World Cup 2026 live updates: US looks to win first knockout match in 24 years in Bay Area

Dozens of fans gathered outside Team USA's hotel Monday shortly after the team arrived in the Bay Area, offering a spirited welcome ahead of Wednesday's World Cup knockout-round match.

Supporters lined up outside the hotel, chanting, collecting posters and posing with cutouts of their favorite players as they waited for the team's arrival.

"They were very game-faced, game mode, but can't blame them. This is going to be a huge game for them," Crystal Cuadra Cutler said.

Fans said the atmosphere reflected the excitement surrounding the tournament and the opportunity to see Team USA in person.

"It's been amazing. You have all the passion, the emotion, the energy from everybody and everybody's here to just have a great time," David Romero said.

Since the start of the World Cup, the South Bay has become a focal point of soccer activity in the Bay Area.

Local leaders say the tournament has brought renewed energy to the region.

San Jose is planning several watch parties for Wednesday's match.

City officials also hope the enthusiasm generated by the tournament will continue after the competition ends.

"You are in soccer country right now. We are home of the Earthquakes and Bay FC so soccer is already part of our blood here in San Jose," said Frances Wong of Visit San Jose.

Team USA enters Wednesday's match in the knockout round, where a loss would end its tournament run.

Despite the high stakes, many fans expressed confidence in the team's chances.

Wednesday's game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team arrived in the Bay Area ahead of a high-stakes World Cup knockout-round match against Bosnia on Wednesday evening, with fans already gathering and preparing for what many consider one of the tournament's most anticipated games.

The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team arrived in the Bay Area ahead of a high-stakes World Cup knockout-round match against Bosnia on Wednesday evening, with fans already gathering and preparing for what many consider one of the tournament's most anticipated games.

The winner will advance, while the loser will be eliminated from the World Cup. With kickoff set for 5 p.m. Wednesday at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, demand for tickets has been strong.

"He got them before USA won the group. So they were a little bit cheaper and easier to get. But after after USA won the group it was like impossible to go," said Kieran Caouette, a fan from San Jose.

Ticket prices, however, appeared to be dropping as the match approaches. After the least expensive resale tickets were selling for about $3,000 last week, some were listed for about $1,500 on Monday.

"Before all this happened, I was hoping to hit the lottery with that. But unfortunately I didn't, a couple of my friends did," said David Tan.

Fans without tickets will still have opportunities to participate in matchday festivities. U.S. Soccer is hosting an event Tuesday at Clara's Junction, and San Pedro Square is expected to be a major gathering spot for viewers on Wednesday. Attendance there requires an RSVP.

"Organization this time pretty good. Lots of safety and, a lot of fun here," said James Jic.

Security has also become a focus after a shooting near San Pedro Square on Sunday night left one man dead and another injured. Officials emphasized Monday that the incident was unrelated to World Cup activities and did not occur during a match.

"Although again, it's an isolated incident and unrelated to watch parties, we want everyone to have a good time when they come for any further watch party activities," said Stacie Shih, a representative for the San Jose Police Department.

Officials in San Francisco also discussed preparations for large crowds expected throughout the region.

"We are ready. We are coordinated and we are confident that we will provide a safe, welcoming experience for our residents and our visitors," Mayor Daniel Lurie said.

"Even though Wednesday's game is in Santa Clara. We expect a lot of activity here in the city and local bars and watch parties. We will have a full deployment of officers working to ensure public safety," said San Francisco Police Chief Daniel Lew.

Among fans, the dominant mood remained excitement ahead of the match.

"I hope team USA can win," one fan said.

A U.S. victory on Wednesday would send the team on to the Round of 16, where it would play in Seattle on July 6. The opponent has not yet been determined.

Team USA is expected to arrive in the Bay Area on Monday as preparations continue for its World Cup knockout match on Wednesday.

The team will play Bosnia and Herzegovina in Round 32 in Santa Clara, California.

The U.S. team appears set to be based in the South Bay, where the San Jose Earthquakes are hosting the squad as it prepares for the next round of play.

World Cup enthusiasm remains high across the Bay Area, with at least 16 watch parties planned throughout the region.

Organizers have scheduled events at locations including Thrive City in San Francisco, Courthouse Square in Redwood City and the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.

Tickets for Wednesday's match are selling for about $1,500 for the least expensive seats.

The official U.S. watch party will be held at San Pedro Square.

Organizers said the site has welcomed more than 350,000 fans since the World Cup began.

Due to strong turnout, organizers are adding an additional 450-square-foot giant screen for Wednesday's event.

Fans will also have an opportunity to take part in the official U.S. Soccer Fan Celebration on Tuesday evening.

The public event is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Clara's Junction in Santa Clara.

Additional details about Team USA's arrival in the Bay Area were not immediately available.

As the Bay Area hosts FIFA World Cup matches, law enforcement agencies say they are increasing vigilance for potential human trafficking.

As the Bay Area hosts FIFA World Cup matches, law enforcement agencies say they are increasing vigilance for potential human trafficking.

For years, major sporting events have been linked to concerns about increased sex trafficking. However, some experts say there is limited evidence supporting a direct connection and that it's important to always be on the lookout for this activity.

With matches scheduled in nearby Santa Clara, the San Francisco Police Department's Special Victims Unit is coordinating closely with regional partners. Acting Lt. Tony Flores said the city already experiences steady activity due to frequent events and tourism.

"In San Francisco, we have the World Cup every weekend. We have so many big events. So we pretty much see a steady line of things that are going on, of people coming in. We have a lot of tourists now," Flores said.

Flores said SFPD is working with agencies in Santa Clara and sharing information daily as preparations continue.

"We work with our partners in Santa Clara. We have daily briefings that we talk about the things that we did and things that are coming up and things that maybe we learn from each of those operations that we do together," he said.

The Santa Clara Police Department has formed an anti-trafficking subcommittee and is applying strategies developed during February's Super Bowl. SFPD is doing the same, with an expectation of increased police presence, especially as Team USA plays in Santa Clara this upcoming Wednesday.

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