California forced to cancel ‘dangerous’ World Cup parties after tragedy in Mexico

The 2026 World Cup has been a massive hit across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

But the surge in popularity in soccer in the USA has led to some World Cup parties being canceled due to safety concerns.

Getty

Officials in California shut down World Cup watch parties and tightened security, following Mexico reaching the Round of 16, according to the New York Post.

The World Cup party shutdowns included Universal Studios Hollywood canceling its public viewing events.

“Universal Studios Hollywood has ended World Cup watch parties at CityWalk for the remainder of the tournament,” Inside Universal posted on Facebook.

SPARK Social FC in San Francisco canceled remaining World Cup watch parties following a shooting near its Mission Bay location.

Officers found two people suffering from gunshot wounds after gunfire broke out around 9 p.m. near Mission Bay Boulevard and Fourth Street.

Both victims were hospitalized and expected to survive, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

San Jose also abandoned its downtown watch party after unrest in Mexico during the World Cup.

Four people died in Mexico City during celebrations surrounding Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador during a Round of 32 contest.

A 19-year-old woman was among three to die from suffocation, the city’s health authority said.

More than 1 million people took to the streets near downtown, celebrating Mexico’s first World Cup knockout win since 1986.

getty

Getty

Getty

Mexico later doubled security and limited capacity at the monument known as the ‘Angel of Independence.’

More than 20 million people live in Mexico City’s metro area, which is one of the most populated areas on the planet.

Mexico saw its World Cup dreams end on Sunday during a tense 3-2 defeat to England.

The Three Lions won despite only playing with 10 men in the second half.

England manager Thomas Tuchel later wondered if FIFA would allow defender Jarell Quansah to have his red-card suspension overturned for a quarterfinals match vs Erling Haaland and Norway.

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre left his role following the country’s defeat to England.

Elsewhere in the World Cup, USMNT faces Belgium in a Round of 16 matchup marred by controversy, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will be tested by Spain.