U.S. Soccer Fans Celebrate at Los Angeles FIFA Fan Festival

Tickets for the U.S. facing Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday night were costly. Yet, just nine miles away, fans like Jose Santiago and Ivan Gonzalez found a cheaper way to enjoy the game. They paid $10 each to attend the Los Angeles FIFA Fan Festival at the Coliseum. This was a chance to watch the game on big screens and to be part of the energy without breaking the bank.

Santiago, from Fullerton, remarked on their spontaneous decision to attend. ‘We bought these tickets last minute, not knowing what to expect,’ he said. ‘And so far, we’ve been blown away. We definitely want to come back.’ Gonzalez, from Yorba Linda, added, ‘You feel it. You feel the game. You feel the atmosphere. It’s fun. Everyone’s into it right now.’

The festival offered more than just a match viewing. There were food and drink options, pop-up tents from brands like Galaxy and LAFC, and even an on-field experience at the home of USC football. Santiago noted, ‘It makes you still feel like you’re a part of it. It still makes you feel like you’re at the stadium because we’re all watching the game.’

The U.S. achieved a strong performance in its World Cup opener. While those who could afford expensive tickets at SoFi Stadium found it worthwhile, Santiago and Gonzalez represented many who relished their affordable night out in Los Angeles during the victory.

Charlotte Cabeca, a 37-year-old from downtown L.A., attended the fan festival despite primarily supporting Colombia. ‘It’s so fun,’ she said, with ‘USA’ chants in the background. ‘It’s a really kid-friendly and family-oriented environment. It’s not as hectic as I had anticipated.’

Cabeca plans to attend more events throughout the tournament. She enjoyed the festival as a more accessible option compared to attending a World Cup match. ‘I love that the city is coming together,’ she expressed. ‘I feel the unity. And even these fanfests, they bring us together. So even if we’re not at the game, it still brings all of us together as a country.’ Despite the unity, she noted the inconvenience of traffic.

Fans like Kunal Mehrotra, a 25-year-old soccer enthusiast from Koreatown, believe more should be done to make the World Cup accessible. ‘Without the fans, it isn’t really a World Cup,’ he stated. ‘So, it is disappointing from the U.S.,…it really shows that the U.S. is in it for the money and not at all for the football.’

Monica Unzueta, a Maywood resident, echoed this sentiment. ‘But aye, at least FIFA’s holding some events. I mean, they should be free. But, I don’t know — that’s just FIFA.’

With actual game attendance unrealistic for many, nights like Friday at the Coliseum serve as a fitting alternative. Tyler David from Tampa, Fla., was thrilled with his experience. ‘Beyond belief,’ he said. ‘And it’s so cool to see everybody and the cultures colliding. Love it.’

The U.S. team’s impressive victory added to the excitement. ‘Dude, absolutely magnificent,’ David commented, amazed by the U.S. leading 3-0 at halftime. ‘Christian Pulisic, [coach Mauricio] Pochettino, all the guys, [Timothy] Weah. They’re playing at the top of the charts right now.’