Sports

Hartford Athletic To Host Large World Cup Final Watch Party ... And Its Free

Hartford's USL pro soccer team will host a free World Cup Final watch party, plus a family reading event, at Trinity Health Stadium.

HARTFORD, CT — Hartford Athletic is inviting soccer fans from across Connecticut to Trinity Health Stadium on July 19 for a free public watch party of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.

The event, which the club says is expected to be among the state's largest World Cup gatherings, will feature the championship match on the stadium's video boards along with a full slate of family-friendly activities.

Gates open at 1 p.m. ahead of the 3 p.m. World Cup Final kickoff pitting Spain against Argentina. Trinity Health Stadium is located at 250 Huyshope Ave., Hartford.

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This week, Spain defeated France 2-0, and Argentina broke the hearts of England fans Wednesday with a miraculous 2-1 comeback win.

Sunday in Hartford, fans can enjoy a live DJ, a Kids Zone, food trucks, sponsor activities, stadium concessions, merchandise and a post-match celebration.

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"Connecticut is one of the great soccer states in America, and the World Cup is our opportunity to show it," Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell said in a statement. "When the world comes together for the World Cup, Connecticut deserves a place to celebrate together. Trinity Health Stadium is Connecticut's soccer home, and we want fans of every club, every country, and every generation to come together here and experience the energy of the world's biggest sporting event."

Mandell said the event is intended to bring together fans regardless of which national team they support.

"Our goal is simple: make Hartford the place where Connecticut comes together to celebrate it," he said. "Whether you support the United States, Argentina, Brazil, England, Mexico, Portugal, or any other nation, these watch parties are about community, passion, and sharing unforgettable moments together."

Before the watch party, Hartford Athletic will host Summer Reading Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the stadium.

Families are invited to bring a book, participate in a soccer clinic on the field, and enjoy a pizza party before the World Cup festivities begin.

Admission to both events is free, but the club encourages fans to register in advance.

Those who register and have never attended a Hartford Athletic match will receive two complimentary tickets to a Hartford Athletic home game of their choice.

Registration is available through Hartford Athletic's website and SeatGeek event pages. For updates, follow @hfdathletic on social media.

To register for Sunday's Hartford Athletic watch party, click on this link.

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