FIFA World Cup 30-day countdown begins across Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- With 30 days until the FIFA World Cup arrives in the South Bay, celebrations are already underway across the Bay Area, where officials and organizers say the excitement is about more than just soccer.
Six World Cup flags were raised Monday at locations stretching from San Jose to San Francisco, marking the official start of the countdown to the first match at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
"It's a way of life, it's a religion, it's not just entertainment," said Aly Wagner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and Bay Area Host Committee member.
Wagner said the World Cup played a key role in shaping her love for the sport and emphasized the global significance of the tournament.
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"The reality is there is no world event that will match the world cup. There is no event that brings the world together the way a world cup does," she said.
The Bay Area Host Committee estimates about 260,000 people will travel to the region for these matches. Officials say the influx is expected to provide a significant boost to small businesses, hotels and restaurants, generating between $480 million and $630 million. Leslie Osborne, a former U.S. Women's National Team player and Bay FC co-founder, said the impact will extend beyond economics.
"How many people will fall in love with this beautiful game whether they're at a watch party, whether they're at a bar, whether they're at a free clinic that the Bay Area Host Committee or Bay FC, or the Earthquakes- people are going to fall in love with this game and it's going to unite our community," Osborne said.
Organizers are also highlighting options for those without match tickets. The San Jose Earthquakes plan to host the largest free viewing party at San Pedro Square Market, where all 104 matches will be broadcast over 39 days.
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"For anyone who loves football this is incredibly exciting but for San Jose its something more of a one in a generational opportunity to show the world who we are," Mayor Matt Mahan said.
Wagner says even those who are not soccer fans are expected to feel the energy throughout the region.
"If you're not going to a game just look out your door, walk down your street you're going to find a place to celebrate the worlds game because that is what we are doing," she said.
The first match at Levi's Stadium will feature the United States versus Paraguay on June 13. In total, the venue will host six games, alongside dozens of watch parties and events across the Bay Area.
Preps and excitement building
Loud cheering from amateur soccer players at the Mission Playground Soccer Field in San Francisco Monday night.
"Come out and party with us! It's a global celebration happening in our backyard. We're so excited for the summer of soccer!"
That's Nelda Kerr from the Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club. Oakland's men and women's professional soccer teams that play in the USL. In fact, the Australia men's national soccer team will be using the Roots training facility, where the Raiders once trained, as their official base camp for World Cup. There will even be a free open practice for fans and games will be held at Levi's Stadium.
"I would say no matter what country you're a fan of, being able to watch a World Cup team practice in person is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Kerr.
Yafri Asou might be interested in that. He showed up to Elite Sports Soccer in the San Francisco Monday looking for an official sticker collection book. In other countries they are already available, but not locally.
"It's like in Pokémon cards basically, except they are like soccer players, and you have to stamp them," said Asou.
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But with 30 days until the World Cup, is the buzz really there?
Depends on who you ask.
"People before very excited! Asking for jerseys, schedule, panini, players, but now? Very slow!" said Jorge Lopez of Elite Sports Soccer.
Slow for now.
"People will come because it's Renaldo and Messi's last World Cup- so yeah," said Asou.
"It's coming pretty fast. We can feel the excitement!" said one soccer player in the Mission Monday.
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"My prediction is Germany is gonna take this one home," said another player.
Intensity heating up as our friend Yafri is going for Portugal and Renaldo, versus the other fan favorite Argentina and Messi.
"My dad and me we both are big into the World Cup so we both are excited to see it and yeah," said Asou.
"Is he picking the same team?" asked ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter J.R. Stone.
"No, he's picking for Argentina," replied Asou to which Stone said, "I'm on your dad's side!" as the two laughed.
Those with the Oakland Roots say the open practice for fans to watch the Australia men's team will be on June 3, with more details coming later this week.
