BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The World Cup has arrived. As one of the three host countries, the U.S. expects to draw millions of eyes to games and screens. 

In Bakersfield, the World Cup brought soccer lovers in full support.

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“I never realized how much of a following we have in soccer here in Bakersfield. Finding out more and more there’s a lot of people who are excited about this,” said George Masud, owner of Legends.

In preparation for that excitement, restaurants and bars like George Masud’s Legends are accommodating for plenty of passionate fans.

“The way we’re going to set it up, we’ll probably be able to do 250-plus in the event center and we’ll also have our outdoor area opened up which will probably seat another 100-130,” said Masud.

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Support for the U.S. Men’s National Team or Mexican national team is welcomed not only at Legends but other venues across Bakersfield hosting watch parties, like Señor Pepe’s.

“I live and breathe soccer. It’s something I’m very passionate about, something I enjoy as a spectator. To have the World Cup here in our backyard is just really exciting, it really is,” said Eddy Salmeron, manager at Senor Pepe’s.

For Salmeron and his crew, though national alliances may differ, the World Cup still injects a sense of unity.

“We have a lot of Mexicans, Venezuelans, Salvadorians, we have Americans, so we have a mix of everything but at the end of the day we’re Latino and we all support each other,” said Salmeron.

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Each venue will have their own unique set of giveaways, promotions and discounts so that fans can just worry about the moment and memories, rather than anything else.

“I love to see all the different countries get together. It’s great to know the different cultures out there, talking to them. Some of them are coming from different countries just visiting here,” said Masud. 

The 2026 World Cup tournament begins in Mexico City on June 11.

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