From Clovis to downtown Fresno, Team USA fans filled local watch parties as the Americans took the field in World Cup action, turning an afternoon match into a full celebration of red, white and blue pride.
Flags waved, jerseys filled the crowd, and even dogs dressed in Team USA gear joined in on the excitement as fans came together to cheer on the national team.
At Crow and Wolf Brewing Company in Clovis, chants of “USA! USA! USA!” echoed throughout the venue.
Every goal sparked a loud reaction from the crowd, with fans saying the experience was something they had to see in person.
“It’s amazing. There’s something so special about being surrounded by other fans who bleed red, white and blue, just like we do,” said Chase Bowen, a Team USA fan.
For Chase Bowen and his family, the watch party marked a first-time experience and their first visit to the Central Valley, traveling in from Orange County.
“We made the huge mistake of staying home and watching all the games,” Bowen said. “There is something so special about being in this environment. If you’re going to support Team USA, you’ve got to do it the right way.”
For some fans in Fresno, there was also an extra reason to cheer as hometown representation on the world stage.
“We got a local guy on the team. We’re ready to watch. Hopefully he gets in this time,” one fan said, referring to Fresno native Max Arfsten. “It’s very exciting. It brings Fresno into the arena of the World Cup.”
After halftime, FOX26 made a second stop at Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden in downtown Fresno, where supporters kept the same energy going well into the second half.
“They look great today. They’re whooping some butt. I love to see it,” one fan said. “We’re going to push this through the World Cup. It’s a good Friday.”
As the match came to an end, the celebration continued right through the final whistle as Team USA defeated Australia 2–0.