More than four hundred fans packed the Oregon State University campus on Sunday evening to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, turning a global soccer showcase into a local celebration of sport and community.
The event was broadcast live by Fox 12 Oregon and the Rose City Sports Network, featuring interviews with head coach Jarred Brookins and team captain Javier Zapien, while the 2026‑27 roster was unveiled during halftime, giving supporters an early look at the new squad.
When the match concluded in overtime, attendees lined up to meet the players, creating a personal connection that extended beyond the screen and reinforced the team's commitment to fan engagement.
A Vision for Inclusive Soccer
Oscar Zepeda Cagide, the university's new director of soccer operations, brings a professional background that includes three seasons with Santos Laguna FC in Mexico from 2010 to 2013. He stresses the importance of building connections within the local community, especially among Latino/a/e fans, as a cornerstone of the program's identity.
To foster that connection, the team has scheduled a series of themed nights throughout the season, including "Hunt the Huskies," "Welcome Back Beavs," and "Fiesta at the Pitch," each designed to celebrate different segments of the university community and the broader Oregon public.