St. Petersburg’s soccer community is preparing for what organizers expect will be the region’s largest World Cup watch parties, as Team USA begins group-stage play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
PMB Events, the company behind Paddy Fest St. Pete, has partnered with Michelob Ultra, Great Bay Distributors, the American Outlaws St. Petersburg chapter and the Tampa Bay Rowdies to host viewing events at three downtown venues.
The series begins tonight when the United States faces Paraguay at Al Lang Stadium. A second watch party is scheduled for June 19 at Jannus Live for the U.S. match against Australia, followed by a June 25 gathering at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill for the group-stage finale against Türkiye.
Organizers said each venue will feature a 20-foot LED screen, pregame rallies, live entertainment, giveaways and supporter-led chants designed to recreate the atmosphere of a World Cup stadium.
Pete Boland, president of PMB Events and owner of Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern, said the appeal extends beyond simply watching a soccer match.
“If you’re walking through the door into a USA World Cup event, you are going to experience a special frantic energy and the rare feeling of being a part of a completely partisan crowd,” Boland said. “There is pride and passion like a few other things. And no other sport brings people together in this way. The chanting, the singing, the beer showers when we score, it’s really a beautiful thing seeing everyone come together in the red, white and blue.”
The watch parties arrive as soccer continues gaining traction throughout St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. Interest in European leagues, international tournaments and local professional soccer has grown steadily over the past decade, with Al Lang Stadium serving as a focal point for the sport’s regional fan base.
“Soccer is certainly growing here,” Boland said. “We’ve seen the culture grow even within our own businesses, as more and more fans show up on the weekends for EPL and all the European action. St Pete and soccer fans are hip, well traveled and very passionate. The soccer culture is a perfect fit for St Pete and we will do all we can to help continue to foster its growth.”
Beyond the matches themselves, attendees can expect performances from the Suncoast United Pipes & Drums, appearances by radio personalities and promotional giveaways from World Cup sponsors Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois and NÜTRL. Organizers are also offering opportunities for fans to win tickets to World Cup matches in Miami.
A portion of proceeds will support Ocean Aid 360, a nonprofit focused on marine habitat restoration, and The Williams Park Partnership, which works to enhance and activate downtown St. Petersburg’s historic Williams Park.
Tickets are $10 for each event. All three watch parties are restricted to guests 21 and older.
Tonight’s match against Paraguay begins at 9 at Al Lang Stadium, with gates opening at 7 p.m. The June 19 match against Australia begins at 3 p.m. at Jannus Live, with gates opening at 1 p.m. The June 25 match against Türkiye starts at 10 p.m. at Ferg’s Pavilion, with gates opening at 8 p.m.
Organizers said additional events could be added if the United States advances beyond the group stage, extending what they hope becomes a summer-long celebration of the world’s most popular sport in downtown St. Petersburg.