A family’s World Cup odyssey
When Tim and Jenny Deakney exchanged vows in 2006, they chose Germany as the backdrop for their honeymoon, timing it with the opening matches of the FIFA World Cup. What began as a romantic getaway quickly evolved into a lifelong ritual: the couple, now parents to six children, has made the tournament’s schedule the compass for their family vacations.
Over the years the Deakneys have chased the globe’s most prestigious soccer stage, attending men’s and women’s World Cups in Germany, Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, and the United States. Their itinerary reads like a world tour, each stop marked by the roar of the stadium and the shared excitement of six children who have grown up with the rhythm of the beautiful game.
Last month the family gathered in Inglewood to witness a 4‑1 victory for the United States over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. The win was more than a scoreline; it was a milestone in a pattern that has seen them fill seats in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Santa Clara during the current home‑soil tournament, turning each match into a family celebration.
Looking ahead, the Deakneys are already plotting their next pilgrimage. With the 2027 Women’s World Cup slated for Brazil, several members of the clan have expressed a firm intention to be in the stands, continuing a tradition that blends sports fandom with globe‑trotting family life.