A Night of Anticipation
The energy in New York was palpable as Uber’s ‘The One Party’ transformed Pier 36 into a miniature soccer stadium, complete with a lush green carpet and a turf‑lined floor that hinted at the battles to come.
The return of the World Cup to the United States after a three‑decade absence has sparked a wave of national anticipation, with fans and media alike counting down the days until the first whistle.
Among the guests were a constellation of familiar faces: Este Haim, Grace Gummer, Lindsay Lohan, Ashlyn Harris, Sophia Bush, Russell Wilson, Ciara and Andy Cohen, each adding their own sparkle to the evening.
Harris, a former U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper, took the opportunity to underscore soccer’s unique ability to bring people together, a sentiment echoed by Bush, who wore a U.S. Soccer collaboration hat and voiced hope for the men’s side.
The night also featured a surprise performance by the Backstreet Boys, whose nostalgic harmonies infused the atmosphere with a retro energy that resonated with the crowd.
Ciara, who is slated to perform the tournament’s coin toss, was seen mingling with Wilson, her husband and co‑owner of the Seattle Sounders, who played a pivotal role in bringing the World Cup to Seattle.
The event’s culinary offerings were equally star‑studded; bite‑size treats from Aldi and other popular eateries circulated among the attendees, adding a casual flavor to the high‑profile gathering.
Soccer’s Cultural Moment
As the evening wound down, the unifying power of the sport was summed up by host Andy Cohen, who closed the night by expressing his full support for the U.S. team and the excitement that will soon sweep the nation.