Sonia Mendez recalled standing in the communal room at the McDonald’s location in Riverdale, Maryland, when suddenly, members of her crew walked in holding colorful “Congratulations” balloons and flowers. They all shouted congratulations and clapped for her, leaving Mendez stunned.

“Vas al mundial,” one of her co-workers shouted in Spanish, translated to “You’re going to the World Cup.”

“I was like, ‘Oh my God! I just cannot believe it,'” Mendez, 40, said. “It was a very exciting moment, and especially that they have flowers, balloons and everybody was happy to say that I was going.”

Mendez, who is the general manager of the Riverdale location, was one of four U.S. McDonald’s employees selected to take part in a special three-day experience in New York City, which ended with a ticket to attend the men’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In total, 44 crew members from around the world were selected to take part in the experience.

Mendez, who’s worked at the company for 14 years, was nominated for the once-in-a-lifetime experience for her leadership skills and commitment to her team in Riverdale. Soledad Sanchez, operations consultant for McDonald’s, told ������Ƶapp she nominated Mendez for the opportunity for her hard work and passion.

“She makes it seem so easy,” Sanchez said. “She’s a leader. She helped her people, and she’s been helping her people grow, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Originally from Puebla, Mexico, Mendez began working at McDonald’s in Riverdale while attending Bladensburg High School in Prince George’s County. After bouncing around for years and gaining additional experiences, she returned to Riverdale in 2022 as its general manager.

Courtesy Sonia Mendez

Courtesy Sonia Mendez

Courtesy Sonia Mendez

Courtesy Sonia Mendez

Courtesy Sonia Mendez

Courtesy Sonia Mendez

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Despite ongoing nearby construction of a future Purple Line station, the location has continued to outperform sales metrics. Meanwhile, Sanchez said Mendez has been able to balance being a single mother of three daughters while fostering a great work environment with a motivated staff.

For her part, Mendez is a big soccer fan. She grew up watching games with her father Pablo and roots for the Mexican national team. While she knew McDonald’s had opportunities to go to other events or go to school, Mendez “never imagined” going to the World Cup finals.

One night, as Sanchez and Mendez spoke on the phone during a Mexico World Cup match, Sanchez got the news that her colleague had been selected.

“I got the email, and I said, ‘Oh my God,’ I cannot tell her, but I really wanted to tell her,'” Sanchez said. “But it was not a tough decision.”

She flew to New York and participated in a welcome reception and a river cruise, which included getting close to the Statue of Liberty. She met McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski and took a photo next to the World Cup trophy.

On match day, she was given a special McDonald’s jersey to wear to the final as part of a package of goodies she took home. After taking part in a special social media video, Mendez watched as Spain defeated Argentina in extra time to win its second World Cup. McDonald’s brought her and all the other nominees back to Times Square for a special postgame meal.

The fast food company paid for the entire experience, including her flight and hotel stay. By the end of the experience, Mendez said the company made her and the other participants feel special, which made it hard to say goodbye.

“I feel so proud to have the opportunity to be there,” Mendez said. “I feel so amazing that I had the opportunity to know more people, to see what McDonald’s really does for us, like take care of people too.”

Now back in Riverdale, Mendez said she welcomes those in the D.C. region to visit her and her crew, who she credits for all her success. She hopes the staff sees her as an example of how to excel to higher roles in the company.

“I share my knowledge that I know with them so they can have more opportunities like me,” she said. “Maybe they have better opportunities in the future. They might become the next general managers, too.

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D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson proposed the legislation, which would establish a public-private partnership with the stadium’s owner, Major League Soccer team D.C. United, and commit $300 million toward the renovations. The soccer club would pay $360 million, plus any cost overruns, as part of the deal.

Mendelson told ������Ƶapp that introducing the bill is a “first step” toward scheduling a public hearing on the legislation in the fall. The bill proposes adding a roof to the 8-year-old venue, expanding its capacity by 8,000 and building “ancillary facilities” to enable year-round use of Audi Field.

“I can say that the city is much more supportive of soccer today than it was 10-15 years ago,” Mendelson said. “The stadium for D.C. United is frequently sold out and they believe that they have the fan base sufficient to support an expansion of the stadium.”

Funds from the District’s capital budget would be used to pay for the project in $60 million installments over five years. Mendelson added that revenues generated from the stadium, via sales tax on ticket sales, concessions and merchandise, would help pay back the city’s investment.

“Some folks may see this as asking the city through the revenues it otherwise generates to pay for this, but the way I look at it is, it’s revenues from the stadium itself that will pay for the improvements to the stadium,” Mendelson told ������Ƶapp.

D.C. United’s ownership has had conversations with his office and several others — including Mayor Muriel Bowser — about expanding the stadium for a year, Mendelson said. D.C. United CEO and Chairman Jason Levine told ������Ƶapp last September that Audi Field is one of the smaller venues in MLS, with a capacity of 20,000, and to it, the team would need to partner with the city to make upgrades.

D.C. United itself will be switching its playing calendar in 2027, starting league play in the fall and going to the spring, which would require more usage during the winter months. A United spokesperson told ������Ƶapp the team was unable to comment on the legislation at this time.

“The team has put forward a persuasive case that there’s a need for improvements and expansion at the stadium, including a roof, and also have made a good case for why the city’s financial participation is necessary,” Mendelson said.

The bill also includes developing housing on empty land owned by the team sitting adjacent to the stadium. The property would have 467 residential units, with 122 set aside for “affordable senior housing” and 144 for affordable housing. The property would also include new retail and office space, as well as “publicly accessible open space.”

Lastly, the legislation calls for the creation of a special maintenance fund, the “Soccer Stadium Preservation and Improvement Fund,” that would transfer revenues paid to the District — from lease rent to revenue generated by naming rights and sponsorships — to pay for stadium upkeep. A similar fund was created for .

The stadium averages close to 100 events a year and is the home to five professional sports teams, including United, two women’s soccer teams — the Washington Spirit and DC Power FC — and the UFL’s DC Defenders. It has also hosted other sporting events, including lacrosse, rugby, college football and international soccer, as well as concerts and private events.

“Audi Field has proven to be a success,” Mendelson said. “It is part of a growing industry in our city of sports, major league sports and using the revenues generated by the stadium to pay for improvements or expansions for the stadium makes a lot of sense.”

The bill is not final, Mendelson said, adding that changes may be made after the public hearing. The intent of introducing the legislation was to “get the discussion started” and to benefit from the public comment.

“We may recognize the financials are a little bit different, that the obligations we want from the team are a little bit different, that the community benefits are a little bit different,” he said.

Bowser did not have a comment on the measure at this time, a spokesperson told ������Ƶapp. Council member Charles Allen, whose Ward 6 is home to the stadium, was unable to provide a comment. ������Ƶapp also reached out to Council member Janeese Lewis George, who won the democratic primary for mayor in June, for comment.

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As part of a player for cash trade, D.C. will be sending $2.375 million to LA and could send up to an additional $500,000 if Ordaz meets certain performance incentives, according to a news release. The forward will be listed as a U22 Initiative player, a mechanism that allows MLS clubs to sign players aged 22 and younger to large contracts at a reduced budget charge on its salary cap.

Ordaz, 22, is a product of the LAFC academy, signing a Homegrown deal in 2022 at 18 years old. He is coming off a breakout 2025 season in Los Angeles, scoring seven goals and registering seven assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. Ordaz ends his time with LAFC making 98 appearances across all competitions and scoring 14 goals.

His signing adds attacking depth to United’s forward corps, which features both of the club’s designated players Tai Baribo and Louis Munteanu. Ordaz also has experience playing in the wings and centrally in the midfield.

Ordaz with LAFC through 2029 with an option for 2030. According to the MLS Players Association Salary Guide, Ordaz is guaranteed to make $545,000 this season.

“Nathan is an exciting talent who has shown a natural ability to score goals and provide assists,” Erkut Sogut, D.C. United’s managing director of soccer operations, said in a statement. “We are excited for Nathan to join our family in the second half of our season as we continue to re-shape our roster and build a winning culture.”

The move will also look to attract attention within D.C.’s Salvadoran community. Ordaz has broken through with the El Salvadoran national team, providing three assists in five World Cup qualifying appearances.

D.C. (4-5-6, 18 points) is in the final weeks of a World Cup break and sits at the cusp of a playoff spot in 9th place in the Eastern Conference.

Before MLS restarts, United has been busy making moves for a midseason push. United let defender . Then, last week, United sent midfielder Gabriel Pirani to. Both players were making over $1.8 million this season but had fallen out of favor with head coach René Weiler.

In previous press conferences, Weiler stated that it would take to build a competitive roster. Sogut told ������Ƶapp in the preseason that if United plans to add a third designated player this year, it would be another attacking option.

“Like in any other deal we have done, we are very careful,” Sogut said in February. “We just don’t want to fill (a designated player spot) just because we fill it. And we are all aligned on that, coaches, recruitment, front office, the ownership.”

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Mark Ein, chairman of the annual tennis tournament, told ������Ƶapp Thursday that tickets are getting “very scarce” with the event already about 97% sold out. The DC Open is set to take place from July 25 to Aug. 2 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park.

“It’s going to be another amazing summer of tennis in D.C.,” Ein said. “We know how much people in D.C. love this event and it’s going to be another great one.”

Ein’s comments come a day after the was announced. The open, the fifth-largest professional tennis event in the United States, will feature five top 10 players, four Grand Slam champions and four former DC Open champions.

The men’s side includes No. 6-ranked player in the world and defending champion Alex de Minaur, 2024 U.S. Open finalist Taylor Fritz and 2021 U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev.

Maryland native and No. 19-ranked player Frances Tiafoe is set to play in the DC Open weeks after securing his fourth career ATP title by winning the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, Germany.

Meanwhile, the women’s field features No. 8-ranked Elina Svitolina and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. Former No. 1 Venus Williams returns to D.C. to play in the tournament again, as well as defending champion and world No. 23 Leylah Fernandez.

The 2026 tournament comes as emerged in December that the National Park Service is requesting proposals to renovate the Rock Creek Tennis Center. The venue opened in 1990 and the main stadium seats 7,500 spectators. The facility also has 25 outdoor tennis courts: 15 hard courts and 10 clay courts.

Since taking over the DC Open in 2019, Ein said he has tried to improve the venue each year with temporary fixes.

“Ultimately, the place needs more permanent fix and upgrade,” Ein told ������Ƶapp. “But right now, we’re focused this summer on just creating a great experience for our fans.”

As for this year’s tournament, Ein encourages not only purchasing the remaining stadium tickets, but also considering ground passes when they become available. While you won’t have a seat in the stadium, the pass will allow you to wander about the center’s grounds to shop, eat and drink while checking out the action on the side courts.

According to a release, the tournament will also be partnered with multiple D.C. restaurateurs to deliver “unparalleled food and beverage offerings.”

“The first two days are qualifying, which is great, because you get all the up-and-comers trying to make it in the tournament, but then all the big players are also practicing, so those are great days,” Ein said.

Information about tickets can be found on the ���ǰ� .

������Ƶapp’s John Aaron and Kristin Diaz contributed to this report.

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Members of the District of Columbia Football Club’s U10 boys soccer team were selected to take part as player escorts before the Group E match between Ecuador and Ivory Coast on June 14 in Philadelphia. The team is a part of the , a nonprofit that provides access to high-level youth soccer for free for children living in D.C. who cannot pay to join club teams.

Amir Lowery, executive director and co-founder of Open Goal Project, told ������Ƶapp its team was selected to participate as player escorts through a program for through the Common Goal charity and the Quaker Oats Company.

“Because there were no World Cup matches here in D.C., we were able to connect with them in hopes of getting an opportunity for our kids to participate in some way, for our communities to catch some of the World Cup vibe,” Lowery said.

DCFC received a grant and fundraised for the trip to Philadelphia. Seventeen players, all 10 years old and younger, were taken to the World Cup match along with their parents.

Before arriving to the stadium, the players got dressed in special World Cup jerseys. As they arrived, the players were greeted by singing supporters excited for the game.

“It felt insane,” Aman Gopalakrishna, 9, told ������Ƶapp. “There was so many people swarming into the stadium, and it was ginormous.”

The job of a player escort seems simple at first. The child holds hands with the player as they walk out in front of the center circle for the pregame ceremony and stands in front of them during the national anthems before returning to the sidelines.

However, the escorts walk through a mini-tunnel and around the center circle with their player, while large flags of the two nations playing are displayed on each side of the field.

As he came out of the tunnel alongside Ecuador’s Pedro Vita, Aman said he felt “awesome” as he looked at the crowd inside the stadium.

“They thought that I was very lucky to have an experience like that,” Aman said of his parents.

However, not all the players were as calm as Aman.

Nicholas Salmeron, 8, said he was nervous stepping on the field and seeing the crowd. However, he remembered holding the Ecuadorian player’s hand, eliminating the nerves and “making me proud.” His brother Oliver was also uneasy about walking out onto the pitch, but after the experience, he liked Ecuador “a little bit” more.

 

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For 8-year-old Matheo Alvarado Lopes, going to the World Cup meant he had the chance to be surrounded by some of the best players in the world.

“I never met a professional player,” Matheo said.

Even though they were bigger and taller than him, Matheo said he did not feel any jitters as he walked out of the tunnel with forward Gonzalo Plata.

“It was loud but inside, in my opinion, everything was calm,” he said.

His sister Elizabeth, 14, watched her brother from the stands with their parents in awe. She felt proud of him for all the hard work he achieved as a member of DCFC to get this opportunity. Lowery added that Matheo’s extended family in Guatemala held a watch party to watch him come out in the pregame ceremony.

“I was like, ‘I can’t believe I’m his sister,'” Elizabeth said. “It’s so fun to see like someone that you know be a part of �ٳ󲹳�.”��

Lowery said the players received a bag as a gift from FIFA for participating. He hopes the experience leaves a lasting impression on his players.

“The best thing for me about that day was the smiles on the kids’ faces, their energy the entire day, the excitement they had to participate in that moment,” Lowery said. 

For Nicholas Salmeron, the experience inspired him to work harder to achieve his dreams: “I want to be the best soccer player in the world.”

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The 30-year-old Baltimore, Maryland, resident recalled seeing prices earlier this year for his national team, Colombia, to play in the soccer tournament listed in the thousands of dollars per ticket. After going through a career change, Velosa knew he couldn’t stretch his funds too far.

“I just knew it was going to be impossible,” he told ������Ƶapp. “I expected most matches to be upward of like $400-500.”

Fast-forward to May: Velosa checked FIFA’s resale platform and saw lower ticket prices for lesser-known group stage matches. He decided that it was more important to be at the World Cup regardless of the teams playing.

“This is (a) once in a lifetime opportunity to go to a dream event like this,” Velosa said. “I’ve never had a World Cup this close to me.”

Fans from all over the world have reportedly spent thousands of dollars to attend this year’s tournament, which is being staged in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. According to one business professor, FIFA’s approach to ticket pricing for the World Cup will continue through other forms of entertainment going forward.

“To me, it’s an accelerant,” University of Maryland Professor Henry “Hank” Boyd III told ������Ƶapp. “It’s saying it was already there, and now we’re capturing it, and this is going to be our new normal.”

‘This will do’

This year, Velosa transitioned from 10 years in supply chain and logistics to becoming a social media content creator . Before making the transition, he saved up some money for the World Cup while starting his new venture.

Before tickets went on sale, FIFA announced it would use dynamic pricing for the World Cup for the first time. The pricing structure allows ticket prices to fluctuate depending on demand. It is a similar pricing structure used in the U.S. for most live entertainment events, including concerts and sports, with World Cup tickets starting at $60.

However, as requests came in from around the world, prices rose immensely, with fans saying they paid thousands. Colombia traditionally has strong travel support, leading to its group stage match tickets being among the most expensive, even before travel costs to Mexico or Miami are included.

“When you have half a billion requests for tickets, and you only have 6.5 million seats, it’s inevitable,” Boyd said. “Prices are going to just go up accordingly.”

Despite his desire to see his native country play in the World Cup, Velosa ultimately chose to buy tickets to the Group E matchup between tournament debutants Curaçao and African side Ivory Coast in Philadelphia. It cost him around $270, and to save costs, he will attend the game by himself, with his partner Emily driving him to the stadium.

“It’s not perfect, like seeing your team, or seeing one of the knockout rounds,” he said. “But this will do, and I’m just super excited about that.”

Velosa’s decision to go with a lower-priced game is an outlier, Boyd said. Most attendees tap into their discretionary funds to pay for experiences like vacations and sporting events. For most fans, seeing their team in the World Cup is a “golden moment” and is worth paying more for.

“He’s saying, ‘Look, I want to be part of it, I want to be there, but I’m not going to lose my mind, I’m not going to go crazy about this, and it’ll be something that I can at least sleep with it at the end of the day, saying, I think I did the right thing.'”

Dynamic pricing here to stay?

Despite the pushback, Boyd said dynamic pricing in sports is in full effect, and FIFA’s use of it is an expansion of it. Despite some empty seats, most stands at the U.S.-based group stage matches have been full, with diehard fans paying whatever it takes to get in.

“You would think people would be logical and rational, like why would you shell out so much money for just one event, but sports is something unique,” Boyd said. “It’s not just a simple product, it’s more or less a unique experience, and so when we look at it from that lens, it starts to make sense.”

There has been some pushback against FIFA’s decision to adopt dynamic pricing. Before the tournament began, President Donald Trump he wouldn’t pay for $1,000 tickets, calling it “disappointing” if people from Queens and Brooklyn couldn’t go. The World Cup’s sky-high prices, along with its sales tactics for seat location, led to the attorneys general in New York and New Jersey subpoenaing FIFA over its pricing models.

However, the reality, Boyd said, is that once an organization or industry sees how much money can be gained by using supply and demand in its pricing, it’s hard to leave money on the table.

“This is where it’s going to be going forward, where you’re extracting out that last bit of, I guess you might want to call, consumer surplus that’s out there in the marketplace,” Boyd said. “That’s just the nature of the game.”

Boyd said that while the trend continues to grow in sports, only some music artists may be able to maximize their revenues by using dynamic pricing. This year, some artists canceled their tours after poor ticket sales due to high ticket prices, a phenomenon known as “blue dot fever.”

He would advise most fans to be sensible with their purchases and, if they really want to attend the event, take a nosebleed seat they can afford. However, Boyd said he understands some fans will want the best location at the most affordable price, while entities such as FIFA are looking to maximize profits. That balance will be key going forward.

“The makeup of the crowd will be big money down with great seats and way up in the nosebleed, maybe the diehard fans that have always been with the club, but they can afford to at least be in the space,” Boyd said. “That may be where we’re headed.”

As for Velosa, his focus now is to enjoy the tournament. His social media post announcing received positive feedback from fans of both nations, welcoming him to the match, and from other soccer fans facing similar financial situations.

He still plans to root for Colombia from home, looking for watch parties in the D.C. area to root on Los Cafeteros alongside other Colombian supporters.

“If you can’t really see your team, then there are these other options where you can still say that you went to a World Cup and experience that for yourself,” Velosa said.

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With the Croatian men’s national soccer team setting up its World Cup home base in Alexandria, Virginia, a group of business owners is setting up a special sales event to mark the occasion.

Starting Sunday, the  is hosting a special “Shop the Checkers” event. Participating stores with Croatian flags displayed on their planters will offer special sales, discounts or events related to the European country until June 28.

Guests can also receive a special-themed “Goal Getter” soccer tote bag for free with their purchase, while supplies last.

Megan Podolsky, the owner of Mint Condition and 529 Kids Consign, told ������Ƶapp that participating stores are staffed up to handle the influx of visitors from around the world coming to the city.

“This is not going to be like a normal summer where everyone leaves Alexandria and goes abroad. They’re all coming to us,” she said. “We’re just ready to welcome everybody, and we’re very excited for this opportunity.”

The Old Town Boutique Community features over 30 independently owned shops located on and around King Street, offering a variety of specialties from apparel and home goods to food and wine.

For Podolsky, having a community that comes together in times of support or celebration, like the World Cup, helps small business owners overcome the hurdles to run their locations the right way.

“It is all small businesses, it’s all independently owned, and so we do come together for tough times, so whether it’s COVID or the tariffs, we band together,” she said. “And that’s when this marketing collective becomes even more important to support each other.

For Lisa Katic, the owner of Wine Gallery 108, the World Cup is coming at the right time. She told ������Ƶapp that the tariffs on her imported wines and economic uncertainty have caused her some issues running her wine shop, calling it a “juggling act.”

“We’re experiencing definitely some issues in the economy, in terms of prices raising, gas prices being an issue for people, so we’re really looking forward to this,” Katic said. “This is going to be a really big, we think, influx to the city, and hopefully to the business during this time.”

Wine Gallery 108, which offers wine, gourmet foods and art, is a curated shop where Katic tastes everything before it goes on sale. To prepare for the “Shop the Checkers,” Katic — who is half-Croatian — began learning about Croatian wines. She contacted her vendors and extended the invitation to small Croatian wine producers.

Wine Gallery 108 will host three special Croatian wine tastings on June 16, 23, and 26, featuring 10-12 wines from various regions of the country.

“For us, and as a city, for me as a business, and us as a city, to have this opportunity is huge,” she said, adding that her shop will be filled with Croatian T-shirts, flags and decorations.

As for Podolsky, both of her businesses, which focus on high-end consignment for women and children, will have a sale on all red, white and blue merchandise. She welcomes any member of the Croatian delegation to stop by with their friends and family to see her store and others around Old Town Alexandria.

What would she do if a Croatian player stopped by during his stay?

“It would be an honor to have these guys in our stores,” Podolsky said. “Hopefully, their wives love some designer clothes, and they’ll want to come shop.”

An entire list of participating stories, a downloadable map and sales can be found on the .

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Traditional Croatian music played loudly on the sidelines of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, Wednesday evening.

Area residents watched as players of the Croatian national team braved the heat for their first training session at their new American home during the FIFA men’s World Cup.

Despite the love the Vatereni received since naming Episcopal High School as its home base for the tournament, players and staff made it clear: They are here to win.

“You won’t see Luka Modrić wandering the streets of Alexandria anytime soon,” Tomislav Pacak, spokesperson for the Croatian national team, said about the team’s captain and most well-known player.

Croatia landed in the D.C. region on Tuesday in preparation to play formidable opponents England, Ghana and Panama in Group L. Ranked No. 11 in the latest FIFA rankings, Croatia finished the last two World Cups in second and third, respectively.

While players of other teams and international fans have been seen walking around and getting a glimpse of American culture, Croatia has a tight schedule focused on training and rest.

Through an interpreter, midfielder Kristijan Jakić said all focus is on their upcoming matches, not on sightseeing.

“There will be chances to see more (and) to learn more, but our complete focus is football,” Jakić said. “Maybe after the World Cup, we will have more time to explore the U.S.A., the venues (and) the restaurants. But now, we are focused completely on football.”

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Before its first training session, a cultural exchange presentation took place. Mayor Alyia Gaskins presented Croatia’s technical director Stipe Pletikosa with a ceramic bowl representing the “strength and light” of the team and symbolizing hospitality. Every member of the team will also receive a special coin with the city’s seal.

“To have a team of this caliber, I feel like words can’t even describe,” Gaskins told ������Ƶapp. “To have a partner that wants to grow with us in friendship and cultural exchange. For us, we see football is really the beginning of a long-lasting experience and relationship for our communities.”

The event was capped off with performances from the Alexandria City High School marching band and a Pennsylvania-based band performing traditional songs from Ogulin, a town in central Croatia. Afterward, invited residents and guests watched Croatia practice in the sun.

As players dribbled the ball around the green pitch, members of the Pennsylvania band began performing songs to distract the crowd from the heat.

Pacak said Croatia will stay in Alexandria through the group stage and stay a few days after. If they qualify for the knockout rounds, they will be city-hopping until their run ends. He added that small group gatherings may be scheduled for the team to enter the city.

While fans and residents may not get to see their favorite players out wandering the city, Gaskins encourages them to remain friendly to all of Alexandria’s guests during the tournament.

“You’re probably going to see somebody who’s a member of the press who’s traveled here all the way from Croatia,” she said. “You’re going to still have that opportunity to bond, to celebrate and grow in connection.”

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From large screens near the U.S. Capitol to enjoying a beer inside some of the area’s well-known establishments, below is a list of some of the area’s best places to watch a match during this year’s World Cup.

Global Watch Parties

Freedom 250 FIFA Fan Zone
D.C.’s National Mall; All tournament long

The National Mall will be home to an official FIFA Fan Zone, showing the majority of the tournament’s matches for free. The weekslong watch party will take place on the U.S. Capitol side of the Mall between 3rd and 4th Streets.

starting before 7 p.m. and the knockout rounds will be shown. All U.S. men’s national team games will air regardless of kickoff time. The site will open one hour before the first match daily and close one hour after the final whistle. Fans are .

Watch the World Play at Union Market
Northeast D.C.; All tournament long

D.C.’s Union Market is giving fans two options to enjoy matches during the entire tournament. At Hi-Lawn, located on rooftop above Union Market, watch games with oversized LED screens airing matches daily. Those fans looking for Latin America flair can head to for large-screen viewings, themed pop-ups and food specials. The events are free to attend and open to the public.

D.C. United’s Soccer Celebration
Multiple locations; June 12-14 and 19-21

Major League Soccer club D.C. United will host free watch parties, showing 14 selected matches across two weekends. The live viewing events will take place at Franklin Park in Downtown D.C. and Navy Yard’s Tingey Plaza. The events will also feature youth soccer activities, music and local food vendors. A schedule of matches and instructions for registering for free tickets can be found 

DC’s Ultimate World Cup Destination at Wunder Garten 
Northeast, D.C.; All tournament long

, a well-known outdoor beer garden located in the heart of NoMa, is teaming up with the adult recreational sports league, Volo Sports, for a tournament-long party with large screens to watch matches, drink specials and themed events. Check for updates.

Catch a Game on the Plaza
National Harbor, Maryland; Multiple dates

Enjoy watching matches outside in front of the National Harbor’s big screen in front of the Potomac River. No registration is needed, and you can bring your own chair! A list of matches being shown can be found on the .

America’s Best Soccer Bar 
Arlington, Virginia; All tournament long

Recently named America’s Best Soccer Bar by Men in Blazers, Ireland’s Four Courts will show every , starting with all group stage games. Those attending matches should expect standing room only, and its back patio will be open for overflow. As part of the World Cup experience, flags representing all competing countries will hang throughout the bar, but as teams are eliminated, a pair of big scissors will come out to take down the flag.

World Soccer Championship Watch Party Wednesdays
Arlington, Virginia; June 17 and 24, July 1

The Arlington Mill Community Center will transform its plaza, gaming lounge and gym into “the ultimate soccer celebration space” and show three matches on three different Wednesdays. Games will be shown on a giant outdoor screen and there will be an EA FC gaming tournament for middle and high school-aged teens. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets and to

Country-specific watch parties

Argentina: Flor. Coffee + Books 
Northwest, D.C.; June 11, 27

Located in Georgetown, is an international bookstore established by a couple from Buenos Aires, Argentina. During the World Cup, it will screen matches at its outdoor patio. Tickets are between $25-35 and include 2 alcoholic drinks, a “lomito argentino” sandwich and a typical pastry. There are spots still available for .

Austria: Aslin Beer Company
Northwest, D.C.; June 22

The Embassy of Austria will host a special outdoor viewing party of Austria vs. Argentina at Aslin Beer Company’s 14th Street location. The event is open to all ages, but . Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site.

Belgium: The Sovereign 
Northwest, D.C.; Multiple dates

Located in Georgetown, The Sovereign features classic Belgian dishes and multiple Belgian-style ales. , it will offer $6 De Halve Maan Brugse Zot blonde beer and half-priced mussels.

Columbia: Pride — Fútbol — Rumba Watch Party 
Northwest D.C.; June 17

Nellie’s Sports Bar on U Street will be hosting a special Pride watch party, showing Colombia taking on Uzbekistan, along with live music and nightlife vibes. The event will be an LGBTQ+ inclusive event and entry is free. A special raffle will take place with multiple giveaways, including two tickets to Latin star Karol G’s concert at Northwest Stadium and a spot on a Pride parade float. Raffle tickets are $20 and .

Croatia: Continues Arcade
Alexandria, Virginia; June 17, 23 and 27

Enjoy playing arcade games while watching the Croatian national team at its home base of Alexandria. Continues Arcade will be hosting watch parties for Croatia’s group matches against , and . Fans wearing jerseys will receive a special discount.

England, Scotland: The Queen Vic 
Northeast D.C.; Multiple dates

, located at 1206 H Street, will open early for all Scotland, England and U.S. matches with happy hour pricing between 5-7 p.m. everyday. No reservations are needed but first come, first served.

Germany: ‘Inclusivity is the Goal’ watch parties 
Multiple locations; June 14, 20 and 25

The Goethe-Institut, Germany’s official cultural organization, will host at Pitchers DC and Atlas Brew Works. It is free to attend and will include face painting and the chance to win “some soccer swag.”

Haiti: Hook Hall
Northwest, D.C.; June 24

The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti, Roots of Development and the Haitian Ladies Network are hosting a family-friendly showing of Haiti vs. Morocco with TVs and projectors showing the match, activities, live music and Haitian metal art for sale.  tickets start at $10 before fees and children under 11 years old get in free. Tickets at the door start at $17.85. Haitian food and drinks are sold separately.

Latin America: Casta Rum Bar
Northwest D.C.; All tournament long

The Cuban-themed rum bar will host ” showing all games featuring all Latin American teams, including Mexico, Colombia and Brazil, during the entire tournament. Games will be shown with Spanish commentary, and prizes will be given out to those who guess the final score. It is free to attend but you are encouraged to reserve a spot.

Mexico: Apapacho Taqueria & Marea
Northwest D.C.; All Mexico games

The two Mexican restaurants inside La Cosecha at Union Market will host live viewings for all Mexico matches. Those in attendance can receive a for each Mexico goal.

Spain: Embassy of Spain watch parities 
Northwest D.C.; June 15, 21 and 26

The will be holding three official watch parities for Spain’s three group stage matches. On June 15 and 26, enjoy a special game day menu with at Casa Teresa restaurant at The Square DC on 919 19th Street. On June 21, head to Franklin Hall to watch La Roja take on Saudi Arabia.

USA: American Outlaws watch parties
Multiple locations; All U.S. matches

“Sing, sweat and celebrate” with the most ardent supporters of the U.S. men’s national team at one of two official watch party locations with the : Franklin Hall on Florida Avenue in Northwest or Solace Outpost in Navy Yard. It is free to walk up and no ticket is needed.

Missing a watch party event? Email the details to jose.umana@wtop.com! 

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The UFC elected not to use the D.C. commission, which normally serves as an independent party supplying judges and referees, and examining fighters’ health before and after their fights.

Commission chairperson Andrew Huff said the UFC determined it was not required to use the agency because the card is taking place on federal land.

That could set a precedent for future fighting events, Huff told ������Ƶapp.

A promoter could effectively schedule a boxing card at Malcolm X Park, which is on federal land and controlled by the National Park Service, and simply not seek to work with local regulators.

“In essence, it’s another example of federal overreach into our local affairs,” Huff said. “This is an event that’s happening in our jurisdiction. Our commission, in our view, has the authority to sanction and regulate the event, and we are not doing so.”

When it comes to fighter safety, Huff said a referee employed by a promoter could be influenced to not stop a match “because it’s not in the best interest of the company or the event.”

“There’s always the possibility that that individual, because they’re not necessarily impartial, would allow a fight to continue, and someone could get really injured,” he said. “Whereas a commission official would have no stake, no interest in the event, other than working the event and doing their job.”

The card will be sanctioned by the Association of Boxing Commissions, or ABC, an umbrella organization for all combat sports regulators in North America.

The UFC wanted the White House card to be “among the most thoroughly regulated in the history of the sport” and asked it to bring the “most qualified group of judges, referees, and inspectors in the world,” association president Timothy Shipman .

“The UFC has further confirmed that it will abide by all applicable regulatory requirements in support of this event, including all required medical examinations, pre-bout and post-bout physicals, and athlete safety protocols,” Shipman said. “All bouts on this card are officially licensed and sanctioned contests.”

While Huff said he didn’t know of a fight card ABC has sanctioned before, he attended its annual conference. The association’s history of creating unified MMA rules, along with the UFC’s resources, provided Huff with some comfort regarding fighters’ health and safety.

“It does provide an additional layer of oversight and regulation, so that to us is a good thing,” he said.

While the District won’t sanction the event, D.C. fire, police and other agencies will still help, as will federal law enforcement.

Although the UFC elected not to work directly with the commission this time, Huff said the relationship between both entities remains strong. The UFC held events in 2011 and 2019 at Capital One Arena, both times working with the commission.

He called the organization a “professional outfit” and hopes it will work with the District in the future.

“I think it’s unfortunate in this case that the UFC has chosen not to work with us, but at the end of the day, this is a good thing,” Huff said. “We’re looking forward to having them and all these fight fans in town for it.”

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Montgomery County Public Schools decided to cut girls’ gymnastics in February, sparking backlash from its gymnastics community and a petition to keep the program going. The seven participating high schools started the 2025-26 season with 119 gymnasts and had 79 remaining on the rosters by the county championships.

Director of Athletics Jeffery Sullivan told the Montgomery County Board of Education during its work session Thursday that the athletics department did not offer the opportunity to provide feedback on the data leading to the decision.

“As a result, we will continue gymnastics for the 2026-27 school year,” Sullivan said.

The county athletics department has a seven-step decision-making process which includes . Two steps, requiring feedback from coaches and the affected community, were never followed.

Sullivan said he addressed coaches during a postseason meeting last spring but didn’t return to the coaches or seek the gymnasts’ input. He said it was clear that the coaches and the gymnasts wanted the program to stay.

“We were doing a data analysis of the program, and I will own the fact that we did not go back in that process to the gymnasts and to the gymnastics coaches again and ask through that process,” Sullivan said. “We ran through the checkpoints of that process without going back and getting additional stakeholder feedback.”

Sullivan told school board members that participation in gymnastics has declined by 20% nationwide, and that the school system has struggled to find qualified coaches to fill vacancies. He highlighted Springbrook High School, which had only three student athletes competing and a coaching vacancy.

While it is not in the school district’s “DNA to cancel or take away,” Sullivan said the data collected and the voting support from area principals, athletic directors and showed it had the support to end the program.

“All of the other districts have discontinued gymnastics, and no district that we’ve checked with has said they are considering any expansion of gymnastics,” Sullivan said. “We are the last county offering.”

While Sullivan said protocol was followed, he added that the athletic department plans to create a standalone process for eliminating or discontinuing a sport that will give everyone involved a chance to provide feedback.

School board member Rita Montoya pushed back, arguing that athletics already had a decision-making process, which Sullivan presented at the start of the session.

“We don’t need to establish a process,” she said. “We have one, we just didn’t follow it.”

Montoya added that the department failed to speak with those who participated in the sport daily and instead relied solely on data and votes from people not in gymnastics to make its decision.

“I’m not a gymnast, so I don’t know. So, yes, I need to hear from them,” she said. “And with all due respect, Mr. Sullivan, I don’t think you’re a gymnast either.”

Anuva Maloo, the county board of education’s student member, questioned the composition of the student-athlete leadership council and asked whether there were any gymnasts on the committee. Sullivan said he could not confirm but would provide a roster in the future.

Maloo said it would not be fair for athletes playing different sports to decide the future for affected athletes.

“From an equity lens standpoint, if there were not any gymnastic representatives on that council, or any other sports, for example, that are not represented on that council, then we need to move forward and look into at least ensuring that there’s one representative from each sport attending these meetings,” Maloo said.

School board president Grace Rivera-Oven said while the vote from other school leaders was very clear, the school system needs to listen to its students. She thanked those who spoke at previous school board meetings and advocated for the program.

Gymnastics’ future outside of the 2026-27 school year remains unclear. In a letter provided to ������Ƶapp, Sullivan said the athletics department will work with parents, coaches and student athletes to “establish clear and transparent metrics and processes” for the upcoming season.

In a county that is home to three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes, Rivera-Oven said she hopes Montgomery County schools can find a solution to keep the program alive for years to come.

“I will hope that we can find a way … that we can transition some of that passion and love that we have for gymnastics and that little community,” Rivera-Oven said. “And see (if) we can work with those, maybe outside the school system, that might be willing to work with our young athletes who love the sport.”

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D.C.’s Audi Field will host the 2026 NWSL Championship on Saturday, Nov. 21, marking the title game’s return to the East Coast.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

Tickets will go on sale later in the summer. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the presale event .

A formal announcement with league officials, the Washington Spirit, D.C. United, and Events D.C. will be made at the Southwest venue Wednesday afternoon.

“Washington, D.C. has become one of the premier destinations for women’s soccer, with an incredibly engaged fan base, a vibrant soccer culture and a community that continues to champion the growth of our game,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement.

“As soccer captures the attention of fans across the country this year, the NWSL Championship will serve as a fitting culmination of a landmark year for our sport in the region.”

It will be the second time Audi Field hosted the NWSL championship. D.C. hosted the 2022 final, when over 17,000 fans witnessed the Portland Thorns defeat the Kansas City Current to capture the club’s third league title.

Along with hosting the championship game, D.C. will also host multiple events leading up to the match, including the 2026 NWSL Awards, the NWSL Skills Challenge, and a fan fest. More details on those events will be provided at a later date.

Audi Field — owned by Major League Soccer side D.C. United — has been the Washington Spirit’s full-time home stadium since 2023. Since the move, the Spirit have cultivated a consistent following and strong attendance, with the stadium affectionately referred to as “Rowdy Audi” during their matches.

This season, Washington has averaged 15,546 fans through five matches, including three sellouts. The Spirit currently sits in fourth place in the NWSL standings (6-2-3, 21 points) and will look to make its third consecutive NWSL championship.

“Audi Field is one of the best soccer atmospheres in the country, and DC shows up for women’s sports like few cities in the world,” Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone said in a statement. “A fan base this passionate deserves events like this.”

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Last August, D.C. was , slated to start play in 2027. The volleyball franchise will be owned by the ownership group that owns Major League Soccer club D.C. United, All United Sports and Entertainment, led by investors Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan.

Recently, the franchise announced it has made two new hires as it continues to prepare for its first match next January. First, it hired Kate Greenberg, who has experience working with multiple D.C.-area sports teams, to be its team president. Then, on Wednesday, was brought in as the team’s first coach.

Greenberg and Collins-Parker spoke to ������Ƶapp about their roles, the team’s identity and future home, and the roster building for its inaugural season.

Experience builders

Major League Volleyball is the top-flight competition for women’s professional volleyball in the United States. Since its 2025 merger with the Pro Volleyball Federation, the MLV has grown to eight teams around the country. Heading into the 2027 season, D.C. will be , bringing the total to 12.

Collins-Parker is no stranger to the volleyball world. She was awarded the Honda Broderick as the nation’s top collegiate volleyball player twice during her time at the University of Hawaii. She played for the U.S. national team for seven years, including at the 1988 Olympics, and played professionally in Italy and France.

After her playing career, Collins-Parker coached college volleyball for 25 years, with stops at UNLV, Cornell and San Diego State, and won multiple conference titles. She transitioned to an assistant coach for the San Diego Mojo, leading them to the semifinals in 2024.

“Deitre Collins-Parker is a legend in volleyball,” Greenberg said. “It is such a signal for the type of franchise that we are building on the court, specifically in her case, but off the court, the standard of excellence, then the depth of experience that she represents is exactly what we were looking for.”

For Greenberg, it was a no-brainer to be a part of the growing league. She previously worked for the Washington Nationals, Washington Spirit, and D.C. Defenders in marketing and business roles. According to a release, she will oversee its “commercial, operational, and community-facing functions” ahead of its inaugural season.

“The opportunity to build a franchise from scratch, and that means everything, every piece of it, on the business side and the volleyball side, is a really unique opportunity,” Greenberg said. “It’s the type of thing that I enjoy sinking my teeth into.”

Both hope to lean on each other to build D.C.’s franchise into a winner. Collins-Parker said she was hired as an “expert in volleyball,” and she believes the ownership has assembled a front office that will help put “the best foot forward.”

“She may not understand what kind of offense I’m running, but she understands the need for me to get the best hitter that I can,” Collins-Parker said. “I think we work well together. It’s the mutual respect that is going to make the difference in everything.”

Team name, colors, logo coming soon

D.C.’s volleyball team’s identity, including its name, colors and logo, has already been developed and will be revealed “very, very soon,” Greenburg told ������Ƶapp. Fans are encouraged to on the team’s website to receive the latest news leading up to its first match.

“Our name and our visual identity are rooted first and foremost in the sport of volleyball but also has unique and distinct connection to D.C.,” Greenburg said.

The team is still working through options for its training site and home venue. Greenburg said the region has several “really wonderful, viable playing venues,” and the team may not play in the same arena every year as it grows.

The team may start in a smaller arena and grow into a bigger one, with the ultimate goal of calling D.C.’s soccer stadium, Audi Field, home once a roof is added, Greenburg said. Games inside the stadium would bring MLV to “a stadium setting” as seen around college volleyball.

“The opportunity for us here is to grow and scale the team year after year after year into potentially bigger and bigger venues until we’re able to play at Audi Field,” she said.

Levien previously told ������Ƶapp last August that he is exploring a private-public partnership with the D.C. government to expand the 20,000-seat stadium, which would include an enclosed roof.

Regardless of venue, fans can expect to be close to the court, including floor and courtside seating, Greenburg said.

Currently, the eight MLV teams play in venues of various sizes, with the , setting a new attendance record for an indoor women’s professional volleyball match.

Once the logo and name have been released, Greenburg said it can start connecting with the area’s volleyball communities and selling tickets and merchandise.

‘Finding athletes’

For the next few months, Collins-Parker will be talking to agents, recruiting players, and building a roster ready for the opening serve of the new MLV season.

League rules state teams will field a  with no more than three international players. Collins-Parker plans to build a defensive-first team with a diverse roster that will be hard to beat.

“We’re going to have the attitude that no ball hits the floor, so if that happens, we’re in long rallies,” she recalled telling a potential player. “You’re getting to see the ball cross the net a lot, because we keep sending that ball back to you.”

While building her team, Collins-Parking, currently based in Arizona, hopes to visit D.C. to meet potential fans and build anticipation for the franchise’s inaugural season.

“The community makes the girls feel professional, and the girls being professional makes the community feel excited,” she said. “We’ve got to merge those two things and really make D.C. a special place to be and play, because people have bought in and support the wonderful women that we will have.”

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Sarah White loves women’s sports. The 44-year-old restaurateur often had TVs at Westover Taco in Arlington, Virginia, tuned to games featuring D.C.-area teams.

When White bought out her fellow business partners earlier this year, she was asked about rebranding the bar. That’s when she thought about her love for women’s sports and the need for fans to find a place to watch their favorite teams play.

“I said, ‘Well, I like women’s sports. I watch a lot of that on TV, and we already show it, so maybe I’ll just expand on that,'” White told ������Ƶapp. “Put up some women’s stuff around the store, and they said, ‘Oh, like a women’s sports bar.’ I said, ‘Yeah, like a women’s sports bar, I guess.’ And it just took off.”

With TV ratings up and stadium attendance growing, women’s sports have seen increased interest in recent years. Now, Westover Taco looks to become the main headquarters for women’s sports fans in Virginia.

The bar underwent a makeover earlier this year, with TVs mounted throughout, posters of famous female athletes like Serena Williams and Mia Hamm, and neon signs championing women’s sports.

Each TV broadcasts live or recorded women’s sports games. A women’s football trophy sits on top of a coffee maker. An autographed book by former soccer star Brandi Chastain rests alongside a D.C. Shadow ultimate frisbee.

Along the narrow hallway to its Washington Boulevard entrance, the bar’s walls are adorned with autographed jerseys from area teams, including D.C. Divas football and D.C. Shadow.

Since a featuring players from the D.C. Divas and DMV Queens football teams, White said the bar has been full of men, women and children to watch the action.

White said she was “shocked” at how quickly people supported the concept.

“We have a huge fanbase here,” she said. “And they’ve all really enjoyed having a place that they can go, where they know the game will be on, they can cheer with other fans.”

Teams have also been supportive. Some smaller women’s sports teams have already hosted watch parties and fundraisers at Westover Taco, and she’s been talking to representatives of the WNBA’s Mystics and soccer’s Washington Spirit.

Fans can learn what games Westover Taco is showing by ���ǰ� following the bar . White said they will have access to every streaming service possible to watch every game involving area teams.

“There are tons of people out there looking for a place to watch women’s sports, and they just hadn’t found it in the area, and knowing that now they can come here and we’ll have it, it’s been great,” she said.

Westover Taco’s menu got minor upgrades. The bar always focused on Mexican food, White said, such as tacos and burritos. Now, patrons can get fajitas and steak platters, along with traditional bar classics. In June, the bar will serve drinks named for local teams. White said some money from those sales will be donated to those teams.

White said sales have remained steady, but she would like to bring in $10,000 a week by the end of the year.

Greater sales would allow Westover Taco to lend more support to the area’s youth and women’s sports community, she said.

White, who also leads the booster club for the D.C. Divas, said there are still female athletes who pay to play for their teams.

“They still need our support to be able to travel and play these games and do the things that they do,” she said. “Anything that you can do to volunteer some time with the team, or to help, maybe partner them up with somebody you think would be a great sponsor for the team. Go out and do it.”

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Brendyn Andrew, 34, will serve 54 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for multiple charges including SNAP benefits fraud, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud and witness tampering.

Court documents revealed Andrew used the identity of more than 30 people on the Department of Human Services’ online system to apply for SNAP benefits between February and June of 2021. Later that October, while executing a search warrant at his home, officers found more than 15 electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards under different names in Andrew’s possession.

Then, in January 2023 and February 2024, Andrew submitted numerous passport applications claiming to be other people, including his own brother. U.S. Customs and Border Protection records show Andrew used the fraudulent passport with his brother’s name to fly multiple times.

While in custody in Baltimore, in March 2025, prosecutors said he told his girlfriend, Dominique Collins, 38, of Stafford, Virginia, to delete an email account so it could not be used as evidence against him. Collins pled guilty for this past March.

According , Andrew’s case is part of the Trump administration’s anti-fraud task force, which looks to eliminate “fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.”

Andrew pleaded guilty to .

Along with his sentence, Andrew has been ordered to pay over $41,000 in restitution.

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