Detroit soccer fans flock downtown for USA watch party

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Detroit — World Cup fever hit downtown Detroit as soccer fans flocked to Campus Martius Park to watch the United States open group play on a picture-perfect Friday night.

The match against Paraguay didn't begin until 9 p.m. but hardcore fans like Natalie Steel and her dad, Steve Steel, both from southwest Detroit, had staked out a spot in front of the screen more than an hour before kickoff.

"I just honestly hope for the USA to win," said Natalie, who came decked out in star-spangled butterfly wings and a tutu. "It's the group stage, so it could go either way, but I honestly really hope for the USA to win. It would be amazing."

More: Where to watch the World Cup in Michigan

Detroit sings along with the National Anthem during the World Cup watch party at Campus Martius Park ️ pic.twitter.com/1xeAOof2UV

— Max Reinhart (@Max_DetroitNews) June 13, 2026

Steve, who was sporting the jersey of American forward Christian Pulisic, was confident, predicting a 3-0 USA victory. But more importantly, he wanted to see Detroit show up and embrace the game of soccer.

"Everyone loves it around the world," he said. "It should be huge here. I mean, we're hosting the World Cup, plus Mexico, plus Canada. We really should honestly be here to support the USA team."

The downtown watch party is hosted by Detroit City FC, the city's professional soccer club, in partnership with the Downtown Detroit Partnership.

Detroiter and lifelong soccer lover Ryan Sanders appreciated the opportunity to gather with fellow fans and "go crazy when the goals are scored."

"It's expensive to get out to watch the U.S. matches this time around, unfortunately … So I wanted to come out and get a chance to just be around other people who care about the game," Sanders said.

Sanders brought along a few friends, including Clay Phillips, who said he's recently become a soccer fan after taking in some Detroit City FC games.

"Nothing like the energy of a soccer match," Phillips said. "What better place to feel that energy than with soccer fans here for the first (2026 World Cup) game in the U.S."

Detroit City FC is hosting additional free watch parties for both USA and Mexico matches at various locations around Detroit.

A watch party for Team USA's June 19 match will take place at Campus Martius Park. The June 25 match will be televised at Detroit City Fieldhouse, 3401 E. Lafayette St., in Detroit.

Team Mexico watch parties will take place on June 18 and 24 at Los Galanes, 3362 Bagley St. in Detroit.

Fans must register in advance to attend the USA watch parties and are encouraged to arrive early for the Mexico matches. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at all locations.

For details, visit www.detcityfc.com/watchparties.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit soccer fans flock downtown for USA watch party

Continue reading...