Student shoots a mini soccer ball into one of three targets on the Alameda Lawn, June 2, 2026. **(Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)**

With the FIFA World Cup set to arrive in Santa Clara this summer, Santa Clara University is joining the party. A committee led by Vice Provost for student life Jeanne Rosenberger hosted an engaging on-campus event to hype up the worldwide spectacle on Tuesday, June 2.

Santa Clara is one of 16 cities chosen to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with six games to be played at Levi’s Stadium. As the tournament’s opening draws closer, the University has begun hosting activities for students to get involved with the festivities and enjoy the last week of school.

Hundreds of students, faculty and staff stopped by the Alameda Mall throughout the afternoon to participate in the major festivities, including a giant soccer dartboard and a target-kicking challenge featuring miniature soccer balls.

Student prepares to kick a soccer ball at an inflated dart board. **(Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)**

The event also featured free hot dogs, Otter Pops and a build-your-own-nacho bar. Participants could spin a prize wheel and enter a raffle for soccer and University-themed giveaways. Among the most sought-after items were national team jerseys worn by stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.

Event attendees wait in line for hot dogs and the build-your-own-nacho bar. **(Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)**

The celebration follows a Super Bowl-themed event held during the winter and reflects the University’s efforts to bring the campus together when major sporting events take place in the Bay Area. Students continue to praise these inclusive and exciting campus events.

A foosball table set up on the Benson Memorial Center patio also attracted steady crowds throughout the afternoon.

“I checked out the foosball table, and it was really fun,” said Fermin Ramos ’29. “I’m a big soccer fan, so it’s exciting to see it coming here.”

Three students play foosball outside of the Bronco Corner bookstore. **(Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)**

While excited about the prospect of having the FIFA World Cup in the Bay, Ramos expressed concern about how expensive the tickets are for the upcoming matches in the different host countries. According to ESPN, ticket prices on FIFA’s official resale site have reached four- and even five-figure levels for certain matches, significantly exceeding fans’ expectations.

Many other participants at the event weren’t shy about expressing their opinions.

“I think the event was very well budgeted, but could have been better marketed,” said Yash Gaur ’27. “I really only found out this was happening from the APB post.”

While there was some confusion surrounding getting the word out about the event, once passersby got the idea that something major was happening, they didn’t hesitate to join in on the fun.

“I think we’re lucky that our school cares so much about our well-being,” said Sarah Hamed ’28. “They certainly put a lot of money into it, and while there’s always a bit of marketing, I feel like there should be a lot more people here.”

For students at Santa Clara University, the tournament’s arrival in the Bay Area provides the campus with the opportunity to celebrate one of the largest sporting events happening in their backyard.