The Pearl hosted a watch party for the international friendly match between Germany and the United States, where Germany earned a 2-1 victory in the teams’ final tune-up before the FIFA World Cup begins next week.
Fans and their families gathered on a hot afternoon to watch the match, played at Soldier Field in Chicago, with goals from Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané securing the win for Germany.
Germany scored just one minute into the match, prompting mixed reactions from fans attending the watch party.
Despite several tense moments and heated exchanges between players, the United States equalized in the 37th minute when Antonee Robinson scored with a volley from outside the box.
Pearl officials said the venue will join the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026 by hosting a series of watch events throughout the summer. The games will feature large-screen broadcasts of opening ceremonies, group-stage matches and knockout-round games, allowing fans to gather and follow the tournament.
Ellen Williams, who attended the event with her family, said they traveled from McAllen to spend the weekend in San Antonio and watch the match.
“My family enjoys soccer, and we have traveled to other cities for similar events where people are excited to come together and watch these kinds of games,” Williams said. “I support the United States, but I think soccer fans here are not as passionate as they are about sports like basketball.”
Valerie Guevara, a Rio Grande Valley resident and Germany supporter, said she learned about the watch party through social media and decided to attend with friends.
“I was not surprised Germany scored so early. The team has a strong history in World Cup competitions,” Guevara said.
Tobias Wenner, a German supporter, “said he enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere despite being among the minority of fans cheering for his team.”
“It is clear that there are fewer German supporters here, but I like that everyone can enjoy the game together in a respectful environment,” Wenner said.
He added that events like the watch party help promote soccer in the United States, where he believes the sport is not as popular as it is in Europe.
“Soccer is a wonderful sport, and events like this help build excitement among local fans,” Wenner said. “I hope interest in the game continues to grow.”
The watch party is part of a series of events organized by The Pearl in partnership with Anheuser-Busch and Michelob ULTRA ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26. The festivities began at 11 a.m. June 6, during the Farmers Market.
The next watch party is scheduled for June 11 and will feature the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. The event will take place at Michelob LAND from noon to 5 p.m. and is expected to kick off Pearl’s summer lineup of World Cup-related activities.
Fans can watch the U.S. men’s national team’s opening World Cup match at Boiler House and Otto’s Ice House as part of Pearl’s summer soccer programming, according to Pearl officials.
The U.S. men’s national team will open its World Cup campaign against Paraguay on Friday in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. June 12.
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