A watch party at the Arcata Theatre Lounge drew a large crowd as the US men's soccer team defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their World Cup opener. - The US took a 3-0 lead in the first half with goals from Damián Bobadilla (own goal) and Folarin Balogun (two), plus a late goal by Giovanni Reyna.
- Local soccer figures, including Cal Poly Humboldt coach Fred Jungemann and Special Olympics coach Mark Wheetley, attended and praised the community spirit. - Owners Ida and Yuma Oberturf plan to air as many World Cup games as possible, with all US matches on the big screen.
- Attendees highlighted the event as an affordable alternative to traveling to Los Angeles, boosting the local economy during a slow summer period.