U.S. Soccer has named San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose as the official watch party venue for the United States Men’s National Team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled for July 1. The event, backed by El Camino Health, will showcase a fourth massive screen, interactive soccer zones and appearances by players from the San Jose Earthquakes, turning the historic market into a focal point for fans across the region.
San Jose’s reputation as a soccer hotspot is underscored by its role in the ongoing World Cup festivities, where more than 350,000 supporters have already gathered at city‑wide watch parties, setting new attendance benchmarks. The city’s long‑standing enthusiasm for the beautiful game dates back to the 1994 tournament, when Stanford Stadium drew nearly 82,000 spectators for a USMNT match against Brazil.
A Soccer‑Centric Celebration
The San Jose Earthquakes, who have twice lifted the MLS Cup in 2001 and 2003 and built the modern PayPal Park in 2015, have been instrumental in cultivating local talent and driving record‑breaking crowds. PayPal Park has already hosted high‑profile fixtures such as the MLS All‑Star Game and senior USMNT fixtures, consistently filling to at least 99 % capacity.
Beyond the market, the broader Bay Area stadium landscape reflects the region’s soccer momentum. Levi’s Stadium, home to the Earthquakes’ occasional fixtures, has seen sell‑out crowds exceeding 50,000, while the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics will feature soccer matches at PayPal Park, further cementing San Jose’s status as a North American soccer capital.
City officials and local organizers view the watch party as more than a viewing experience; it is a celebration of community, heritage and the future of the sport. With the Earthquakes currently perched atop the Western Conference and enjoying a string of sell‑outs, the gathering promises to amplify the city’s vibrant soccer culture on a global stage.