FIFA Flag Raising Marks 30-Day Countdown to World Cup Opener

Sports

May 14

Members of the Bay Area Host Committee, Santa Clara City Council and Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor joined former Santa Clara University women’s soccer player Leslie Osborne ’05 for a photo outside of Santa Clara City Hall on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Excited chatter filled the air as community leaders, soccer figures, media and residents gathered in the Santa Clara City Hall Quad on Tuesday, May 12, for the official FIFA flag-raising ceremony marking 30 days until the Bay Area hosts its first matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The event celebrated Santa Clara’s role on the global stage and highlighted the deep connection the Bay Area has to soccer, diversity and community.

After some opening remarks, the lead speaker for the event, Leslie Osborne ’05, took to the podium. Osborne, a former Santa Clara University soccer star who won a national championship as a freshman in 2001, played professionally for FC Gold Pride and is one of the co-founders of Bay FC.

She wasted no time in hyping up the event.

“I’m proud to stand up here, I’m proud to represent the Bay Area when I talk about being ready for this moment,” Osborne said. “How many kids this World Cup will inspire. How many people will fall in love with this beautiful game.”

Leslie Osborne ’05 speaks during the ceremony. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Osborne preached the importance of community and emphasized her excitement to bring many teams and people together to experience the Bay Area’s culture.

“To have the World Cup here, the impact and influence it will have on the people here, the people coming from all over the world, the Bay Area has been ready for this, and we’ve been doing this for a long time,” Osborne said. “So giddy up. Here we go. 30 days out.”

Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez echoed Osborne’s message of unity and inclusivity. He highlighted Santa Clara’s diversity as one of the city’s biggest strengths ahead of the tournament.

“The World Cup brings people from across the world together,” Gonzalez said. “To have them here, to welcome them here to Santa Clara and let them know, hey, you’re gonna be safe here, and you’re gonna be welcomed and embraced.”

As the countdown to the World Cup kickoff continues, the flag-raising ceremony served as a celebration of the Bay Area’s soccer culture and what it’ll bring to the World Cup experience come June 13, when the Qatar vs Switzerland match kicks off in Santa Clara.