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Detroit City FC hosted a free watch party at Campus Martius as the United States beat Paraguay 4 to 1 to open the 2026 World Cup, with more parties set for June 19 and June 25.
Campus Martius Park turned into a downtown watch party on Friday night as the United States opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4 to 1 win over Paraguay. Detroit City FC hosted the event and projected the match onto a big screen in the park. Tickets were free and had to be claimed in advance, with the gates opening 90 minutes before kickoff.
On the field, the Americans gave the crowd plenty to cheer about. Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla turned a Weston McKennie cross into his own net in the seventh minute to open the scoring. Folarin Balogun doubled the lead in the 31st minute off a Christian Pulisic assist, then added a second deep in first-half stoppage time, set up by Malik Tillman. Paraguay pulled one back through substitute Mauricio in the 73rd minute. Gio Reyna sealed it in stoppage time for the final margin.
The match was played at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood in front of 70,492 fans, according to U.S. Soccer. Balogun's two goals made him the first American to score twice in a single World Cup match since 1930, and the four goals were the most the U.S. men have scored in a World Cup game.
Detroit was not awarded a 2026 World Cup match of its own, but for a few hours on Friday night the downtown plaza felt connected to the tournament. Fans waved flags and chanted through the match.
Detroit City FC has more USA watch parties on the calendar. The next is June 19 at Campus Martius, with gates opening at 1:30 p.m. ahead of a 3 p.m. kickoff. The group-stage finale on June 25 moves to Detroit City Fieldhouse at 3401 E. Lafayette Street. The USA parties are free for all ages, but space is limited and spots must be claimed in advance at detcityfc.com/watchparties.
For fans following Mexico, Detroit City FC is hosting watch parties at Los Galanes, 3362 Bagley Street in Mexicantown, on June 18 and June 24. Those events are also free and open to all ages, with doors opening one hour before kickoff.
Anyone heading to Campus Martius should plan around the rules. Outside alcohol is not allowed and lawn chairs are not permitted. Clear bags are required, and guests pass through metal detectors at the gate. Drinks are sold inside the park, and food trucks set up nearby at Cadillac Square.
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