Tickets to watch the U.S. defeat Paraguay 4-1 on Friday night at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium were expensive. However, just nine miles north, fans like Jose Santiago and Ivan Gonzalez enjoyed the match at a much lower cost. They each paid $10 to watch the U.S. team in their first home World Cup game in 32 years on big screens at the bustling Coliseum during the Los Angeles FIFA Fan Festival.
“We got these tickets at the last minute without knowing what to expect,” said Santiago from Fullerton. “But we’ve been amazed. We definitely want to return.”
“It’s great,” added Gonzalez from Yorba Linda. “You feel the game, the atmosphere. It’s fun. Everyone’s into it right now.”
The festival offered food and drink options, pop-up tents from brands like Galaxy and LAFC, and a unique on-field experience at the USC football stadium. This created a vibrant and collective experience for fans.
“It makes you feel like you’re a part of it,” Santiago expressed about the viewing experience. “It feels as if we’re at the stadium because we’re all watching the game together.”
The U.S. executed well in the World Cup opener. Fans who could afford the expensive SoFi Stadium tickets found the experience valuable. Yet, Santiago and Gonzalez represented those who appreciated their affordable night at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.
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Many other attendees agreed, even those not supporting the U.S. For instance, Charlotte Cabeca, a 37-year-old Los Angeles resident, primarily supports Colombia and other South American teams. Still, she valued the chance to watch the game with fellow soccer enthusiasts for a budget-friendly price.
“It’s very fun,” Cabeca noted with a laugh as “USA” chants echoed. “It’s a kid-friendly, family-oriented environment. It’s not as hectic as I thought it would be.”
Cabeca plans to attend more fan events in L.A. during the tournament. Friday marked the closest and most affordable option compared to attending a World Cup match.
More importantly, Cabeca values the community engagement. “I love seeing the city come together,” she said. “Even these fanfests bring us together. Although we’re not at the game, they unite us as a country.”
She added, “It’s great. The traffic isn’t helpful, but apart from that, it’s exciting. Soccer is unifying everyone right now, which we need for healing and happiness.”
Friday was filled with smiles and cheers, although some fans feel FIFA and the U.S. could make the World Cup more accessible by reducing costs.
Kunal Mehrotra, a 25-year-old soccer fan from Koreatown, shared, “Football is difficult to monetize without breaks like the NFL. But without fans, there’s no World Cup. It’s disappointing that the U.S. is in it for money, not the sport.”
Monica Unzueta, a Maywood resident and fan of Mexico and Spain, agreed. “It’s quite ridiculous,” she said, noting FIFA should make events free, although she acknowledges the current efforts.
Realistically, as Mehrotra and Unzueta pointed out, attending a live World Cup game is unfeasible for many. Thus, nights like Friday at the Coliseum serve as the next best experience.
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For fans like Tyler David from Tampa, the trip to the Coliseum was a highlight. “Beyond belief,” David described. “Seeing everyone and the cultural exchanges is fantastic.”
The U.S.’s victory added to the joy. “It’s absolutely amazing,” David said about the U.S. leading 3-0 at halftime. “Pulisic, Pochettino, and the team are top-notch. Watching them on home soil in L.A. is thrilling.”
David felt energized by the fan base and atmosphere. “It’s through the roof,” he concluded.