data shows seniors make up about one percent of the student population at Merced College — and less than that at other Valley universities. Still, those students say even at their age they \u003ca href=\"https://www.kvpr.org/education/2026-06-09/in-this-california-community-older-adults-are-going-back-to-school\">reap the benefits of education\u003c/a> when they do enroll, like exercising their brains and bodies.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>California voters will decide on 14 \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-ballot-measures-november-election/\">state ballot measures\u003c/a> this November. That includes a controversial wealth tax on California billionaires that remains on the ballot after yesterday’s deadline despite a flurry of negotiations.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Senator Alex Padilla is launching a first of its kind initiative to help protect against interference in the November midterm election. The program will train Senate staff to serve as official election observers. They’ll document any type of meddling either on Election Day or in the post election certification process.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>The \u003ca href=\"https://next.kqed.org/arts/13990640/where-to-watch-world-cup-bay-area-best-bars-classic-pubs\">FIFA World Cup continues. \u003c/a>The U.S. saw its first defeat Thursday night against Turkey, in a 3-2 loss, but the Americans will still advance to the knockout stage along with fellow hosts Mexico and Canada. Over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-06-24/local-kids-on-world-cup-pitch-big-earthquake-likely-within-30-years\">in Watsonville,\u003c/a> one group of kids got to experience the World Cup \u003ci>real\u003c/i> close.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kvpr.org/education/2026-06-09/in-this-california-community-older-adults-are-going-back-to-school\">\u003cstrong>Seniors Stay Young with Education \u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Merced College instructor Ofelia Cruz is 73 years old, but whenever her students in her “Injury and fall prevention class” figure out her age, they’re shocked. She says ‘The secret is movement and consistency. You have to do it all the time.’\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why Cruz is teaching this class at an assisted living home called Park Merced. Fall prevention is just one Merced College class that attracts people 65 and older.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rikki Alvarez is a program manager at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Fresno State, which is open to anyone 50 and older. OLLI is a non-profit that operates at universities all over the country. And the one at Fresno State served more than 500 students last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Research shows education can help older adults with stress management and isolation. It can also help improve confidence, adaptability and memory.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some classes talk politics. Other classes teach new games to play, or even how to write a memoir. Most of all, people attend these classes for the social connection, because finding friends is not the same as it used to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lisa Bell is the executive director of Fresno State’s OLLI. She says, “We don’t talk to our neighbors. We just open the garage and we pull in…many of the old ways that we made connections even for working people, younger people are just not as strong.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-ballot-measures-november-election/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 24px;font-weight: bold\">Crowded Ballot for Californians this November\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The crowded state ballot will include a proposal to enact voter ID, limit local taxes, and grow California’s rainy day fund. There’s also two housing bonds and a measure that would exempt many developments from state environmental law.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The legislature is asking voters to approve two changes to California election law — one measure to expand public financing in local races, and another to change the rules of governor recall elections.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-06-24/local-kids-on-world-cup-pitch-big-earthquake-likely-within-30-years\">Local Kids Walk the Pitch in World Cup\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Eleven students from Freedom Elementary School in Watsonville got to walk onto the field at Levi’s Stadium holding the hands of players for a match last week. The school chose the students in partnership with the nonprofit America SCORES.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nine-year-old Franco Salinas Raygoza says going to the world cup was his dream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“ I felt excited and just grateful that I was picked for such a once in a lifetime experience. The player I was with, I got to talk to him, and he was playing around with my hair in the tunnel.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He was nervous, but excited, and said the energy was “chaos,”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The students stayed for the game. Franco’s mom, Zaida, saw her son’s amazed face on TV.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“ I think he lived the dream for many, many of us.“\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"subhead": "Research shows education can help older adults with stress and isolation, as well as improve confidence, adaptability and memory. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cb>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, June 26, 2026:\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Enrollment data shows seniors make up about one percent of the student population at Merced College — and less than that at other Valley universities. Still, those students say even at their age they \u003ca href=\"https://www.kvpr.org/education/2026-06-09/in-this-california-community-older-adults-are-going-back-to-school\">reap the benefits of education\u003c/a> when they do enroll, like exercising their brains and bodies.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>California voters will decide on 14 \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-ballot-measures-november-election/\">state ballot measures\u003c/a> this November. That includes a controversial wealth tax on California billionaires that remains on the ballot after yesterday’s deadline despite a flurry of negotiations.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Senator Alex Padilla is launching a first of its kind initiative to help protect against interference in the November midterm election. The program will train Senate staff to serve as official election observers. They’ll document any type of meddling either on Election Day or in the post election certification process.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>The \u003ca href=\"https://next.kqed.org/arts/13990640/where-to-watch-world-cup-bay-area-best-bars-classic-pubs\">FIFA World Cup continues. \u003c/a>The U.S. saw its first defeat Thursday night against Turkey, in a 3-2 loss, but the Americans will still advance to the knockout stage along with fellow hosts Mexico and Canada. Over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-06-24/local-kids-on-world-cup-pitch-big-earthquake-likely-within-30-years\">in Watsonville,\u003c/a> one group of kids got to experience the World Cup \u003ci>real\u003c/i> close.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kvpr.org/education/2026-06-09/in-this-california-community-older-adults-are-going-back-to-school\">\u003cstrong>Seniors Stay Young with Education \u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Merced College instructor Ofelia Cruz is 73 years old, but whenever her students in her “Injury and fall prevention class” figure out her age, they’re shocked. She says ‘The secret is movement and consistency. You have to do it all the time.’\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why Cruz is teaching this class at an assisted living home called Park Merced. Fall prevention is just one Merced College class that attracts people 65 and older.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rikki Alvarez is a program manager at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Fresno State, which is open to anyone 50 and older. OLLI is a non-profit that operates at universities all over the country. And the one at Fresno State served more than 500 students last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Research shows education can help older adults with stress management and isolation. It can also help improve confidence, adaptability and memory.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some classes talk politics. Other classes teach new games to play, or even how to write a memoir. Most of all, people attend these classes for the social connection, because finding friends is not the same as it used to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lisa Bell is the executive director of Fresno State’s OLLI. She says, “We don’t talk to our neighbors. We just open the garage and we pull in…many of the old ways that we made connections even for working people, younger people are just not as strong.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-ballot-measures-november-election/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 24px;font-weight: bold\">Crowded Ballot for Californians this November\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The crowded state ballot will include a proposal to enact voter ID, limit local taxes, and grow California’s rainy day fund. There’s also two housing bonds and a measure that would exempt many developments from state environmental law.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The legislature is asking voters to approve two changes to California election law — one measure to expand public financing in local races, and another to change the rules of governor recall elections.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-06-24/local-kids-on-world-cup-pitch-big-earthquake-likely-within-30-years\">Local Kids Walk the Pitch in World Cup\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Eleven students from Freedom Elementary School in Watsonville got to walk onto the field at Levi’s Stadium holding the hands of players for a match last week. The school chose the students in partnership with the nonprofit America SCORES.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nine-year-old Franco Salinas Raygoza says going to the world cup was his dream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“ I felt excited and just grateful that I was picked for such a once in a lifetime experience. The player I was with, I got to talk to him, and he was playing around with my hair in the tunnel.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He was nervous, but excited, and said the energy was “chaos,”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The students stayed for the game. Franco’s mom, Zaida, saw her son’s amazed face on TV.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“ I think he lived the dream for many, many of us.“\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Formally dressed in a traditional Qatari bisht, Dr. Nasser Mohamed strolled past a crowd of several hundred people \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">outside Chase Center\u003c/a> as the England-Croatia \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup \u003c/a>match was shown high above on the big screen. His gold-and-black robe featured a flourish: rainbow piping down each sleeve and the words “love” and “freedom” written in Arabic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s why the World Cup is really powerful, because people don’t need to hear about who I am — I can just walk, be seen, and that’s it,” he said. “We don’t have to say a word.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Four years ago, when the World Cup was \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-sports-soccer-international-gay-rights-54e5b2a4f51e471ca3a8f10816af201b\">played in his home country\u003c/a> and Mohamed was already living across the world in San Francisco, he came out and became an exceptionally rare openly gay man from Qatar, where gay sex is prohibited and he can’t dress how he’d like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohamed is speaking up again for those without a voice. The 39-year-old now feels secure enough to walk around with confidence, and without fear of harm, while wearing chunky heeled boots, mascara and 2-inch dangly earrings. He still gets regular backlash and hate, but he has also found support and kindness from around the globe that helps drown out the death threats and divisiveness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I am so loved in San Francisco, really, truly,” Mohamed said of the city he moved to more than a decade ago. “I have not worn this since I was a kid in Qatar, and San Francisco put it back on my shoulders, with rainbows.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For him, donning the bisht for everyone to see is important: “The emir of Qatar put it on (Lionel) Messi at the last World Cup to celebrate Messi. We should be celebrated too.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Mohamed campaigns for love at the World Cup\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>An LGBTQ+ activist and family doctor who treats HIV, “Dr. Nas” — as he is known — launched his “Love is the Goal” campaign ahead of the World Cup and Pride Month, hoping to humanize all people taking part. For a video, he combined soccer lingo with references to love, such as him reading “love is kickoff, the very first touch,” and someone else offering “love is the assist, finding you exactly where you are.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Saving a life like mine is very expensive, and I know that, and this is the hard truth,” Mohamed said. “So that’s why I had to pave my own path and get out. I lost everything. I’m disowned completely. I had to build myself from scratch, the ground up, all of it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088758\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088758\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dr. Nasser Mohamed, of Qatar, is photographed, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, Qatar plays its final group-stage match, against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Seattle. Mohamed won’t be there, but he was at the team’s first game, on June 13 in Santa Clara, California. He had clear and visible security, and was escorted by California state Sen. Scott Wiener to \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/qatar-switzerland-world-cup-score-c1232e9fc7bcde023a14db26e767e90e\">the 1-1 draw with Switzerland.\u003c/a> A photo from the day has more than 12 million views on social media.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As I was passing, everybody was taking pictures of me with the senator,” he recalled. “It was so dramatic.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And emotional.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In the stadium I couldn’t speak because if I started talking I’m not going to stop crying, because when am I going to see Qatar again in my life?” Mohamed said through tears. “When is it ever going to happen again? I don’t know. When am I going to see home? I can’t see Mom and Dad, even when they were getting hit by missiles.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Even in exile, Mohamed still cheers for Qatar\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>After the game, he hosted a dance party at the San Francisco Mint highlighted by a performance \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_zOTqlMJ9w\">“Let Your Love Shine,”\u003c/a> written by close friend Simon Tam and sung by Debby Holiday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Nas’ journey moves me because it is rooted in extraordinary courage and an enormous heart,” Tam said. “He’s taken his own truth and turned it into a way to help others feel seen, worthy, and less alone.” [aside postID=news_12088198 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-05-KQED.jpg'] Tam believes Mohamed can change the world — and that’s the doctor’s hope, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The first step to heal is to witness things the way they are,” Mohamed said. “My endgame is for every child to belong with their own family and their own society.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, it breaks his heart knowing he can’t go back to Qatar, he says. Mohamed says he has been ostracized by his own family because of his sexuality and for standing up to power to help others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He has aided moves out of Qatar for others, including a transgender woman who told The Associated Press she had been imprisoned and tortured because of her identity. The woman spoke on condition of anonymity, citing fear for her safety. The AP could not independently confirm the woman’s account.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The AP did not contact Qatar’s government prior to publication of the story, and the government did not respond to subsequent later requests seeking comment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohamed is thankful for this new existence, embracing the obstacles that come with his work, even as he believes his safety could be at stake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We all fled persecution and took political asylum in the U.S., and now we invited all of them to come here to play soccer,” he said. “I didn’t feel safe leaving my apartment.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, after everything, he roots for Qatar — and the Americans. He plans to watch the U.S. during the round of 32 next week in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I am cheering for both the United States and for Qatar with love,” he said. “They both had homes for me and, when I challenge either of them, it is out of love, and I mean it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Formally dressed in a traditional Qatari bisht, Dr. Nasser Mohamed strolled past a crowd of several hundred people \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">outside Chase Center\u003c/a> as the England-Croatia \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup \u003c/a>match was shown high above on the big screen. His gold-and-black robe featured a flourish: rainbow piping down each sleeve and the words “love” and “freedom” written in Arabic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s why the World Cup is really powerful, because people don’t need to hear about who I am — I can just walk, be seen, and that’s it,” he said. “We don’t have to say a word.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Four years ago, when the World Cup was \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-sports-soccer-international-gay-rights-54e5b2a4f51e471ca3a8f10816af201b\">played in his home country\u003c/a> and Mohamed was already living across the world in San Francisco, he came out and became an exceptionally rare openly gay man from Qatar, where gay sex is prohibited and he can’t dress how he’d like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohamed is speaking up again for those without a voice. The 39-year-old now feels secure enough to walk around with confidence, and without fear of harm, while wearing chunky heeled boots, mascara and 2-inch dangly earrings. He still gets regular backlash and hate, but he has also found support and kindness from around the globe that helps drown out the death threats and divisiveness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I am so loved in San Francisco, really, truly,” Mohamed said of the city he moved to more than a decade ago. “I have not worn this since I was a kid in Qatar, and San Francisco put it back on my shoulders, with rainbows.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For him, donning the bisht for everyone to see is important: “The emir of Qatar put it on (Lionel) Messi at the last World Cup to celebrate Messi. We should be celebrated too.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Mohamed campaigns for love at the World Cup\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>An LGBTQ+ activist and family doctor who treats HIV, “Dr. Nas” — as he is known — launched his “Love is the Goal” campaign ahead of the World Cup and Pride Month, hoping to humanize all people taking part. For a video, he combined soccer lingo with references to love, such as him reading “love is kickoff, the very first touch,” and someone else offering “love is the assist, finding you exactly where you are.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Saving a life like mine is very expensive, and I know that, and this is the hard truth,” Mohamed said. “So that’s why I had to pave my own path and get out. I lost everything. I’m disowned completely. I had to build myself from scratch, the ground up, all of it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088758\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088758\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26172718919179-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dr. Nasser Mohamed, of Qatar, is photographed, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, Qatar plays its final group-stage match, against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Seattle. Mohamed won’t be there, but he was at the team’s first game, on June 13 in Santa Clara, California. He had clear and visible security, and was escorted by California state Sen. Scott Wiener to \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/qatar-switzerland-world-cup-score-c1232e9fc7bcde023a14db26e767e90e\">the 1-1 draw with Switzerland.\u003c/a> A photo from the day has more than 12 million views on social media.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As I was passing, everybody was taking pictures of me with the senator,” he recalled. “It was so dramatic.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And emotional.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In the stadium I couldn’t speak because if I started talking I’m not going to stop crying, because when am I going to see Qatar again in my life?” Mohamed said through tears. “When is it ever going to happen again? I don’t know. When am I going to see home? I can’t see Mom and Dad, even when they were getting hit by missiles.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Even in exile, Mohamed still cheers for Qatar\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>After the game, he hosted a dance party at the San Francisco Mint highlighted by a performance \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_zOTqlMJ9w\">“Let Your Love Shine,”\u003c/a> written by close friend Simon Tam and sung by Debby Holiday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Nas’ journey moves me because it is rooted in extraordinary courage and an enormous heart,” Tam said. “He’s taken his own truth and turned it into a way to help others feel seen, worthy, and less alone.” \u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp> Tam believes Mohamed can change the world — and that’s the doctor’s hope, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The first step to heal is to witness things the way they are,” Mohamed said. “My endgame is for every child to belong with their own family and their own society.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, it breaks his heart knowing he can’t go back to Qatar, he says. Mohamed says he has been ostracized by his own family because of his sexuality and for standing up to power to help others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He has aided moves out of Qatar for others, including a transgender woman who told The Associated Press she had been imprisoned and tortured because of her identity. The woman spoke on condition of anonymity, citing fear for her safety. The AP could not independently confirm the woman’s account.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The AP did not contact Qatar’s government prior to publication of the story, and the government did not respond to subsequent later requests seeking comment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohamed is thankful for this new existence, embracing the obstacles that come with his work, even as he believes his safety could be at stake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We all fled persecution and took political asylum in the U.S., and now we invited all of them to come here to play soccer,” he said. “I didn’t feel safe leaving my apartment.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, after everything, he roots for Qatar — and the Americans. He plans to watch the U.S. during the round of 32 next week in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I am cheering for both the United States and for Qatar with love,” he said. “They both had homes for me and, when I challenge either of them, it is out of love, and I mean it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "what-it-was-like-inside-levis-for-the-algeria-vs-jordan-world-cup-match",
"title": "What It Was Like Inside Levi’s for the Algeria vs. Jordan World Cup Match",
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"headTitle": "What It Was Like Inside Levi’s for the Algeria vs. Jordan World Cup Match | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>One, two, three, viva l’Algerie! One, two, three, viva l’Algerie!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The chants were thunderous, with thousands of fans of Algeria’s national soccer team celebrating a 2-1 victory over Jordan at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/levis-stadium\">Levi’s Stadium\u003c/a> on Monday night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Long after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083101/world-cup-2026-bay-area-games-where-is-fifa-world-cup-santa-clara-levis-stadium-tickets-fan-zone-watch-parties\">World Cup match\u003c/a> ended, the throngs of revelers filled the cavernous concourses, and the building shook as they danced, jumped for joy and played drums and horns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Algeria’s supporters were the last ones cheering, just about every moment surrounding the match at the temporarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cBQqZzxkA4Q\">renamed San Francisco Bay Area Stadium\u003c/a> in Santa Clara felt like a celebration of sport, unity and togetherness among people hailing from far beyond Algeria, Jordan and the broader Middle East.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Right now it’s a time for the Middle East to kind of unite,” Sandy Kikhia of San José said ahead of the match. Kikhia is of Syrian descent and attended her first \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">World Cup game\u003c/a> with two of her sisters, Masah and Jana, all supporting Jordan’s side in the team’s first-ever World Cup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the sisters said a win for either team was a win for the larger community, especially for fans whose teams are not in this World Cup, such as Syrians, Palestinians and Lebanese people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088557\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088557\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-19-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-19-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-19-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-19-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A child held up on a person’s shoulders waves a Jordanian flag outside Levi’s Stadium, ahead of the World Cup match between Jordan and Algeria, in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/ KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“There is nothing that is nicer than having our whole Arab community come together for something that brings everyone joy,” Masah Kikhia said. “Such a nice feeling to see everyone wearing their cultural clothing, the shemagh, the keffiyeh,” she said, referring to both the black and white checkered scarves with Palestinian origins, and the red and white version most commonly donned by Jordanians.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, which organizes the World Cup and is widely known as FIFA, didn’t grant KQED any \u003ca href=\"https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2026-06-17/fifa-didnt-offer-gbh-news-media-credentials-for-the-world-cup-we-went-anyway\">media credentials to cover matches\u003c/a>. So we purchased our own upper deck ticket for $400 to experience the game, the stadium and the fandom up close.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fans did not disappoint.[aside postID=news_12086949 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260610-BayAreaStadiumTour-12-BL_KQED.jpg']Even hours ahead of kickoff, the parking lots outside of the stadium were filled with thousands of people wearing their nation’s colors, dancing on cement railings, greeting each other with big hugs and waving huge flags.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Groups of people huddled around news reporters, anxiously awaiting the chance to be broadcast live on Algerian and Jordanian news networks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No tailgating is allowed at World Cup matches, but some generous folks handed out snacks and sweets, like dates and baklava, and others posed for pictures with bags of pistachios.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amine Tigha, an Algerian who lives in New York City, traveled to the Bay Area for this match, also his first World Cup game, and said he loves the weather here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The most important thing,” he said ahead of kickoff, is that Algeria wins the game, but he said the vibes were more of a friendly rivalry with Jordan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You know, we both are Arab, we share a lot of things. We share the religion, the language and everything. It’s like a derby. We play like neighbors,” he said with a big laugh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nazim Bellahsene is originally from Algeria and has lived in the U.S. for 15 years. He lives in Santa Clara and came to the match with his wife, Wisam, and his two young kids, Emma and Nolan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088556\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088556\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-18-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-18-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-18-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-18-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Supporters of Jordan’s men’s soccer team party outside of Levi’s Stadium, ahead of the World Cup match between Jordan and Algeria, in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s super exciting. We’re loving it. It’s really unexpected that it’s here at home, near home. So, you know, we can’t miss it,” he said of the match. Monday was his first time ever seeing the Algerian national team on the pitch in person.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Decked out in an Algerian jersey and draped with the country’s flag, Bellahsene was confident in his side.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re looking forward to a win, for sure,” he said. “But you know, at the same time, enjoying and having a great family time with everybody here in a very festive environment. So it’s going to be fun.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088550\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088550\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-07-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans take a selfie from the concourse of Levi’s Stadium during the World Cup match between Algeria and Jordan in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The stadium was filled with people from seemingly all backgrounds, from babies to elders, and several fans said they loved the diversity of the Bay Area and the international draw of the sport.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alfred and Veronica Zamora, and their daughter Brianna, are San José residents and big fans of Mexico’s national team. Like many other fans on Monday night, they sported their Mexico kits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The family has been to 49ers games at Levi’s before, but the vibes around the match on Monday were in “a whole different league,” Alfred said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088552\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088552\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-12-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-12-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-12-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-12-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of the temporarily renamed San Francisco Bay Area Stadium filled with fans from an upper deck seat purchased by KQED for the World Cup match between Algeria and Jordan on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s just a different experience altogether, you know. [American] football is great, but this is a world event. I feel like everybody’s here and joined together to watch something good.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jasmine and Zayna Alfarah, sisters of Jordanian descent from Los Angeles, drove up to the Bay Area overnight Sunday into Monday with their two friends, Jacqueline Gutierrez and Marilyn Maldonado.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They arrived at 4 a.m. Monday, but said the lack of sleep and long drive was worthwhile.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088553\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088553\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The flags of Algeria and Jordan are displayed on the pitch at Levi’s Stadium on Monday, June 22, 2026, just before kickoff in the World Cup match between the two nations’ men’s soccer teams. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Seeing Jordan come into the World Cup for the first time is just such a beautiful experience,” Jasmine Alfarah said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gutierrez and Maldonado support Mexico and Honduras’ national teams, respectively, but on Monday, like so many fans do during the World Cup, they adopted new team allegiances.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re making history,” Gutierrez said of Jordan’s squad. “We’re here to witness this history, and I’m proud.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088551\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088551\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-11-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupita Gonzalez and her dad Sergio Gonzalez, both Oakland residents originally from Mexico, attended their first World Cup game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>During the game’s newly mandated hydration breaks, while fans around the globe watching TV are served ads, people in the stadium were treated to a live mariachi performance and light shows that connected cell phone flashlights at halftime.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Lupita Gonzalez and her dad Sergio Gonzalez, both Oakland residents originally from Mexico, coming to the game was realizing a dream of his that he had held onto since he was a boy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“For Father’s Day, I wanted to give my dad tickets. My dad is a huge soccer fan, and this is his first World Cup ever. As a kid, he dreamed of going to the World Cup when it was in Mexico in 1970. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to do it, so I wanted it to make my dad’s dreams come true,” Gonzalez said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088548\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088548\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-02-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-02-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans of Algeria’s soccer team celebrate a victory over Jordan in the concourses of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>She and her family \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12087163/for-bay-area-latinos-world-cup-is-a-celebration-of-pride-and-identity\">root for Mexico’s team\u003c/a> most days, but on Monday, they were pulling for Jordan. Gonzalez’s great-grandmother immigrated from Lebanon to Mexico, and they wanted to support a nearby country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She said she was a bit wary of coming to a World Cup game because of the way the U.S. has treated immigrants and made it harder for some \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12087615/protests-and-celebrations-iranians-in-los-angeles-have-mixed-feelings-on-world-cup\">teams and fans to experience the tournament\u003c/a>, but she said her experience on Monday proved that fans will support one another in the name of soccer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not about the politics. It’s not even about FIFA as an organization. It’s about showing up for the country where you’re from or a country that you want to support. I just love that energy,” she said. “We’re sitting next to folks that are rooting for Algeria, we’re still high-fiving, we’re still enjoying each other’s wins because that’s what the World Cup is about.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"title": "What It Was Like Inside Levi’s for the Algeria vs. Jordan World Cup Match | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>One, two, three, viva l’Algerie! One, two, three, viva l’Algerie!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The chants were thunderous, with thousands of fans of Algeria’s national soccer team celebrating a 2-1 victory over Jordan at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/levis-stadium\">Levi’s Stadium\u003c/a> on Monday night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Long after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083101/world-cup-2026-bay-area-games-where-is-fifa-world-cup-santa-clara-levis-stadium-tickets-fan-zone-watch-parties\">World Cup match\u003c/a> ended, the throngs of revelers filled the cavernous concourses, and the building shook as they danced, jumped for joy and played drums and horns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Algeria’s supporters were the last ones cheering, just about every moment surrounding the match at the temporarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cBQqZzxkA4Q\">renamed San Francisco Bay Area Stadium\u003c/a> in Santa Clara felt like a celebration of sport, unity and togetherness among people hailing from far beyond Algeria, Jordan and the broader Middle East.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Right now it’s a time for the Middle East to kind of unite,” Sandy Kikhia of San José said ahead of the match. Kikhia is of Syrian descent and attended her first \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">World Cup game\u003c/a> with two of her sisters, Masah and Jana, all supporting Jordan’s side in the team’s first-ever World Cup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the sisters said a win for either team was a win for the larger community, especially for fans whose teams are not in this World Cup, such as Syrians, Palestinians and Lebanese people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088557\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088557\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-19-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-19-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-19-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-19-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A child held up on a person’s shoulders waves a Jordanian flag outside Levi’s Stadium, ahead of the World Cup match between Jordan and Algeria, in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/ KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“There is nothing that is nicer than having our whole Arab community come together for something that brings everyone joy,” Masah Kikhia said. “Such a nice feeling to see everyone wearing their cultural clothing, the shemagh, the keffiyeh,” she said, referring to both the black and white checkered scarves with Palestinian origins, and the red and white version most commonly donned by Jordanians.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, which organizes the World Cup and is widely known as FIFA, didn’t grant KQED any \u003ca href=\"https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2026-06-17/fifa-didnt-offer-gbh-news-media-credentials-for-the-world-cup-we-went-anyway\">media credentials to cover matches\u003c/a>. So we purchased our own upper deck ticket for $400 to experience the game, the stadium and the fandom up close.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fans did not disappoint.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Even hours ahead of kickoff, the parking lots outside of the stadium were filled with thousands of people wearing their nation’s colors, dancing on cement railings, greeting each other with big hugs and waving huge flags.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Groups of people huddled around news reporters, anxiously awaiting the chance to be broadcast live on Algerian and Jordanian news networks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No tailgating is allowed at World Cup matches, but some generous folks handed out snacks and sweets, like dates and baklava, and others posed for pictures with bags of pistachios.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amine Tigha, an Algerian who lives in New York City, traveled to the Bay Area for this match, also his first World Cup game, and said he loves the weather here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The most important thing,” he said ahead of kickoff, is that Algeria wins the game, but he said the vibes were more of a friendly rivalry with Jordan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You know, we both are Arab, we share a lot of things. We share the religion, the language and everything. It’s like a derby. We play like neighbors,” he said with a big laugh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nazim Bellahsene is originally from Algeria and has lived in the U.S. for 15 years. He lives in Santa Clara and came to the match with his wife, Wisam, and his two young kids, Emma and Nolan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088556\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088556\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-18-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-18-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-18-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-18-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Supporters of Jordan’s men’s soccer team party outside of Levi’s Stadium, ahead of the World Cup match between Jordan and Algeria, in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s super exciting. We’re loving it. It’s really unexpected that it’s here at home, near home. So, you know, we can’t miss it,” he said of the match. Monday was his first time ever seeing the Algerian national team on the pitch in person.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Decked out in an Algerian jersey and draped with the country’s flag, Bellahsene was confident in his side.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re looking forward to a win, for sure,” he said. “But you know, at the same time, enjoying and having a great family time with everybody here in a very festive environment. So it’s going to be fun.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088550\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088550\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-07-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans take a selfie from the concourse of Levi’s Stadium during the World Cup match between Algeria and Jordan in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The stadium was filled with people from seemingly all backgrounds, from babies to elders, and several fans said they loved the diversity of the Bay Area and the international draw of the sport.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alfred and Veronica Zamora, and their daughter Brianna, are San José residents and big fans of Mexico’s national team. Like many other fans on Monday night, they sported their Mexico kits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The family has been to 49ers games at Levi’s before, but the vibes around the match on Monday were in “a whole different league,” Alfred said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088552\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088552\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-12-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-12-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-12-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-12-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of the temporarily renamed San Francisco Bay Area Stadium filled with fans from an upper deck seat purchased by KQED for the World Cup match between Algeria and Jordan on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s just a different experience altogether, you know. [American] football is great, but this is a world event. I feel like everybody’s here and joined together to watch something good.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jasmine and Zayna Alfarah, sisters of Jordanian descent from Los Angeles, drove up to the Bay Area overnight Sunday into Monday with their two friends, Jacqueline Gutierrez and Marilyn Maldonado.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They arrived at 4 a.m. Monday, but said the lack of sleep and long drive was worthwhile.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088553\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088553\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The flags of Algeria and Jordan are displayed on the pitch at Levi’s Stadium on Monday, June 22, 2026, just before kickoff in the World Cup match between the two nations’ men’s soccer teams. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Seeing Jordan come into the World Cup for the first time is just such a beautiful experience,” Jasmine Alfarah said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gutierrez and Maldonado support Mexico and Honduras’ national teams, respectively, but on Monday, like so many fans do during the World Cup, they adopted new team allegiances.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re making history,” Gutierrez said of Jordan’s squad. “We’re here to witness this history, and I’m proud.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088551\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088551\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-11-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupita Gonzalez and her dad Sergio Gonzalez, both Oakland residents originally from Mexico, attended their first World Cup game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>During the game’s newly mandated hydration breaks, while fans around the globe watching TV are served ads, people in the stadium were treated to a live mariachi performance and light shows that connected cell phone flashlights at halftime.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Lupita Gonzalez and her dad Sergio Gonzalez, both Oakland residents originally from Mexico, coming to the game was realizing a dream of his that he had held onto since he was a boy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“For Father’s Day, I wanted to give my dad tickets. My dad is a huge soccer fan, and this is his first World Cup ever. As a kid, he dreamed of going to the World Cup when it was in Mexico in 1970. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to do it, so I wanted it to make my dad’s dreams come true,” Gonzalez said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12088548\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12088548\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-02-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260622-WCJORALG-KQED-02-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans of Algeria’s soccer team celebrate a victory over Jordan in the concourses of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Monday, June 22, 2026. \u003ccite>(Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>She and her family \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12087163/for-bay-area-latinos-world-cup-is-a-celebration-of-pride-and-identity\">root for Mexico’s team\u003c/a> most days, but on Monday, they were pulling for Jordan. Gonzalez’s great-grandmother immigrated from Lebanon to Mexico, and they wanted to support a nearby country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She said she was a bit wary of coming to a World Cup game because of the way the U.S. has treated immigrants and made it harder for some \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12087615/protests-and-celebrations-iranians-in-los-angeles-have-mixed-feelings-on-world-cup\">teams and fans to experience the tournament\u003c/a>, but she said her experience on Monday proved that fans will support one another in the name of soccer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not about the politics. It’s not even about FIFA as an organization. It’s about showing up for the country where you’re from or a country that you want to support. I just love that energy,” she said. “We’re sitting next to folks that are rooting for Algeria, we’re still high-fiving, we’re still enjoying each other’s wins because that’s what the World Cup is about.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"headTitle": "How the Bay Area Helped Shape US Soccer Ahead of the 2026 World Cup | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>With the 2026 FIFA Men’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup coming to the Bay Area\u003c/a>, KQED and Arizona State University’s Great Game Lab present Bay Area Soccer Legacy, a program that explores how Northern California became a dynamic hub of soccer in the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bay Area Soccer Legacy portrays the rich diversity of the region’s soccer subcultures and how they connect so many of our communities to the rest of the world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The program examines early attempts to launch professional leagues in the United States, the vital role played by Bay Area universities in growing the women’s game overseas, the importance of tech giants like Apple (with Ted Lasso and MLS streaming rights) and Electronic Arts (with its legendary FIFA video game series) in connecting us to the global game and the groundbreaking work done by organizations like Soccer Without Borders and Oakland Roots and Soul to leverage the power of the global game to improve lives across our communities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "A new KQED and Arizona State University project examines the people, teams and institutions that made the Bay Area a center of soccer culture and innovation.",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Another huge sporting event is here in the Bay Area. The World Cup, with 48 participating countries and 104 matches spread out across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is underway until the final on July 19. In addition to the six World Cup games at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, free watch parties are on all over the region, and two teams – Paraguay and Australia – are using the Bay Area as their base camps.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">KQED reporter Ayah Ali-Ahmad tells us what it’s like on the ground in San Jose, as thousands of visitors come to the Bay Area yet again.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=KQINC4325448619&light=true\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Links:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086567/team-paraguay-arrives-in-san-jose-ahead-of-world-cup-games-at-levis\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Team Paraguay Arrives in San José Ahead of World Cup Games at Levi’s | KQED\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch3>Episode transcript\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:00:00] \u003c/em>I’m Ericka Cruz-Gavarra and welcome to The Bay, local news to keep you rooted. The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, with matches all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for the next month. And here in the Bay Area, six World Cup games will be played with San Jose and the South Bay at the center of the action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jeff Konya: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:00:32] \u003c/em>This community event, you see just the energy in the crowd. It’s gonna be fantastic World Cup. In our part we’re playing, we couldn’t be more thrilled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:00:41] \u003c/em>San Jose is yet again hoping to capitalize on the thousands of visitors coming to the Bay for this big sporting event. Today, reporter Aya Ali-Ahmad takes us to San Jose to see what World Cup fever looks like on the ground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:01:08] \u003c/em>How would you describe the vibes in San Jose around the World Cup right now?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:01:12] \u003c/em>I think it’s been surprisingly consistent and exciting in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:01:22] \u003c/em>Ayah Ali-Ahmad is a reporter for KQED.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:01:27] \u003c/em>I’ve seen all types of people come down to downtown San Jose where they’re hosting watch parties, people from other parts of the Bay Area, other parts to the country and also the world. So San Pedro is the neighborhood to be in downtown San Jose. It has a lot of sports bars. It has two big food courts with a communal outdoor space to eat. They barricade off part of San Pedro. You can open carry a bunch of drinks from the sports bars into this turf area that they have laid out for people to sit comfortably down or set up lawn chairs. And then they have this 500 square foot screen. They have multiple screens, but one really big screen for people too to watch all 104 of these matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:02:30] \u003c/em>It was 97 degrees last week in San Jose and people were out watching the first opening Mexico South Africa match in San Pedro and that was filled up to the brim. There are people hanging out at the parking structure next door just because of how busy it got. People hang out at nearby patios, just filling up the space and being with each other. It’s buzzing, it’s alive. It’s not something that I think I saw really even with the Super Bowl.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:06] \u003c/em>Wow, that’s interesting. Yeah, it sounds like people are there for the vibes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:11] \u003c/em>Yeah, and that’s why I kept hearing from people I talked to every time I would go down to San Pedro for these watch parties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lugene Youssef: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:19] \u003c/em>My name is Lugene. I’m from South Bay. I’ve been living here in San Jose. I’m coming out here today to celebrate Egypt. And I’m here to support their team. So excited. So far we’re winning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Dania Taleb: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:30] \u003c/em>Hi, I’m Dania, also here, local to San Jose. Yeah, shout out Egypt. We’re here to watch the game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:36] \u003c/em>I talked to Lugene Youssef and her friend Dania Taleb, two South Bay natives who have tickets to the Jordan and Algeria game coming up, and they made a pit stop down to San Pedro Square to watch the Belgium and Egypt game, which they were rooting for Egypt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Dania Taleb: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:56] \u003c/em>It’s been really nice just having, like being able to watch it with others who are also passionate about the games as well. And I’m not somebody who’s like the most passionate, I don’t know the names of the players and whatnot, but it’s still fun to kind of like be there to support each other and even like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:10] \u003c/em>And they talked to me about how they came for the vibes and they’ve been coming for the vibe They’ve came to San Pedro every day since the first opening match\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lugene Youssef: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:21] \u003c/em>It’s an experience that we’re not going to experience again, so like why not?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:28] \u003c/em>I know you also talked to some folks who are actually traveling in for the games as well, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:33] \u003c/em>Yeah, so I stopped a group of guys who are attending their first World Cup game, two that are from Jordan who are accompanying their friend who’s lived in the States for 37 years, who’s also from Jordan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jamal Abu Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:45] \u003c/em>We came to support the Jordanian team, but I’m here to party and enjoy everything, you know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:53] \u003c/em>Jamal Abu Ahmad and his two friends came from Maryland, staying in the South Bay, stopping by San Pedro Square. They were extremely excited about trying the food in the Bay Area is one thing that they said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jamal Abu Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:05:07] \u003c/em>Yet and I am in the restaurant business so I am definitely a foodie so we’re gonna check out the food later\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:05:14] \u003c/em>and they were excited because again it was a first World Cup game despite being fans all their lives and being able to see their team play out in the U.S. Was particularly exciting for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jamal Abu Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:05:25] \u003c/em>Yeah, they’re playing tomorrow. They’re playing Austria, I think, and we’re going to win probably 3-0, hopefully. Remember this. And then Algeria, 2-0. And we’re gonna beat Argentina in Texas. Many countries, many people from different worlds, and I love that, more than anything. Doesn’t matter who wins it that day, it’s just like, it’s a beautiful, peaceful gathering for everybody to enjoy the game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:05:57] \u003c/em>It was really sweet to listen to your conversation with him and just how excited he was. He really just was this person who’s like, ‘I just wanna be where the party is!’\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:06:07] \u003c/em>Yeah, and even during the Egypt-Belgium game, which was very excitable over in San Pedro, you had a lot of people repping Egypt especially. He was one of many who, even though that’s not his home team, was very loud and proud about.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:06:26] \u003c/em>As I understand it, there’s games that are being played at Levi’s, also these World Cup sanctioned events that are going on all around the city, but also the Bay Area. And there are also teams practicing here in the Bay area, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:06:43] \u003c/em>Yeah, so there’s two teams who have base camps in the Bay Area. This is also happening in other parts of the US just because, again, how big the World Cup is. 48 countries participating. And so the two teams, one is Australia and Alameda where the Oakland Roots actually trains. And Paraguay is staying over in San Jose and practicing in San José State University’s facilities, the Spartan Soccer Complex.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jeff Konya: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:07:09] \u003c/em>We were what back in 94 and now again here in 26 with Team Paraguay. This community event, you see just the energy in the crowd. It’s gonna be fantastic World Cup. In our part we’re playing, we couldn’t be more thrilled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:07:20] \u003c/em>Jeff Konya, the San Jose State University athletic director, actually welcomed the team and he said that the university as well as the city is excited to host the team.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jeff Konya: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:07:34] \u003c/em>The whole campus is excited about having Team Paraguay here and, you know, they’re having two games up here in the Bay so they’re kind of our adopted team locally, I imagine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:07:42] \u003c/em>I was able to go down and watch them practice during this fan event. About 500 fans were able to watch for free. They were giving out these cute little FIFA sticker books for kids to get autographed from Paraguay. And a lot of the people I talked to there weren’t even necessarily fans of Paraguaya. They were just excited to, again, be in proximity to these teams.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Kai Burgess: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:08:07] \u003c/em>I think they’re like, they make it look effortless because they’re so sharp on the ball and they have really good quality.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:08:14] \u003c/em>One pair I met was a father and son coming from Oakland, Kai and Evan Burgess, who said they weren’t initially Paraguay fans, but ended up leaving fans of Paraguaya.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Evan Burgess: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:08:26] \u003c/em>It was a great way to kick off the World Cup to see the players live, you know, training, getting ready for the World cup and getting ready to watch a lot of the World Cup on TV. So it’s going to be an exciting event.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:08:45] \u003c/em>We’ll have more with KQED’s Ayah Ali Ahmad, right after this break. By the way, if you love the local news deep dives that we bring you here on the Bay, consider becoming a KQED member. We can’t do this work without you. Just go to donate.kqed.org slash podcasts. We’ll be right back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:09:12] \u003c/em>Well, I want to talk, Ayah about just the economic impact that the World Cup could have. Because, I mean, Santa Clara just had the Super Bowl. Huge deal, obviously. Lots of conversation leading up to it, and even after, about the economic benefit of having such a big thing like that here in the Bay Area. Is that the same for the World Cup or not so much?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:09:38] \u003c/em>It’s a hard comparison. The most recent numbers for the Super Bowl, Santa Clara County themselves are saying they saw 195 million in an economic impact, which was four times as much as the Superbowl a decade ago. I don’t know if it’s going to look the same for the World Cup, because again, the World Cup is spread out. You have the 104 matches, only six are here versus the SuperbowL, which had that single week concentrated of big regional events around the Bay Area and then again the Super Bowl. But I think the World Cup will still have a clear positive impact in the Bay area, again especially in South Bay, in Santa Clara. You might not see hotels filling up the same like the Superbowl, but you’re still going to see a lot of fans visiting. The Bay Area host committee that’s helping with a lot of this stuff is estimating around 260,000 visitors from outside of the Bay are coming in. VTA said the other day for the first Levi’s match that happened this past Saturday, they saw 37,000 riders, which is 6,000 more riders than the Super Bowl brought in. So I think there’s going to be different metrics, but again, those are two very different types of sporting events to compare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:10:57] \u003c/em>Yeah, it feels a little bit maybe more like a patchwork this time around, whereas the Super Bowl was just like one big.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:06] \u003c/em>Yeah, and in July, the last game hosted at Santa Clara is going to be one of the knockout games. It’s going to July 1st. I think that, depending on who plays that, you’ll see more people coming in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:25] \u003c/em>Well my last few questions for you here Aya, you’re actually from San Jose, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:29] \u003c/em>Yes, I am from San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:31] \u003c/em>What’s it been like for you to just watch all the excitement around the World Cup? I mean, it’s the biggest sporting event in the world. Does it feel like that for you living out there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:43] \u003c/em>I don’t know if it feels like the world is in San Jose and it’s the biggest sporting event in the world. I think the Super Bowl brought in so much hype that just doesn’t necessarily compare. However, it’s been really fun going down to places like San Pedro Square and seeing it fill up. And it’s also just been fun to get on the bus and see people in FIFA gear. Go to a restaurant in downtown and see people in different jerseys kind of reminded me of my childhood going to some of the free sporting events around the Bay Area like San Jose Giants and yeah just felt like it just feels like the South Bay has a lot to give and to show especially these visiting fans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:12:34] \u003c/em>And it must be nice to see San Jose specifically getting some love, not just like, you know, San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:12:41] \u003c/em>Yeah, San Jose has been doing really well sports-wise. They just announced a female hockey team coming to the SAP Center and sharing that space with sharks. The earthquakes have been doing well. The sharks have been hype. So South Bay has a lot to offer, especially in terms of sports. And I think there’s been finally some sort of recognition to that. And that’s something that the Bay Area Host Committee that, again, is helping host all this sort of stuff and doing a lot of the managing here has said that that’s. That San Jose is the ideal spot in all of the Bay Area to do a lot of these sort of activation activities and bringing fans. Also, you just have a lot of space for people to stay, like at our hotels and.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:13:23] \u003c/em>Diverse food options in San Jose as well\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:13:27] \u003c/em>Oh yeah, I mean, you stay anywhere on the Bay Area, but especially San Jose, you can appeal to all types of cultures, all types of visitors, and I think that’s also what San Jose does a really good job at.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:13:43] \u003c/em>Well Ayah, thank you so much for joining me appreciate it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:13:46] \u003c/em>Thanks for having me.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by The Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco-Northern California Local.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Another huge sporting event is here in the Bay Area. The World Cup, with 48 participating countries and 104 matches spread out across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is underway until the final on July 19. In addition to the six World Cup games at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, free watch parties are on all over the region, and two teams – Paraguay and Australia – are using the Bay Area as their base camps.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">KQED reporter Ayah Ali-Ahmad tells us what it’s like on the ground in San Jose, as thousands of visitors come to the Bay Area yet again.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=KQINC4325448619&light=true\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Links:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086567/team-paraguay-arrives-in-san-jose-ahead-of-world-cup-games-at-levis\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Team Paraguay Arrives in San José Ahead of World Cup Games at Levi’s | KQED\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch3>Episode transcript\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:00:00] \u003c/em>I’m Ericka Cruz-Gavarra and welcome to The Bay, local news to keep you rooted. The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, with matches all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for the next month. And here in the Bay Area, six World Cup games will be played with San Jose and the South Bay at the center of the action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jeff Konya: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:00:32] \u003c/em>This community event, you see just the energy in the crowd. It’s gonna be fantastic World Cup. In our part we’re playing, we couldn’t be more thrilled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:00:41] \u003c/em>San Jose is yet again hoping to capitalize on the thousands of visitors coming to the Bay for this big sporting event. Today, reporter Aya Ali-Ahmad takes us to San Jose to see what World Cup fever looks like on the ground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:01:08] \u003c/em>How would you describe the vibes in San Jose around the World Cup right now?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:01:12] \u003c/em>I think it’s been surprisingly consistent and exciting in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:01:22] \u003c/em>Ayah Ali-Ahmad is a reporter for KQED.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:01:27] \u003c/em>I’ve seen all types of people come down to downtown San Jose where they’re hosting watch parties, people from other parts of the Bay Area, other parts to the country and also the world. So San Pedro is the neighborhood to be in downtown San Jose. It has a lot of sports bars. It has two big food courts with a communal outdoor space to eat. They barricade off part of San Pedro. You can open carry a bunch of drinks from the sports bars into this turf area that they have laid out for people to sit comfortably down or set up lawn chairs. And then they have this 500 square foot screen. They have multiple screens, but one really big screen for people too to watch all 104 of these matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:02:30] \u003c/em>It was 97 degrees last week in San Jose and people were out watching the first opening Mexico South Africa match in San Pedro and that was filled up to the brim. There are people hanging out at the parking structure next door just because of how busy it got. People hang out at nearby patios, just filling up the space and being with each other. It’s buzzing, it’s alive. It’s not something that I think I saw really even with the Super Bowl.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:06] \u003c/em>Wow, that’s interesting. Yeah, it sounds like people are there for the vibes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:11] \u003c/em>Yeah, and that’s why I kept hearing from people I talked to every time I would go down to San Pedro for these watch parties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lugene Youssef: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:19] \u003c/em>My name is Lugene. I’m from South Bay. I’ve been living here in San Jose. I’m coming out here today to celebrate Egypt. And I’m here to support their team. So excited. So far we’re winning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Dania Taleb: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:30] \u003c/em>Hi, I’m Dania, also here, local to San Jose. Yeah, shout out Egypt. We’re here to watch the game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:36] \u003c/em>I talked to Lugene Youssef and her friend Dania Taleb, two South Bay natives who have tickets to the Jordan and Algeria game coming up, and they made a pit stop down to San Pedro Square to watch the Belgium and Egypt game, which they were rooting for Egypt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Dania Taleb: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:03:56] \u003c/em>It’s been really nice just having, like being able to watch it with others who are also passionate about the games as well. And I’m not somebody who’s like the most passionate, I don’t know the names of the players and whatnot, but it’s still fun to kind of like be there to support each other and even like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:10] \u003c/em>And they talked to me about how they came for the vibes and they’ve been coming for the vibe They’ve came to San Pedro every day since the first opening match\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lugene Youssef: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:21] \u003c/em>It’s an experience that we’re not going to experience again, so like why not?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:28] \u003c/em>I know you also talked to some folks who are actually traveling in for the games as well, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:33] \u003c/em>Yeah, so I stopped a group of guys who are attending their first World Cup game, two that are from Jordan who are accompanying their friend who’s lived in the States for 37 years, who’s also from Jordan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jamal Abu Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:45] \u003c/em>We came to support the Jordanian team, but I’m here to party and enjoy everything, you know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:04:53] \u003c/em>Jamal Abu Ahmad and his two friends came from Maryland, staying in the South Bay, stopping by San Pedro Square. They were extremely excited about trying the food in the Bay Area is one thing that they said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jamal Abu Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:05:07] \u003c/em>Yet and I am in the restaurant business so I am definitely a foodie so we’re gonna check out the food later\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:05:14] \u003c/em>and they were excited because again it was a first World Cup game despite being fans all their lives and being able to see their team play out in the U.S. Was particularly exciting for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jamal Abu Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:05:25] \u003c/em>Yeah, they’re playing tomorrow. They’re playing Austria, I think, and we’re going to win probably 3-0, hopefully. Remember this. And then Algeria, 2-0. And we’re gonna beat Argentina in Texas. Many countries, many people from different worlds, and I love that, more than anything. Doesn’t matter who wins it that day, it’s just like, it’s a beautiful, peaceful gathering for everybody to enjoy the game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:05:57] \u003c/em>It was really sweet to listen to your conversation with him and just how excited he was. He really just was this person who’s like, ‘I just wanna be where the party is!’\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:06:07] \u003c/em>Yeah, and even during the Egypt-Belgium game, which was very excitable over in San Pedro, you had a lot of people repping Egypt especially. He was one of many who, even though that’s not his home team, was very loud and proud about.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:06:26] \u003c/em>As I understand it, there’s games that are being played at Levi’s, also these World Cup sanctioned events that are going on all around the city, but also the Bay Area. And there are also teams practicing here in the Bay area, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:06:43] \u003c/em>Yeah, so there’s two teams who have base camps in the Bay Area. This is also happening in other parts of the US just because, again, how big the World Cup is. 48 countries participating. And so the two teams, one is Australia and Alameda where the Oakland Roots actually trains. And Paraguay is staying over in San Jose and practicing in San José State University’s facilities, the Spartan Soccer Complex.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jeff Konya: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:07:09] \u003c/em>We were what back in 94 and now again here in 26 with Team Paraguay. This community event, you see just the energy in the crowd. It’s gonna be fantastic World Cup. In our part we’re playing, we couldn’t be more thrilled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:07:20] \u003c/em>Jeff Konya, the San Jose State University athletic director, actually welcomed the team and he said that the university as well as the city is excited to host the team.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Jeff Konya: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:07:34] \u003c/em>The whole campus is excited about having Team Paraguay here and, you know, they’re having two games up here in the Bay so they’re kind of our adopted team locally, I imagine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:07:42] \u003c/em>I was able to go down and watch them practice during this fan event. About 500 fans were able to watch for free. They were giving out these cute little FIFA sticker books for kids to get autographed from Paraguay. And a lot of the people I talked to there weren’t even necessarily fans of Paraguaya. They were just excited to, again, be in proximity to these teams.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Kai Burgess: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:08:07] \u003c/em>I think they’re like, they make it look effortless because they’re so sharp on the ball and they have really good quality.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:08:14] \u003c/em>One pair I met was a father and son coming from Oakland, Kai and Evan Burgess, who said they weren’t initially Paraguay fans, but ended up leaving fans of Paraguaya.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Evan Burgess: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:08:26] \u003c/em>It was a great way to kick off the World Cup to see the players live, you know, training, getting ready for the World cup and getting ready to watch a lot of the World Cup on TV. So it’s going to be an exciting event.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:08:45] \u003c/em>We’ll have more with KQED’s Ayah Ali Ahmad, right after this break. By the way, if you love the local news deep dives that we bring you here on the Bay, consider becoming a KQED member. We can’t do this work without you. Just go to donate.kqed.org slash podcasts. We’ll be right back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:09:12] \u003c/em>Well, I want to talk, Ayah about just the economic impact that the World Cup could have. Because, I mean, Santa Clara just had the Super Bowl. Huge deal, obviously. Lots of conversation leading up to it, and even after, about the economic benefit of having such a big thing like that here in the Bay Area. Is that the same for the World Cup or not so much?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:09:38] \u003c/em>It’s a hard comparison. The most recent numbers for the Super Bowl, Santa Clara County themselves are saying they saw 195 million in an economic impact, which was four times as much as the Superbowl a decade ago. I don’t know if it’s going to look the same for the World Cup, because again, the World Cup is spread out. You have the 104 matches, only six are here versus the SuperbowL, which had that single week concentrated of big regional events around the Bay Area and then again the Super Bowl. But I think the World Cup will still have a clear positive impact in the Bay area, again especially in South Bay, in Santa Clara. You might not see hotels filling up the same like the Superbowl, but you’re still going to see a lot of fans visiting. The Bay Area host committee that’s helping with a lot of this stuff is estimating around 260,000 visitors from outside of the Bay are coming in. VTA said the other day for the first Levi’s match that happened this past Saturday, they saw 37,000 riders, which is 6,000 more riders than the Super Bowl brought in. So I think there’s going to be different metrics, but again, those are two very different types of sporting events to compare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:10:57] \u003c/em>Yeah, it feels a little bit maybe more like a patchwork this time around, whereas the Super Bowl was just like one big.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:06] \u003c/em>Yeah, and in July, the last game hosted at Santa Clara is going to be one of the knockout games. It’s going to July 1st. I think that, depending on who plays that, you’ll see more people coming in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:25] \u003c/em>Well my last few questions for you here Aya, you’re actually from San Jose, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:29] \u003c/em>Yes, I am from San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:31] \u003c/em>What’s it been like for you to just watch all the excitement around the World Cup? I mean, it’s the biggest sporting event in the world. Does it feel like that for you living out there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:11:43] \u003c/em>I don’t know if it feels like the world is in San Jose and it’s the biggest sporting event in the world. I think the Super Bowl brought in so much hype that just doesn’t necessarily compare. However, it’s been really fun going down to places like San Pedro Square and seeing it fill up. And it’s also just been fun to get on the bus and see people in FIFA gear. Go to a restaurant in downtown and see people in different jerseys kind of reminded me of my childhood going to some of the free sporting events around the Bay Area like San Jose Giants and yeah just felt like it just feels like the South Bay has a lot to give and to show especially these visiting fans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:12:34] \u003c/em>And it must be nice to see San Jose specifically getting some love, not just like, you know, San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:12:41] \u003c/em>Yeah, San Jose has been doing really well sports-wise. They just announced a female hockey team coming to the SAP Center and sharing that space with sharks. The earthquakes have been doing well. The sharks have been hype. So South Bay has a lot to offer, especially in terms of sports. And I think there’s been finally some sort of recognition to that. And that’s something that the Bay Area Host Committee that, again, is helping host all this sort of stuff and doing a lot of the managing here has said that that’s. That San Jose is the ideal spot in all of the Bay Area to do a lot of these sort of activation activities and bringing fans. Also, you just have a lot of space for people to stay, like at our hotels and.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:13:23] \u003c/em>Diverse food options in San Jose as well\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:13:27] \u003c/em>Oh yeah, I mean, you stay anywhere on the Bay Area, but especially San Jose, you can appeal to all types of cultures, all types of visitors, and I think that’s also what San Jose does a really good job at.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ericka Cruz Guevarra: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:13:43] \u003c/em>Well Ayah, thank you so much for joining me appreciate it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ayah Ali-Ahmad: \u003c/b>\u003cem>[00:13:46] \u003c/em>Thanks for having me.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "protests-and-celebrations-iranians-in-los-angeles-have-mixed-feelings-on-world-cup",
"title": "Protests and Celebrations: Iranians in Los Angeles Have Mixed Feelings on World Cup",
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"headTitle": "Protests and Celebrations: Iranians in Los Angeles Have Mixed Feelings on World Cup | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The Iranian men’s national soccer team arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday amid global turmoil for its highly anticipated \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup\u003c/a> opening match against New Zealand. The two sides played to a 2-2 draw on Monday night. But the game was only one piece of the action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Iran’s appearance followed months of the team not knowing whether they would even be allowed to participate in the World Cup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The team’s inclusion in the tournament had been in flux since the United States and Israel \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/02/28/nx-s1-5730158/israel-iran-strikes-trump-us\">launched airstrikes on Iran\u003c/a> in late February.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a \u003ca href=\"https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116216801278101254\">social media post\u003c/a> a few weeks later, President Donald Trump wrote, “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Iran and FIFA eventually confirmed the country’s participation in the World Cup. But problems ensued. Iran had to move its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, due to U.S. visa restrictions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Players finally received their visas just days before the start of the tournament. But more than a dozen support staff did not get approval.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nima Tavallaey, a longtime Iranian soccer journalist and co-host of The Italian Football Podcast, said the volatility was unprecedented.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087802\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087802\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2281791567.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2281791567.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2281791567-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2281791567-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Players of IR Iran pose for a team photograph before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between IR Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. \u003ccite>(Harry How/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“This is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086777/a-warm-world-cup-welcome-us-immigration-policies-have-chilling-effect\">a very politicized World Cup.\u003c/a> It is the most politicized World Cup ever,” he said. “This is something that should have been handled by FIFA together with the Trump administration months ago. There should have protocol in place. Lest we forget, this has never been an issue at any other World Cup, not in Russia, not in Qatar, not in Brazil. The last five, six, seven World Cups, this has not been an issue.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03aEnlQtNbQ\">a pre-match news conference on Sunday\u003c/a>, Iranian team captain Mehdi Taremi said the challenges the team has faced have put a damper on what should be a celebratory experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This kind of tension, it undermines that joy and it undermines the message of FIFA and our people, which is that football brings about peace,” Taremi said through an interpreter. “I feel like this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has, but I hope in the future it will be better for all fans, whatever team they are supporting in the World Cup.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Iranian Americans in Los Angeles torn over participation in World Cup\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>But many members of the Iranian diaspora aren’t feeling particularly positive about this year’s team. The greater Los Angeles area is home to the largest population of Iranians outside of Iran. Many fled following the Iranian Revolution in 1979.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the Iranian Americans who live in the region are among the loudest critics of the current regime leading the country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mass anti-government protests in Iran in December 2025 led to an unprecedented and violent crackdown the following month, in which thousands of protesters were killed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087798\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087798\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281782216-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1272\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281782216-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281782216-KQED-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281782216-KQED-1536x977.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Protesters demonstrate against the Islamic Republic of Iran, while holding pre-revolutionary Iranian flags and other flags, outside Los Angeles Stadium ahead of the Iranian national soccer team’s World Cup match against New Zealand on June 15, 2026 in Los Angeles. \u003ccite>(Mario Tama/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>West Los Angeles is home to Persian Square, often referred to as “Tehrangeles.” This is at the heart of the cultural hub of the Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles. On Westwood Boulevard in particular, the street is filled with restaurants serving Persian cuisine, markets and specialty grocers, and locally owned businesses highlighted by signs written in Farsi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Pars Book Inc., owner Sam Beykzadeh sat quietly behind the front counter. The shop is widely considered the longest-standing Persian bookstore in the United States. When asked about the Iranian team playing in the World Cup, Beykzadeh had a simple response. “It’s not Iran’s team. It’s the regime’s team,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The opinion is shared by many in the Iranian community.[aside postID=news_12087547 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_046.jpg']They believe the national team serves as a mouthpiece for the regime and that players often remain silent about actions taken by the government for fear of retaliation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2022, a former member of the national team was arrested for \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/11/24/1139162898/iran-arrests-soccer-player-voria-ghafouri-world-cup\">allegedly protesting\u003c/a> against the country’s leadership. And star player Sardar Azmoun wasn’t selected for this year’s World Cup squad, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7351056/2026/06/15/iran-world-cup-sardar-azmoun/\">reportedly because of a social media post\u003c/a> that angered the Iranian government.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But there’s another side to the argument. Reza Aslan is an Iranian American author and scholar who lives in Los Angeles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“(In Los Angeles), the older generation tends to be far more conservative. Far more zealous in their anti-regime sentiments and much more supportive of a military engagement, whether by the United States or Israel, as a kind of desperate measure for changing this regime after four decades of protests and massacres and diplomacy,” he said. “But at the same time, I think that there’s so much focus on the community in Los Angeles. And in particular, that part of the community that tends to be very conservative, tends to be very wealthy. Tends to support, for instance, royalist aspirations in Iran. And that is really a detriment to the enormous diversity of this diaspora.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>FIFA flag ban a huge point of contention\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s not just the soccer team that many Iranians in Southern California are upset about. Before this year’s World Cup, FIFA announced that it was \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7288376/2026/05/19/world-cup-fifa-iran-flag/?unlocked_article_code=1.jlA.lhj_.q3AMPJl-1l8o&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta\">banning people from displaying the pre-revolution Iran flag in stadiums.\u003c/a> The lion and the sun emblem was featured on the national flag before the Iranian revolution in 1979. Now, that flag is used by many in the diaspora as a sign of protest against the regime.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the first World Cup match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood between the United States and Paraguay, a small group of Iranian protesters gathered near one of the entrances to the stadium. They waved the lion and the sun flag and chanted, “USA.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087800\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087800\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281803167-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1412\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281803167-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281803167-KQED-160x113.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281803167-KQED-1536x1084.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans hold the flag of Iran during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between IR Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Los Angeles. \u003ccite>(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The regime massacres over 100,000 people, and then they shut down the internet, all because of raising this flag,” said Bajir Hajikhani, who was born and raised in Iran and now lives in Orange County. “And now globalist organizations like FIFA have the audacity to ban this flag from the stadiums.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But this is not the first time FIFA has banned a flag. In 2022, the organization \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/03/02/1083972155/chess-tennis-soccer-russia-ukraine-sports\">suspended the Russian Football Union from all international competitions \u003c/a>after its invasion of Ukraine. In turn, Russia was not allowed to participate in FIFA events — and the Russian flag and anthem were banned from related matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite the ban, the lion and the sun flag was prominently shown in the stands during Monday night’s match. But there were also plenty of cheers for the team and players throughout the game. Taremi, the captain, said Sunday that the team was just trying to concentrate on the game at hand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We play for every single Iranian, whether in the diaspora or in Iran. In every country, people have different opinions. We are here to unite people and bring joy,” he said. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We don’t get involved in politics.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The Iranian men’s national soccer team arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday amid global turmoil for its highly anticipated \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup\u003c/a> opening match against New Zealand. The two sides played to a 2-2 draw on Monday night. But the game was only one piece of the action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Iran’s appearance followed months of the team not knowing whether they would even be allowed to participate in the World Cup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The team’s inclusion in the tournament had been in flux since the United States and Israel \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/02/28/nx-s1-5730158/israel-iran-strikes-trump-us\">launched airstrikes on Iran\u003c/a> in late February.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a \u003ca href=\"https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116216801278101254\">social media post\u003c/a> a few weeks later, President Donald Trump wrote, “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Iran and FIFA eventually confirmed the country’s participation in the World Cup. But problems ensued. Iran had to move its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, due to U.S. visa restrictions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Players finally received their visas just days before the start of the tournament. But more than a dozen support staff did not get approval.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nima Tavallaey, a longtime Iranian soccer journalist and co-host of The Italian Football Podcast, said the volatility was unprecedented.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087802\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087802\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2281791567.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2281791567.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2281791567-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2281791567-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Players of IR Iran pose for a team photograph before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between IR Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. \u003ccite>(Harry How/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“This is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086777/a-warm-world-cup-welcome-us-immigration-policies-have-chilling-effect\">a very politicized World Cup.\u003c/a> It is the most politicized World Cup ever,” he said. “This is something that should have been handled by FIFA together with the Trump administration months ago. There should have protocol in place. Lest we forget, this has never been an issue at any other World Cup, not in Russia, not in Qatar, not in Brazil. The last five, six, seven World Cups, this has not been an issue.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03aEnlQtNbQ\">a pre-match news conference on Sunday\u003c/a>, Iranian team captain Mehdi Taremi said the challenges the team has faced have put a damper on what should be a celebratory experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This kind of tension, it undermines that joy and it undermines the message of FIFA and our people, which is that football brings about peace,” Taremi said through an interpreter. “I feel like this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has, but I hope in the future it will be better for all fans, whatever team they are supporting in the World Cup.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Iranian Americans in Los Angeles torn over participation in World Cup\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>But many members of the Iranian diaspora aren’t feeling particularly positive about this year’s team. The greater Los Angeles area is home to the largest population of Iranians outside of Iran. Many fled following the Iranian Revolution in 1979.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the Iranian Americans who live in the region are among the loudest critics of the current regime leading the country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mass anti-government protests in Iran in December 2025 led to an unprecedented and violent crackdown the following month, in which thousands of protesters were killed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087798\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087798\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281782216-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1272\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281782216-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281782216-KQED-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281782216-KQED-1536x977.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Protesters demonstrate against the Islamic Republic of Iran, while holding pre-revolutionary Iranian flags and other flags, outside Los Angeles Stadium ahead of the Iranian national soccer team’s World Cup match against New Zealand on June 15, 2026 in Los Angeles. \u003ccite>(Mario Tama/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>West Los Angeles is home to Persian Square, often referred to as “Tehrangeles.” This is at the heart of the cultural hub of the Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles. On Westwood Boulevard in particular, the street is filled with restaurants serving Persian cuisine, markets and specialty grocers, and locally owned businesses highlighted by signs written in Farsi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Pars Book Inc., owner Sam Beykzadeh sat quietly behind the front counter. The shop is widely considered the longest-standing Persian bookstore in the United States. When asked about the Iranian team playing in the World Cup, Beykzadeh had a simple response. “It’s not Iran’s team. It’s the regime’s team,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The opinion is shared by many in the Iranian community.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>They believe the national team serves as a mouthpiece for the regime and that players often remain silent about actions taken by the government for fear of retaliation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2022, a former member of the national team was arrested for \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/11/24/1139162898/iran-arrests-soccer-player-voria-ghafouri-world-cup\">allegedly protesting\u003c/a> against the country’s leadership. And star player Sardar Azmoun wasn’t selected for this year’s World Cup squad, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7351056/2026/06/15/iran-world-cup-sardar-azmoun/\">reportedly because of a social media post\u003c/a> that angered the Iranian government.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But there’s another side to the argument. Reza Aslan is an Iranian American author and scholar who lives in Los Angeles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“(In Los Angeles), the older generation tends to be far more conservative. Far more zealous in their anti-regime sentiments and much more supportive of a military engagement, whether by the United States or Israel, as a kind of desperate measure for changing this regime after four decades of protests and massacres and diplomacy,” he said. “But at the same time, I think that there’s so much focus on the community in Los Angeles. And in particular, that part of the community that tends to be very conservative, tends to be very wealthy. Tends to support, for instance, royalist aspirations in Iran. And that is really a detriment to the enormous diversity of this diaspora.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>FIFA flag ban a huge point of contention\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s not just the soccer team that many Iranians in Southern California are upset about. Before this year’s World Cup, FIFA announced that it was \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7288376/2026/05/19/world-cup-fifa-iran-flag/?unlocked_article_code=1.jlA.lhj_.q3AMPJl-1l8o&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta\">banning people from displaying the pre-revolution Iran flag in stadiums.\u003c/a> The lion and the sun emblem was featured on the national flag before the Iranian revolution in 1979. Now, that flag is used by many in the diaspora as a sign of protest against the regime.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the first World Cup match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood between the United States and Paraguay, a small group of Iranian protesters gathered near one of the entrances to the stadium. They waved the lion and the sun flag and chanted, “USA.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087800\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087800\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281803167-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1412\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281803167-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281803167-KQED-160x113.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GETTYIMAGES-2281803167-KQED-1536x1084.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans hold the flag of Iran during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between IR Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Los Angeles. \u003ccite>(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The regime massacres over 100,000 people, and then they shut down the internet, all because of raising this flag,” said Bajir Hajikhani, who was born and raised in Iran and now lives in Orange County. “And now globalist organizations like FIFA have the audacity to ban this flag from the stadiums.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But this is not the first time FIFA has banned a flag. In 2022, the organization \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/03/02/1083972155/chess-tennis-soccer-russia-ukraine-sports\">suspended the Russian Football Union from all international competitions \u003c/a>after its invasion of Ukraine. In turn, Russia was not allowed to participate in FIFA events — and the Russian flag and anthem were banned from related matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite the ban, the lion and the sun flag was prominently shown in the stands during Monday night’s match. But there were also plenty of cheers for the team and players throughout the game. Taremi, the captain, said Sunday that the team was just trying to concentrate on the game at hand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We play for every single Iranian, whether in the diaspora or in Iran. In every country, people have different opinions. We are here to unite people and bring joy,” he said. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We don’t get involved in politics.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003ch4>Here are the morning’s top stories on Monday, June 15, 2026:\u003c/h4>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>The state legislature is expected to vote today on a budget plan that rejects some of the health care cuts proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>California Democrats are urging the Trump administration to release millions in transportation funds it withheld in a dispute over drivers licenses for immigrant truckers.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Iran’s men’s soccer team is scheduled to play its first match in this year’s World Cup this evening in Inglewood. But many members of the Iranian diaspora say they can’t support the team.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>A Vote on the \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-budget-legislature-deal/\">State Budget\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Today, June 15th, is the deadline for the state legislature to pass a balanced budget. But that budget plan is not set in stone. What follows will be a series of negotiations between the Governor’s Office and state lawmakers, in which several amendments to the budget will likely take place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing for savings by raising Medi-Cal premiums on undocumented adults and lowering the assets seniors on Medi-Cal are allowed to have from $130,000 dollars to $2000. KQED Politics Correspondent \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/gmarzorati\">Guy Marzorati\u003c/a> reports that the plan from Democratic leaders in the Senate and Assembly delays both issues to next year – for a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12087400/as-the-dust-settles-on-californias-primary-november-battles-take-shape\">new governor\u003c/a> to decide.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>CA Dems Demand Trump Release Transportation Funds\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Currently, the Trump Administration is withholding $160 million in transportation funds that go to highway safety. That’s because California hasn’t complied with federal guidelines requiring states to deny commercial drivers licenses to certain lawful immigrants with work permits, but not visas. This law disqualified hundreds of thousands of formerly eligible drivers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Friday, June 12th, Senator Adam Schiff, along with 21 other congressmembers sent a \u003ca href=\"https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-leads-21-colleagues-in-demanding-administration-release-160-million-in-transportation-funding-for-california-reverse-strict-restrictions-on-california-truck-drivers/\">letter\u003c/a> to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy demanding the release of those funds. In the letter, he says that disqualifying 200-thousand experienced drivers a quarter of them in California will bottleneck commerce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Department of Transportation says the new rule is for safety. But Schiff says, the government’s own data shows these truckers are actually among the safest on the road.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Iran Set to Play in World Cup Today\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Iran’s men’s soccer team is set to face off against New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup today. The game will take place in Inglewood, California. The soccer match comes just after the announcement of a deal between the United States and Iran to end the months-long war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many people within the Iranian diaspora are not rooting for the Iranian team, seeing the team as an extension or representation for the current Iranian regime. When the men’s soccer team arrived in Southern California, they were met with widespread protests. “It’s not Iran’s team. It’s the regime’s team,” says Sam Beykzadeh, an Iranian book store owner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But, other people within the Iranian diaspora are excited to see the team play. Ryan Mortazavi and his family flew from Dallas to Southern California to attend the soccer match. “When it’s our own country, you don’t want to miss them play,” say Mortazavi. This will be the 7th World Cup that Iran has participated in.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"description": "Here are the morning's top stories on Monday, June 15, 2026: The state legislature is expected to vote today on a budget plan that rejects some of the health care cuts proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom. California Democrats are urging the Trump administration to release millions in transportation funds it withheld in a dispute over drivers licenses for immigrant truckers. Iran’s men’s soccer team is scheduled to play its first match in this year’s World Cup this evening in Inglewood. But many members of the Iranian diaspora say they can’t support the team. A Vote on the State Budget Today, June",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003ch4>Here are the morning’s top stories on Monday, June 15, 2026:\u003c/h4>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>The state legislature is expected to vote today on a budget plan that rejects some of the health care cuts proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>California Democrats are urging the Trump administration to release millions in transportation funds it withheld in a dispute over drivers licenses for immigrant truckers.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Iran’s men’s soccer team is scheduled to play its first match in this year’s World Cup this evening in Inglewood. But many members of the Iranian diaspora say they can’t support the team.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>A Vote on the \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-budget-legislature-deal/\">State Budget\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Today, June 15th, is the deadline for the state legislature to pass a balanced budget. But that budget plan is not set in stone. What follows will be a series of negotiations between the Governor’s Office and state lawmakers, in which several amendments to the budget will likely take place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing for savings by raising Medi-Cal premiums on undocumented adults and lowering the assets seniors on Medi-Cal are allowed to have from $130,000 dollars to $2000. KQED Politics Correspondent \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/gmarzorati\">Guy Marzorati\u003c/a> reports that the plan from Democratic leaders in the Senate and Assembly delays both issues to next year – for a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12087400/as-the-dust-settles-on-californias-primary-november-battles-take-shape\">new governor\u003c/a> to decide.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>CA Dems Demand Trump Release Transportation Funds\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Currently, the Trump Administration is withholding $160 million in transportation funds that go to highway safety. That’s because California hasn’t complied with federal guidelines requiring states to deny commercial drivers licenses to certain lawful immigrants with work permits, but not visas. This law disqualified hundreds of thousands of formerly eligible drivers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Friday, June 12th, Senator Adam Schiff, along with 21 other congressmembers sent a \u003ca href=\"https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-leads-21-colleagues-in-demanding-administration-release-160-million-in-transportation-funding-for-california-reverse-strict-restrictions-on-california-truck-drivers/\">letter\u003c/a> to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy demanding the release of those funds. In the letter, he says that disqualifying 200-thousand experienced drivers a quarter of them in California will bottleneck commerce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Department of Transportation says the new rule is for safety. But Schiff says, the government’s own data shows these truckers are actually among the safest on the road.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Iran Set to Play in World Cup Today\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Iran’s men’s soccer team is set to face off against New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup today. The game will take place in Inglewood, California. The soccer match comes just after the announcement of a deal between the United States and Iran to end the months-long war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many people within the Iranian diaspora are not rooting for the Iranian team, seeing the team as an extension or representation for the current Iranian regime. When the men’s soccer team arrived in Southern California, they were met with widespread protests. “It’s not Iran’s team. It’s the regime’s team,” says Sam Beykzadeh, an Iranian book store owner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But, other people within the Iranian diaspora are excited to see the team play. Ryan Mortazavi and his family flew from Dallas to Southern California to attend the soccer match. “When it’s our own country, you don’t want to miss them play,” say Mortazavi. This will be the 7th World Cup that Iran has participated in.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "2026-world-cups-bay-area-matches-kick-off-but-its-no-super-bowl",
"title": "2026 World Cup’s Bay Area Matches Kick Off, But It’s No Super Bowl",
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"headTitle": "2026 World Cup’s Bay Area Matches Kick Off, But It’s No Super Bowl | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>For the first time in decades, people from around the world are supposed to be making their way to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a> for one of the largest sporting events on the planet. But some fans are wondering where everyone is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">2026 FIFA World Cup’s\u003c/a> Bay Area debut at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086949/levis-stadium-is-no-more-san-francisco-bay-area-stadium-hosts-world-cup\">rebranded \u003c/a>from the Levi’s Stadium name for now — did bring some fans to the city for a Saturday afternoon game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coming with them? Plenty of empty seats, and criticism of the federal government, FIFA and high ticket prices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Suhail Virana, who was rooting for Qatar, said outside the stadium that it was exciting to have the World Cup in the Bay Area, but some things fell short in comparison to previous World Cups.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not as nice; there’s too many problems,” Virana said. “This is a whole bunch of chaos here. Football is about unity. There’s been a lot of division.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087527\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087527\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_020-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_020-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_020-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_020-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ali Alyfei, 45, a Qatar fan, waves his hands in the air as he exits Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Trump administration policies, high ticket costs and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">less than expected show of excitement\u003c/a> have hung over the event since before it even started. Several participants have been detained or denied entry into the U.S., including a Somali referee, Iraq’s team photographer, and several members of Iran’s team.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tournament itself is the largest it’s ever been, double in size since the U.S. hosted back in 1994. The U.S., a co-host this year with Mexico and Canada, is holding most of the competition, and six of the matches will take place in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087518\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087518\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_016.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_016.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_016-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_016-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People walk past an empty parking lot during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For the Bay Area, it’s supposed to be a big economic driver. The Bay Area Host Committee estimated back in 2024 that the region would rake in up to $630 million, with half of that going to Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But days before the Bay Area’s opening match, hotel bookings were lower than expected, and during the game there were patches of empty seats.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087522\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087522\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26164716916112.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26164716916112.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26164716916112-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26164716916112-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans watch from the stands during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Qatar and Switzerland in Santa Clara, California, near San Francisco, Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Eakin Howard/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mike Borghetti, who was outside the stadium, said the match didn’t look like a Super Bowl.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Super Bowl? This place is packed. People are barbecuing, just having fun,” Borghetti said. “But now it seems, I don’t know, people are not trusting the world right now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087528\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087528\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_022.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_022.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_022-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A robot in soccer gear interacts with people outside of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Unlike at 49ers games at the stadium, tailgating is not allowed at World Cup games, so the parking lot was bare in comparison.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodolfo Mora, a Switzerland fan for the day, had a different take on the event.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I traveled just for the World Cup. It’s just a dream come true,” said Mora, who lives in Mexico City.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087531\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087531\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_042.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_042.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_042-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_042-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rodolfo Mora waves a Mexican flag outside of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Some of the empty spots in the stadium could be due to the high ticket prices fans were facing. FIFA’s ticket prices reached \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-fifa-tickets-guadalajara-toronto-e80e3ddc277d653c475a9d8544c7584a\">record highs\u003c/a> amid what FIFA President Gianni Infantino \u003ca href=\"https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/fact-checking-claims-about-unprecedented-demand-for-world-cup-tickets\">said \u003c/a>was “unprecedented demand.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dennis Cruz, a Santa Clara resident who came out in support of Switzerland, said he didn’t think the two teams warranted the high prices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“$350? I feel like it’s a little too much,” Cruz said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087529\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087529\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_034.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_034.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_034-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_034-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Anthony Burdel, right, exits Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara with his family during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>FIFA \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/fifamedia/status/2065492696693661760\">said\u003c/a> Friday that it doesn’t calculate attendance numbers by visual assessment, but by “the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>SFGATE \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/fifa-world-cup-heat-avoid-22304081.php\">reported \u003c/a>that hundreds of fans actually took cover in the concourse from the heat in the area, which the National Weather Service had issued an advisory for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Outside the stadium, some protestors took issue with more than ticket prices. Ahead of the game, they joined together in the streets nearby to protest the U.S.’s role as a host and called for people to boycott the games. They say the country’s policies, including on immigration, should not be rewarded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087521\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087521\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_002.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_002-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_002-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Protesters gather outside of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We need to draw the line somewhere,” said Bernice Onuoha at the Black Alliance for Peace-hosted protest near the stadium. “It’s not right for these games to be held while ICE is actively torturing and starving people in captivity with undue process, while we are bombing Iran, helping a genocide in Palestine, which has spread to Lebanon.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Virana, the Qatar fan, said he mostly agreed with protestors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I believe Palestine is being occupied. I do think them using the game to bring attention to it is very good,” Virana said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087520\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087520\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_011.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_011.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_011-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_011-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Suhail Virana holds a Qatar banner outside of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Still, Cruz and Virana said they still planned on going to other games.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Just for the experience,” Virana said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Santa Clara will next host Austria and Jordan on Tuesday, followed by Türkiye and Paraguay on Friday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The Santa Clara match featured Qatar and Switzerland and ended in a draw. ",
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"title": "2026 World Cup’s Bay Area Matches Kick Off, But It’s No Super Bowl | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>For the first time in decades, people from around the world are supposed to be making their way to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a> for one of the largest sporting events on the planet. But some fans are wondering where everyone is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">2026 FIFA World Cup’s\u003c/a> Bay Area debut at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086949/levis-stadium-is-no-more-san-francisco-bay-area-stadium-hosts-world-cup\">rebranded \u003c/a>from the Levi’s Stadium name for now — did bring some fans to the city for a Saturday afternoon game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coming with them? Plenty of empty seats, and criticism of the federal government, FIFA and high ticket prices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Suhail Virana, who was rooting for Qatar, said outside the stadium that it was exciting to have the World Cup in the Bay Area, but some things fell short in comparison to previous World Cups.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not as nice; there’s too many problems,” Virana said. “This is a whole bunch of chaos here. Football is about unity. There’s been a lot of division.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087527\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087527\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_020-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_020-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_020-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_020-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ali Alyfei, 45, a Qatar fan, waves his hands in the air as he exits Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Trump administration policies, high ticket costs and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">less than expected show of excitement\u003c/a> have hung over the event since before it even started. Several participants have been detained or denied entry into the U.S., including a Somali referee, Iraq’s team photographer, and several members of Iran’s team.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tournament itself is the largest it’s ever been, double in size since the U.S. hosted back in 1994. The U.S., a co-host this year with Mexico and Canada, is holding most of the competition, and six of the matches will take place in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087518\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087518\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_016.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_016.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_016-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_016-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People walk past an empty parking lot during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For the Bay Area, it’s supposed to be a big economic driver. The Bay Area Host Committee estimated back in 2024 that the region would rake in up to $630 million, with half of that going to Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But days before the Bay Area’s opening match, hotel bookings were lower than expected, and during the game there were patches of empty seats.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087522\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087522\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26164716916112.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26164716916112.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26164716916112-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/AP26164716916112-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans watch from the stands during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Qatar and Switzerland in Santa Clara, California, near San Francisco, Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Eakin Howard/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mike Borghetti, who was outside the stadium, said the match didn’t look like a Super Bowl.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Super Bowl? This place is packed. People are barbecuing, just having fun,” Borghetti said. “But now it seems, I don’t know, people are not trusting the world right now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087528\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087528\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_022.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_022.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_022-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A robot in soccer gear interacts with people outside of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Unlike at 49ers games at the stadium, tailgating is not allowed at World Cup games, so the parking lot was bare in comparison.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodolfo Mora, a Switzerland fan for the day, had a different take on the event.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I traveled just for the World Cup. It’s just a dream come true,” said Mora, who lives in Mexico City.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087531\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087531\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_042.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_042.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_042-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_042-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rodolfo Mora waves a Mexican flag outside of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Some of the empty spots in the stadium could be due to the high ticket prices fans were facing. FIFA’s ticket prices reached \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-fifa-tickets-guadalajara-toronto-e80e3ddc277d653c475a9d8544c7584a\">record highs\u003c/a> amid what FIFA President Gianni Infantino \u003ca href=\"https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/fact-checking-claims-about-unprecedented-demand-for-world-cup-tickets\">said \u003c/a>was “unprecedented demand.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dennis Cruz, a Santa Clara resident who came out in support of Switzerland, said he didn’t think the two teams warranted the high prices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“$350? I feel like it’s a little too much,” Cruz said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087529\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087529\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_034.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_034.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_034-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_034-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Anthony Burdel, right, exits Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara with his family during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>FIFA \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/fifamedia/status/2065492696693661760\">said\u003c/a> Friday that it doesn’t calculate attendance numbers by visual assessment, but by “the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>SFGATE \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/fifa-world-cup-heat-avoid-22304081.php\">reported \u003c/a>that hundreds of fans actually took cover in the concourse from the heat in the area, which the National Weather Service had issued an advisory for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Outside the stadium, some protestors took issue with more than ticket prices. Ahead of the game, they joined together in the streets nearby to protest the U.S.’s role as a host and called for people to boycott the games. They say the country’s policies, including on immigration, should not be rewarded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087521\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087521\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_002.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_002-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_002-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Protesters gather outside of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We need to draw the line somewhere,” said Bernice Onuoha at the Black Alliance for Peace-hosted protest near the stadium. “It’s not right for these games to be held while ICE is actively torturing and starving people in captivity with undue process, while we are bombing Iran, helping a genocide in Palestine, which has spread to Lebanon.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Virana, the Qatar fan, said he mostly agreed with protestors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I believe Palestine is being occupied. I do think them using the game to bring attention to it is very good,” Virana said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087520\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087520\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_011.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_011.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_011-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260613_WorldCup_EG_011-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Suhail Virana holds a Qatar banner outside of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the Qatar versus Switzerland World Cup match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Still, Cruz and Virana said they still planned on going to other games.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Just for the experience,” Virana said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Santa Clara will next host Austria and Jordan on Tuesday, followed by Türkiye and Paraguay on Friday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "us-soccer-fans-flood-streets-around-sofi-as-world-cup-kicks-off-in-la",
"title": "US Soccer Fans Flood Streets Around SoFi as World Cup Kicks Off in LA",
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"headTitle": "US Soccer Fans Flood Streets Around SoFi as World Cup Kicks Off in LA | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The streets around SoFi Stadium were awash in red, white and blue on Friday as fans of the U.S. men’s national soccer team converged on Los Angeles to watch their team play its first match of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13990640/where-to-watch-world-cup-bay-area-best-bars-classic-pubs\">2026 FIFA World Cup\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Stars and Stripes aren’t expected to dominate the tournament, a massive global undertaking playing out across 16 host cities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Powerhouse teams like Spain and France are likely to fill that role.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the U.S.’s middling rankings and the eye-watering ticket prices hardly mattered to the soccer fans crammed into bars, boisterous watch parties and the streets around SoFi ahead of the 6 p.m. kickoff against Paraguay at the temporarily renamed Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kevin and Katie Howell came to the game with their kids, Alexander and Lily, from Washington, D.C.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087449\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087449\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0137-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0137-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0137-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0137-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Kevin Howell, Alexander Howell, Katie Howell and Lily Howell outside SoFi Stadium ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The 1994 World Cup inspired me to fall in love with soccer as an 8-year-old boy, and I passed that down to my son, and it’s a thing we share as a family,” said Kevin, referring to the year the U.S. last hosted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kevin said his dad took his older brother to some of the ‘94 games, some of which were played at Stanford University, but deemed him too young, giving him a serious case of “FOMO.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087444\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087444\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0045-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0045-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0045-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0045-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A fan wears USA-themed hat and pins ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087446\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087446\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0070-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0070-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0070-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0070-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans wear USA-themed crocs and socks ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Just hours ahead of his first World Cup match, he was thrilled to be sharing the experience with his family, including his own 8-year-old-son.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This was kind of me…I don’t know, a midlife crisis maybe, or something I had to do. Bucket list item for me,” the 39-year-old said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alexander was especially excited, he said, to see U.S. forward Christian Pulisic play. “I really like seeing him.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087453\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087453\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_9973-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_9973-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_9973-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_9973-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Matthew Payano, Junior Payano, Julian Payano and Larry Payano gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087443\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087443\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0039-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0039-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0039-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0039-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Siblings Beth and Andy Viner, 49 and 47, gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While SoFi won the opportunity to host the first match featuring the U.S., six games are set to be \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086949/levis-stadium-is-no-more-san-francisco-bay-area-stadium-hosts-world-cup\">played at Levi’s Stadium\u003c/a> in Santa Clara, presenting what some local officials said could be an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">economic boon for the San Francisco Bay Area\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Paraguay’s team has made their \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086567/team-paraguay-arrives-in-san-jose-ahead-of-world-cup-games-at-levis\">base camp at San José State University\u003c/a>, while Australia is based in Alameda at the Oakland Roots and Soul facility.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Straining to be heard over the raucous crowd behind him near SoFi, Chris Powers was looking forward to watching the U.S. play, and hopefully win, with his friend, Jeff Wilson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087442\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087442\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0012-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0012-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0012-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0012-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087462\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087462\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Everyone is just so excited to be here,” the 40-year-old from Connecticut said. “It’s been a really cool experience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nearby, Pedro Mendoza had flown in from Paraguay to see his team take on the U.S.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Soccer is a big deal in Paraguay,” the 45-year-old said. “It’s like another religion for us.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mendoza, who joked that his nosebleed seats put him “closest to God,” paid about $1,500 to attend the game, and was hoping to go to one more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087460\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087460\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0112-KQED-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0112-KQED-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0112-KQED-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0112-KQED-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paraguay fan Pedro Mendoza walks to SoFi Stadium for the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087445\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087445\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0059-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0059-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0059-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0059-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luis Ibarra, Juan Lugo and Nate Johnston gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>He said traveling to the U.S. amid the current political climate and President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown was “a little concerning,” but that he had everything “in order” and was ready to enjoy the game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Juan Lugo and Luis Ibarra of Texas said they were also prepared to do whatever it took to attend the match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I wouldn’t miss it,” Lugo said. “There’s no way we were going to miss a World Cup on home soil.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The streets around SoFi Stadium were awash in red, white and blue on Friday as fans of the U.S. men’s national soccer team converged on Los Angeles to watch their team play its first match of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13990640/where-to-watch-world-cup-bay-area-best-bars-classic-pubs\">2026 FIFA World Cup\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Stars and Stripes aren’t expected to dominate the tournament, a massive global undertaking playing out across 16 host cities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Powerhouse teams like Spain and France are likely to fill that role.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the U.S.’s middling rankings and the eye-watering ticket prices hardly mattered to the soccer fans crammed into bars, boisterous watch parties and the streets around SoFi ahead of the 6 p.m. kickoff against Paraguay at the temporarily renamed Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kevin and Katie Howell came to the game with their kids, Alexander and Lily, from Washington, D.C.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087449\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087449\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0137-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0137-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0137-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0137-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Kevin Howell, Alexander Howell, Katie Howell and Lily Howell outside SoFi Stadium ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The 1994 World Cup inspired me to fall in love with soccer as an 8-year-old boy, and I passed that down to my son, and it’s a thing we share as a family,” said Kevin, referring to the year the U.S. last hosted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kevin said his dad took his older brother to some of the ‘94 games, some of which were played at Stanford University, but deemed him too young, giving him a serious case of “FOMO.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087444\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087444\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0045-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0045-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0045-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0045-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A fan wears USA-themed hat and pins ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087446\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087446\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0070-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0070-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0070-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0070-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans wear USA-themed crocs and socks ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Just hours ahead of his first World Cup match, he was thrilled to be sharing the experience with his family, including his own 8-year-old-son.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This was kind of me…I don’t know, a midlife crisis maybe, or something I had to do. Bucket list item for me,” the 39-year-old said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alexander was especially excited, he said, to see U.S. forward Christian Pulisic play. “I really like seeing him.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087453\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087453\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_9973-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_9973-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_9973-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_9973-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Matthew Payano, Junior Payano, Julian Payano and Larry Payano gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087443\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087443\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0039-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0039-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0039-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0039-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Siblings Beth and Andy Viner, 49 and 47, gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While SoFi won the opportunity to host the first match featuring the U.S., six games are set to be \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086949/levis-stadium-is-no-more-san-francisco-bay-area-stadium-hosts-world-cup\">played at Levi’s Stadium\u003c/a> in Santa Clara, presenting what some local officials said could be an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">economic boon for the San Francisco Bay Area\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Paraguay’s team has made their \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086567/team-paraguay-arrives-in-san-jose-ahead-of-world-cup-games-at-levis\">base camp at San José State University\u003c/a>, while Australia is based in Alameda at the Oakland Roots and Soul facility.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Straining to be heard over the raucous crowd behind him near SoFi, Chris Powers was looking forward to watching the U.S. play, and hopefully win, with his friend, Jeff Wilson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087442\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087442\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0012-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0012-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0012-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0012-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087462\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087462\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_2163-KQED-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Everyone is just so excited to be here,” the 40-year-old from Connecticut said. “It’s been a really cool experience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nearby, Pedro Mendoza had flown in from Paraguay to see his team take on the U.S.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Soccer is a big deal in Paraguay,” the 45-year-old said. “It’s like another religion for us.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mendoza, who joked that his nosebleed seats put him “closest to God,” paid about $1,500 to attend the game, and was hoping to go to one more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087460\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087460\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0112-KQED-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0112-KQED-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0112-KQED-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0112-KQED-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paraguay fan Pedro Mendoza walks to SoFi Stadium for the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087445\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087445\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0059-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0059-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0059-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/061226_WORLDCUPFANS_0059-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luis Ibarra, Juan Lugo and Nate Johnston gather ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Lauren Justice for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>He said traveling to the U.S. amid the current political climate and President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown was “a little concerning,” but that he had everything “in order” and was ready to enjoy the game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Juan Lugo and Luis Ibarra of Texas said they were also prepared to do whatever it took to attend the match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I wouldn’t miss it,” Lugo said. “There’s no way we were going to miss a World Cup on home soil.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "For Bay Area Latinos, World Cup Is a Celebration of Pride and Identity",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was reported for K Onda KQED, a monthly newsletter focused on the Bay Area’s Latinx community. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/k-onda\">Click here to subscribe\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco resident Salvador Rodriguez started planning — and saving up — for this year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup\u003c/a> eight years ago when the United States, Mexico and Canada were named host nations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The independent journalist publishes “\u003ca href=\"https://the2026dispatch.substack.com/\">The 2026 Dispatch\u003c/a>,” a Substack newsletter featuring reporting and personal reflections on the World Cup. He plans to attend at least a dozen matches, including the opener in Mexico City and the final in New York City, as well as matches in Atlanta, Seattle, Dallas and Philadelphia among other cities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I personally measure my life based on World Cups,” Rodriguez, 36, said. “If you bring up basically any World Cup and I could tell you where I was during it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Latino fans have long been the backbone of soccer culture in the United States, and many are expected to help fuel interest in the 2026 World Cup as the tournament unfolds across North America.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite concerns about high ticket prices, immigration policies and the politics surrounding the event, fans across the Bay Area say the World Cup remains a powerful expression of cultural pride, family heritage and connection to countries they or their relatives still call home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087320\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087320\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260612-K-ONDA-LATINO-WORLD-CUP-STORY-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260612-K-ONDA-LATINO-WORLD-CUP-STORY-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260612-K-ONDA-LATINO-WORLD-CUP-STORY-01-KQED-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260612-K-ONDA-LATINO-WORLD-CUP-STORY-01-KQED-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Salvador Rodriguez, right, with his mother, Aida Rodriguez, outside of the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Salvador Rodriguez)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez agrees that there is plenty to criticize about the World Cup, from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">high ticket prices\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/27/nyregion/fifa-indictments-soccer-dismissed.html\">administrative corruption\u003c/a> to a lackluster lineup of matches slated for\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086949/levis-stadium-is-no-more-san-francisco-bay-area-stadium-hosts-world-cup\"> the Bay Area\u003c/a>. Still, he said, there is nothing like the World Cup, especially for fans from Latin America, where soccer reigns supreme and love of national teams is paramount.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s very rare that the majority of the world comes together in a way where everyone can compete, but also have cultural exchanges,” Rodriguez said before departing for Mexico. “For the people who want to focus on that, they’re going to have an amazing time. And even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, there’s so many great ways to partake.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Rodriguez attended the opening match in Mexico City, a few hundred people gathered Thursday at the Spark Social SF Food Truck Park in San Francisco’s Mission Bay to watch Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa.[aside postID=news_12086953 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/060926Paraguay-SJSU_GH_009.jpg']As soccer slowly gains traction among U.S. sports fans, Latine fans are driving much of the growth, thanks in part to the legacy of soccer fandom from Latin America.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love the World Cup. I think it’s so beautiful. I get really emotional during it,” said Cynthia Villamizar of San Francisco, who came to the food truck park with her husband and 7-week-old son.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My dad is from Colombia. My mom’s from Ecuador, so both teams are represented. And my husband’s from India, who I don’t think is represented,” she continued. “But either way, the World Cup represents a beautiful, multicultural, global moment. And our baby is one of those global moments. So it’s a whole family thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Latine fans make up much of the growth of soccer in the United States. A 2022 \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/telemundo-rolls-out-the-future-is-futbol-a-comprehensive-report-on-the-state-of-soccer-the-fastest-growing-major-team-sport-in-america-301619868.html\">report\u003c/a> from NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises found that among U.S. Latinos ages 16 and older, 73% say they are soccer fans and 22% described themselves as “superfans” — more than triple the share of non-Hispanics who ascribe to that term.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We definitely see the World Cup as a big opportunity,” said Javier Garcia, senior vice president of multicultural growth for cable and internet provider Comcast. “For multicultural consumers, it is very clear that it’s a huge opportunity. We see soccer as a sport that continues to grow in the United States. We know that is the future and that’s why we’re putting all the investment and efforts behind it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A sea of fans in green Mexico jerseys packed picnic tables in the lawn area at Spark SF under a bright midday sun. They sipped beers, noshed on plates from food trucks while keeping their eyes fixed on a giant TV broadcasting the match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087343\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087343\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00635_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00635_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00635_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00635_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans express disbelief while watching the Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup game at a watch party at SPARK Social SF in San Francisco on June 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The World Cup is such a moment for our cultures to shine on a global stage, for people to just celebrate where they’re from, whether they were born there or not,” Villamizar said. “Especially for American-born Latinos, it’s a way to represent for a country that their family celebrates.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luis Pablo Michel, a 27-year-old from San José, said U.S. hostility toward immigrants and foreign visitors – including World Cup players – along with high ticket prices, is putting a damper on this year’s celebration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m not paying $200 to watch only from the top,” he said. “It’s like the first time you get excited about the World Cup, and it’s like you’re outmatched, you’re outpriced, and it’s kind of a sad thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087328\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087328\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00033_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00033_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00033_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00033_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luis Pablo Michel poses for a portrait at a Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup watch party at SPARK Social SF in San Francisco on June 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Still, he was excited to watch the opener with his girlfriend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love soccer. I love Mexico,” he said. “What are you going to do, you know? It’s the World Cup. You’re going to watch it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nataly and Aimee Rendon, two sisters from San Pablo, also came out to watch Mexico play.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087329\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087329\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00048_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00048_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00048_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00048_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sisters Aimee Rendon (left) and Natalie Rendon (right) pose for a portrait at a Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup watch party at SPARK Social SF in San Francisco on June 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I’m feeling excited, mostly excited,” said Nataly Rendon, 30. “I’m excited for everyone, all the cultures to visit different countries and just get to know other places of the world.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the same time, Aimee Rendon, 29, said it’s important to recognize other issues surrounding the festivities, like\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/06/08/nx-s1-5850429/as-mexico-hosts-the-world-cup-families-of-the-disappeared-keep-searching\"> families of missing people \u003c/a>protesting at games in Mexico or \u003ca href=\"http://theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/iran-world-cup-tijuana-security-camp-mexico\">the Iranian National Team\u003c/a> being barred from preparing in the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As Mexican-Americans, they were also excited to cheer for their parents’ home country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087339\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087339\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00413_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00413_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00413_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00413_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A handkerchief with a Mexico flag design rests on a picnic table at a Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup watch party at SPARK Social SF in San Francisco on June 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Rooting for Mexico “feels natural,” Nataly Rendon said. “I feel like it’s más orgullo mexicano, definitely, 100%.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ana Guzman, 37, took the day off and drove from her home in Stockton with her daughter to San Francisco for “the vibe.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The World Cup really brings out something in us — our pride, our heritage, our culture,” Guzman, who is Mexican-American, said. “Every four years you will catch me watching the World Cup.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was reported for K Onda KQED, a monthly newsletter focused on the Bay Area’s Latinx community. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/k-onda\">Click here to subscribe\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco resident Salvador Rodriguez started planning — and saving up — for this year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup\u003c/a> eight years ago when the United States, Mexico and Canada were named host nations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The independent journalist publishes “\u003ca href=\"https://the2026dispatch.substack.com/\">The 2026 Dispatch\u003c/a>,” a Substack newsletter featuring reporting and personal reflections on the World Cup. He plans to attend at least a dozen matches, including the opener in Mexico City and the final in New York City, as well as matches in Atlanta, Seattle, Dallas and Philadelphia among other cities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I personally measure my life based on World Cups,” Rodriguez, 36, said. “If you bring up basically any World Cup and I could tell you where I was during it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Latino fans have long been the backbone of soccer culture in the United States, and many are expected to help fuel interest in the 2026 World Cup as the tournament unfolds across North America.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite concerns about high ticket prices, immigration policies and the politics surrounding the event, fans across the Bay Area say the World Cup remains a powerful expression of cultural pride, family heritage and connection to countries they or their relatives still call home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087320\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087320\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260612-K-ONDA-LATINO-WORLD-CUP-STORY-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260612-K-ONDA-LATINO-WORLD-CUP-STORY-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260612-K-ONDA-LATINO-WORLD-CUP-STORY-01-KQED-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260612-K-ONDA-LATINO-WORLD-CUP-STORY-01-KQED-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Salvador Rodriguez, right, with his mother, Aida Rodriguez, outside of the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Salvador Rodriguez)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez agrees that there is plenty to criticize about the World Cup, from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086953/the-world-cup-has-arrived-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-is-anyone-else-coming\">high ticket prices\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/27/nyregion/fifa-indictments-soccer-dismissed.html\">administrative corruption\u003c/a> to a lackluster lineup of matches slated for\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12086949/levis-stadium-is-no-more-san-francisco-bay-area-stadium-hosts-world-cup\"> the Bay Area\u003c/a>. Still, he said, there is nothing like the World Cup, especially for fans from Latin America, where soccer reigns supreme and love of national teams is paramount.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s very rare that the majority of the world comes together in a way where everyone can compete, but also have cultural exchanges,” Rodriguez said before departing for Mexico. “For the people who want to focus on that, they’re going to have an amazing time. And even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, there’s so many great ways to partake.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Rodriguez attended the opening match in Mexico City, a few hundred people gathered Thursday at the Spark Social SF Food Truck Park in San Francisco’s Mission Bay to watch Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>As soccer slowly gains traction among U.S. sports fans, Latine fans are driving much of the growth, thanks in part to the legacy of soccer fandom from Latin America.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love the World Cup. I think it’s so beautiful. I get really emotional during it,” said Cynthia Villamizar of San Francisco, who came to the food truck park with her husband and 7-week-old son.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My dad is from Colombia. My mom’s from Ecuador, so both teams are represented. And my husband’s from India, who I don’t think is represented,” she continued. “But either way, the World Cup represents a beautiful, multicultural, global moment. And our baby is one of those global moments. So it’s a whole family thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Latine fans make up much of the growth of soccer in the United States. A 2022 \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/telemundo-rolls-out-the-future-is-futbol-a-comprehensive-report-on-the-state-of-soccer-the-fastest-growing-major-team-sport-in-america-301619868.html\">report\u003c/a> from NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises found that among U.S. Latinos ages 16 and older, 73% say they are soccer fans and 22% described themselves as “superfans” — more than triple the share of non-Hispanics who ascribe to that term.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We definitely see the World Cup as a big opportunity,” said Javier Garcia, senior vice president of multicultural growth for cable and internet provider Comcast. “For multicultural consumers, it is very clear that it’s a huge opportunity. We see soccer as a sport that continues to grow in the United States. We know that is the future and that’s why we’re putting all the investment and efforts behind it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A sea of fans in green Mexico jerseys packed picnic tables in the lawn area at Spark SF under a bright midday sun. They sipped beers, noshed on plates from food trucks while keeping their eyes fixed on a giant TV broadcasting the match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087343\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087343\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00635_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00635_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00635_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00635_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans express disbelief while watching the Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup game at a watch party at SPARK Social SF in San Francisco on June 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The World Cup is such a moment for our cultures to shine on a global stage, for people to just celebrate where they’re from, whether they were born there or not,” Villamizar said. “Especially for American-born Latinos, it’s a way to represent for a country that their family celebrates.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luis Pablo Michel, a 27-year-old from San José, said U.S. hostility toward immigrants and foreign visitors – including World Cup players – along with high ticket prices, is putting a damper on this year’s celebration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m not paying $200 to watch only from the top,” he said. “It’s like the first time you get excited about the World Cup, and it’s like you’re outmatched, you’re outpriced, and it’s kind of a sad thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087328\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087328\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00033_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00033_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00033_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00033_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luis Pablo Michel poses for a portrait at a Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup watch party at SPARK Social SF in San Francisco on June 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Still, he was excited to watch the opener with his girlfriend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love soccer. I love Mexico,” he said. “What are you going to do, you know? It’s the World Cup. You’re going to watch it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nataly and Aimee Rendon, two sisters from San Pablo, also came out to watch Mexico play.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087329\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087329\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00048_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00048_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00048_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00048_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sisters Aimee Rendon (left) and Natalie Rendon (right) pose for a portrait at a Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup watch party at SPARK Social SF in San Francisco on June 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I’m feeling excited, mostly excited,” said Nataly Rendon, 30. “I’m excited for everyone, all the cultures to visit different countries and just get to know other places of the world.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the same time, Aimee Rendon, 29, said it’s important to recognize other issues surrounding the festivities, like\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/06/08/nx-s1-5850429/as-mexico-hosts-the-world-cup-families-of-the-disappeared-keep-searching\"> families of missing people \u003c/a>protesting at games in Mexico or \u003ca href=\"http://theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/iran-world-cup-tijuana-security-camp-mexico\">the Iranian National Team\u003c/a> being barred from preparing in the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As Mexican-Americans, they were also excited to cheer for their parents’ home country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12087339\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12087339\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00413_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00413_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00413_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260611-KONDAWORLDCUP00413_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A handkerchief with a Mexico flag design rests on a picnic table at a Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup watch party at SPARK Social SF in San Francisco on June 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Rooting for Mexico “feels natural,” Nataly Rendon said. “I feel like it’s más orgullo mexicano, definitely, 100%.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ana Guzman, 37, took the day off and drove from her home in Stockton with her daughter to San Francisco for “the vibe.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The World Cup really brings out something in us — our pride, our heritage, our culture,” Guzman, who is Mexican-American, said. “Every four years you will catch me watching the World Cup.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"id": "code-switch-life-kit",
"title": "Code Switch / Life Kit",
"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
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"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
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"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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"meta": {
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"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
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"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
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"order": 9
},
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"id": "freakonomics-radio",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
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},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
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"hidden-brain": {
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"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
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"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"source": "NPR"
},
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"how-i-built-this": {
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"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
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"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
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"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
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"order": 15
},
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},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
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"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
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},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
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},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
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"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
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},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
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"source": "WaitWhat"
},
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"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
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}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
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"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
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},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
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"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
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"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
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"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
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},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/sections/money/",
"meta": {
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
"subscribe": {
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510289/podcast.xml"
}
},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 5
},
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