KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Monday afternoon in mid-November wasn’t much of a deterrent for hundreds of Kansas Citians to gather to watch a game.
In a tradition many years running, soccer fans from across Kansas City gathered in the Power and Light main room to watch Team USA take on Wales in the first match of group play in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“This city breathes, lives this game," soccer fan Ali Elhenawy said.
Those gathered didn’t have to wait too long for something to celebrate, as Team USA’s Tim Weah gave the Americans a 1-0 lead in the first half of the match.
“It was exciting right, like win, lose or draw, hopefully, fortunately we didn’t lose, I mean you really see the camaraderie here, you really feel like the spirit and everything and I can’t wait until Friday," Elhenawy said.
KSHB 41 News reporter McKenzie Nelson captured the ensuing celebration.
The goal carried Team USA to a 1-0 halftime lead, a lead they eventually relinquished en route to a 1-1 draw.
At least two other locations across the city are hosting watch parties for Team USA.
As the 2022 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, soccer fans are even more excited for what is to come in 2026.
“You know we love U.S. soccer, we’re huge fans of the sport and we really want to grow the game here in Kansas City, because the World Cup is going to be here in just 4 short years so we’re really excited to be a part of this," soccer fan Jason Samuelsen said.
Next up, Team USA will have a tough matchup against England at 1 p.m. CST on Friday.
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