Arizona venues gear up for World Cup watch parties

Arizona businesses and entertainment venues are lining up watch parties and fan events as World Cup interest builds across the Phoenix metro area. The push comes as organizers look to turn June and July soccer matches into repeat traffic, broader fan engagement and a boost for local hospitality businesses. Why it matters: - Arizona venues are trying to capture more of the World Cup crowd as soccer interest rises in the Phoenix metro area. - The events are designed to convert game-day traffic into repeat customers for bars, restaurants and entertainment centers. - The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw massive global attention, with FIFA projecting 48 teams and 104 games. What happened: - On the Hash founder Lawrence “Red” McIntosh is partnering with World’s Best Connectors, Fox10, Tempe Marketplace, The Stillery and others on the One World Fiesta Global Futbol Experience powered by On the Hash. - The first OWF event took place June 12, 2026, at Tempe Marketplace. - The USA beat Paraguay in that event’s featured match. - A second Team USA watch party is scheduled for 11 a.m. June 19 at The Stillery in Goodyear. - Fans are being directed to @onthehash for information on more June and July events. The details: - The OWF event at Tempe Marketplace included pregame interviews by Crisco Kidd. - The event also featured games for kids, free popcorn, outside viewing in front of a big screen and indoor seating with menus at Dave & Busters. - Contests and photo spots were part of the activation. - Fox10 sports broadcaster Richard Saenz was among the VIPs greeting fans. - On the Hash is promoting watch parties, venue discovery and fan engagement across the Valley and other participating cities. - McIntosh said On the Hash connects fans with places to watch, eat, drink, celebrate, RSVP and unlock exclusive offers. - McIntosh also said the platform uses live coverage, creator content, podcasts, venue activations, happy hours and on-site fan engagement to help venues turn game-day traffic into returning customers. - On the Hash’s theme is “One World. One Goal. One Fiesta.” - FIFA’s World Cup schedule is available in the full tournament fixture list . - Phoenix Rising FC is also hosting watch parties with select bars through the club’s announcement . Between the lines: - Phoenix is being positioned as a natural hub for soccer interest because of its size, large Latino population and mix of immigrant and visiting communities. - The article argues that the U.S. men’s team’s strong start, including a decisive June 12 win over Paraguay, could lift local interest further. - The effort also reflects a broader challenge for soccer businesses in Arizona, where established pro sports teams compete for fans and sponsors. - The local activation strategy suggests businesses want to make soccer events feel social and destination-driven, not just screen-based. What’s next: - More OWF events are expected in June and July across the Valley and other participating cities. - Arizona venues will likely keep using watch parties, giveaways and live fan activations to build soccer crowds through the rest of the tournament. - Additional Team USA gatherings may be announced through On the Hash’s social channels and partner venues. The bottom line: - Arizona businesses are treating World Cup season as a chance to win new customers and deepen loyalty while soccer fans look for places to gather, watch and celebrate.