The first parties were already underway. Starting last Thursday, with the World Cup\u2019s first match, the city shut down Pine Avenue between Third Street and Broadway and set up a giant screen. With the L.A. Galaxy covering broadcast rights, the city has been able to show every game so far. (Click here<\/a> for a full schedule, list of rules and prohibited items \u2014 including chairs.)<\/p>\n Through Tuesday night, more than 11,000 people attended the downtown watch parties, city spokesperson Laath Martin wrote in an email.<\/p>\n That Pine Avenue closure will continue through June 27, and a total of 47 games will be shown there during the group stage of the tournament. It\u2019s funded by money previously set aside for 2028 Olympics preparation, with an average cost to the city of less than $15,000 for each match viewing, City Manager Tom Modica wrote in a memo<\/a> to the City Council.<\/p>\n Is the plan working?<\/p>\n City officials say the watch parties will be a good test of its ability to set up screens to show events during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, designed to bring together residents and increase foot traffic to local businesses.<\/p>\n Businesses inside the closure say it\u2019s been hit and miss over the first few days of the tournament. Three matches \u2014 involving Mexico, the United States and Brazil \u2014 have reached capacity, but other matches have been sparsely attended.<\/p>\n Trent Flores, manager of the Marathon Burger on Pine Avenue, said he\u2019s increased staffing regardless of which match is on, \u201cjust in case\u201d they get a rush.<\/p>\n Other eateries on Pine Avenue reported that it\u2019s been a big boost to their usual weekend sales. But two restaurants within the street closure \u2014 Saffron Mediterranean Grill and Donburi Cafe \u2014 said the watch parties have actually hurt business.<\/p>\n Navin Bandari, owner of Donburi Cafe, said the checkpoint right outside his restaurant has turned away regular customers who have been confused by the influx of security in the area or frustrated by a long wait to enter.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to be supportive,\u201d Bandari said, but even new customers who have wandered in from the watch party just order a drink or a quick snack to go back near the screen to watch the soccer match.<\/p>\n The plan going forward<\/p>\n The Pine Avenue street closure will remain in place through June 27, the final day for games during the group stage of the tournament. Watch parties \u2014 in a new form \u2014 will start back up July 6, with one planned for a park in each City Council district.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-16-2026-wcup-50-869461-qbvzayw8-287865-jHvtitxW-1024x655.jpg\")
England and Croatia face off in the World Cup as fans watch the match on a giant screen in downtown Long Beach on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.<\/p>\n