World Cup fan celebrations light up Utah venues

Thousands of soccer fans gathered at multiple venues across Utah for watch parties during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At America First Stadium in Sandy, free‑entry celebrations featured large IMAX screens, food stalls and a festive atmosphere for U.S. and Mexico matches, with the venue slated to host a final‑day event on July 19. Downtown Salt Lake City bars such as the Green Pig, Flanker and Beer Bar also drew hundreds of supporters, offering multiple screens, affordable drinks and communal viewing experiences.

Deseret News photographer Tess Crowley documented the enthusiasm, capturing fans from Utah and California singing national anthems, dancing with flags and sharing the excitement of each match. The gatherings highlighted how the tournament spurred community bonding and brought World Cup energy to a region where soccer traditionally receives limited attention.