Thousands of supporters converged on Irvine Great Park this weekend, lining the grassy fields as the United States men's national soccer team ran through drills ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay.
A Growing Buzz in Orange County
The scene underscored the mounting anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the largest ever edition, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Among the crowd were families who had traveled considerable distances, including Juan Reyes and his son Adrian, who drove from San Diego to catch a glimpse of the squad in action.
Voices of Devoted Fans
Long‑time followers such as Samantha Sanchez and Joanna Chen Ancelat expressed their excitement, with Sanchez noting her love for the game and Ancelat recalling her fandom since 2010 and the thrill of the tournament being hosted nearby.
The training session was punctuated by cheers, high‑fives and a few autograph signatures, turning the practice into a mini‑festival for the assembled supporters.
Earlier in Chicago, the team had faced Germany in a friendly that ended in a 1‑2 loss, a result that coaches said helped sharpen their confidence heading into the tournament.
With the World Cup just weeks away, the combination of enthusiastic fans, historic scale and the prospect of matches in multiple North American cities promises a landmark event for soccer enthusiasts across the continent.