Mayor Bowser Invites Residents and Fans to DC’s FIFA World Cup Watch Parties This Weekend at Franklin Park

(Washington, DC) - With the FIFA World Cup 2026 starting this week, Mayor Muriel Bowser today reminded residents that DC United's United in Play Soccer Celebration-Washington, DC's official gathering place and watch party for the world's game this summer-begins this Friday, June 12, at Franklin Park in the heart of Downtown DC. A second soccer celebration comes the following weekend, June 19-21, at Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard. Both events are free and open to the public with advance registration.

"DC is a soccer city - and we're a city that likes to celebrate sports," said Mayor Bowser. "There's a lot happening in our city over the next few weeks, and we want people to enjoy DC, enjoy the company of other fans and have a great World Cup experience in the Sports Capital."

Each soccer celebration will feature live viewings of World Cup 2026 matches, alongside family-friendly programming reflecting the energy and diversity of the District. This weekend at Franklin Park, fans can fuel up with local flavors from vendors including Moby Dick House of Kabob, Kennedy Street Tacos, and Nando's Peri-Peri, plus beverages from City Tap House, Nu Androids and The Park @ 14th. Kids can test their skills in an exciting soccer tournament, and live performances from Experience Band, DJ Explosive, DJ Mathias, Little Bacon Bear and DJ Stylus Rhome Anderson will keep the energy high. Small bags are permitted, and attendees are encouraged to take walk or take Metro to the events.

The celebrations will take place June 12-14, at Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, and June 19-21, at Tingey Plaza, 101 Tingey Street SE. Admission to both events is free and advance registration is required at dcunited.com/soccer-celebration.

United in Play Soccer Celebrations - Full Schedule

Franklin Park - In Partnership with the DowntownDC BID

• Friday, June 12 Gates open: 6 pm | USA vs. Paraguay: 9 pm
• Saturday, June 13 Gates open: 3 pm | Brazil vs. Morocco: 6 pm
• Sunday, June 14 Gates open: 12 pm | Germany vs. Curaçao: 1 pm | Netherlands vs. Japan: 4 pm | Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador: 7 pm

Tingey Plaza SE - In Partnership with the Navy Yard BID

• Friday, June 19 Gates open: 12 pm | USA vs. Australia: 3 pm | Scotland vs. Morocco: 6 pm | Brazil vs. Haiti: 9 pm
• Saturday, June 20 Gates open: 12 pm | Netherlands vs. Sweden: 1 pm | Germany vs. Ivory Coast: 4 pm | Ecuador vs. Curaçao: 8 pm
• Sunday, June 21 Gates open: 11:15 am | Spain vs. Saudi Arabia: 12 pm | Belgium vs. Iran: 3 pm | Uruguay vs. Cape Verde: 6 pm

For more information and to register for free admission, visit dcunited.com/soccer-celebration.

For more information about DC United's United in Play programming-including partner bar watch party locations across the District, community soccer organizations and supporter group activations throughout the summer-view the full event guide.

Residents looking for even more World Cup action can also visit the Freedom 250 FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone on the National Mall for match watch parties throughout the tournament.

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