Soccer’s Biggest Event is Here and Here is What You Need to Know
Every four years the biggest event in the sporting world takes place. No, not the one with figure skating and snowboarding and not the one with gymnastics and swimming. The other one, the one that is all about football, or as we call it in America, soccer. This month was the start of soccer, and world wide sport’s, biggest event! This time around, 48 teams from six confederations, the most ever, will face off for the most coveted sporting trophy as well as national pride, and bragging rights for the next four years.
The USA is one of the three “host countries” along with Canada and Mexico. The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) will vie for soccer’s biggest trophy on home grass. And with more teams, the matches are more spread out … meaning there is still lots of time for you to watch, to throw a party or to meet up with friends to cheer on the US Men’s National Team (USMNT).
What It’s All About
Every 4 years, typically in the Summer, the top Men’s National soccer teams from around the world compete for the trophy. (The Women’s teams play in the odd year following the Men’s tournament. More on them next year).
This year, soccer’s biggest game officially takes place June 11-July 19. The opening match was in Mexico City and the final will be held at MetLife Stadium (home of the NFL’s Giants & Jets) in New Jersey.
The tournament starts with Group play. The 2026 competition has more teams than ever and there are now 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and 8 third place teams move on to the new Round of 32. The group stage is currently in action (June 11-June 27). In this year’s tournament, the USA is part of Group D and play Australia, Paraguay and Türkiye (Turkey). The USMNT had a great opening match and beat Paraguay 4-1. Their next match is Friday, June 19th at 2pm and the last group match will be played on Friday, June 26th.
When to Watch
The opening match between Mexico and Senegal kicked off the event on Thursday, June 11th. (Mexico won). The group stage is through June 27th. The USMNT played their opening match on Friday, June 12th with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
- Friday, June 19th at 2pm USA vs. Australia
- Thursday, June 25th at 9pm USA vs. Türkiye
Who Else to Watch
While the USA is fun to watch, and admittedly had a great start to the tournament, they are a dark horse to win it all. Here are some other contenders to watch. Some teams boast major soccer stars, a fun fandom, or are just fun to watch.
- Spain: everyone is saying they’re the team to beat and they have a great young star, Lamine Yamal.
- England: the English national team had a great run in 2022 and has a real chance at the victory this year. Harry Kane is one to watch, but really the whole team is full of recognizable names (if your TV is tuned to the English Premier League every weekend like it is in my house).
- Argentina: the reigning champions, and the team of the world’s best soccer player, Lionel Messi. (I had a “GOAT” debate with a 7 year old at a birthday party and I’ll stand firm on this: Messi is the best.)
- France: the French national team was the runner up in 2022. Their star player, Kylian Mbappé, is one to watch.
- Japan: they came to win. At least that’s what their manager said, and why not?!
With 48 different countries competing, there is so much to watch!
Where to Watch in Baton Rouge
- Pelican to Mars: One of the homes of Red Stick Outlaws, the American Outlaws (AO) Baton Rouge Chapter. AO is the official supporter organization of the US men’s and women’s national teams. This location is adults only, 21+.
- Court to Table: This is the family friendly location/ home for Red Stick Outlaws.
- Just Wingin It: this neighborhood sports bar will have the matches on several screens and “the sound on for big games.”
- Walk-Ons: This popular and original to Baton Rouge sports bar and restaurant stated they will have the matches on for the US games. Check out one of their many area locations.
- Zee Zee’s: will have watch parties for the US matches
You can follow the Red Stick Outlaws and Baton Rouge Soccer Club on socials to find details on watch parties and more. BRSC is hosting a family friendly event at Somewhere Bar for the USA/Australia match on Friday, June 19th.
All of the matches will be broadcast on Fox or FoxSports1 and can be found in Spanish on Telemundo via Peacock for streaming.
Watching at Home
The game times aren’t always convenient for going out, especially with kids, so stay home and throw your own watch party with these fun activities for kids. I love the idea of eating cuisine inspired by the teams you’re watching.
The tournament has already given us so much to talk about in our home along with great memories and moments. We’ve discussed world geography, found Paraguay on the globe, and discussed the countries of North Africa.
We watched the USMNT’s opening match as a family and my 4 year old talked for days about how much she loved the game and shouting “GOAL!!!!!” Four times!
