Downtown San Jose transformed into a sea of green and white on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as thousands of Mexico soccer fans converged to watch the World Cup showdown against Czechia.
A Surprising Turnout
The gathering was organized by the San Jose Earthquakes in partnership with the San José Sports Authority, who secured the use of San Pedro Square for the public viewing.
"We saw sales that topped those of six Super Bowls," Randy Musterer, owner of the popular eatery Sushi Confidential, said, noting that the unexpected crowd turned a routine night into a financial windfall.
Local merchants reported a surge in foot traffic, with restaurants, cafés and retail shops experiencing revenue spikes that far exceeded their typical weekday performance.
Economic Ripple Effects
The economic boost extended beyond a single night, as vendors and service providers anticipated a ripple effect that could influence future community events and tourism initiatives across the Bay Area.
City officials highlighted the success of the collaborative effort, suggesting that similar public viewings could become a staple of San Jose’s cultural calendar, fostering both civic pride and commercial vitality.