JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Soccer fans in Jacksonville showed up early and in force Thursday night as the United States faced Paraguay in their World Cup opener. The US is co-hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.
At The Block Jax, fans dressed in red, white and blue were already filling their seats well before 6 p.m. — more than three hours before the 9 p.m. kickoff.
USA fan Ethan Vugman said the expectations are high for this team. “The hope is to go to the end right? I hope we get to at least Round of 16/Quarterfinals. But there is nothing that stops them from going to the end,” he said.
Bosnia fans also turn out in force
The US match wasn’t the only draw. Hundreds of fans packed The Block earlier in the day for a 3 p.m. kickoff between Canada and Bosnia.
The crowd included a large contingent of Bosnian fans from Jacksonville, who said the World Cup is more than just soccer — it’s a chance to connect with their community.
“It happens every four years and unites us as a world. Everyone in the world is participating. And unites everyone as people,” said Mirza Zukic, a Bosnia fan in attendance.
Zukic said having a Bosnian community in Jacksonville makes the experience even more meaningful. “It’s golden. One of the best feelings ever. Best thing you can experience honestly,” he said.