World Cup craziness comes to Chula Vista

06/18/2026

web.suhi.-1781831948077 — From left, Raul Galindo, Roberto Bonilla and Ramon Bonilla enjoy the setting Thursday at Chula Vista's Memorial Park World Cup watch party. Photo by Phillip Brents

Air horns, Flags. A sea of green-clad fans. Thousands of them.

It added up to a festive gathering for local soccer aficionados Thursday at Chula Vista’s downtown Memorial Park as part of an ongoing celebration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The all-day event, sponsored by Adriana’s Insurance and the San Diego FC men’s Major League Soccer professional soccer team, offered a safe place for football fans to show off their community pride and cheer for their favorite team, which appeared, by and large, to be Mexico.

It was free and open to the public, serving as a massive watch party. City crews began transforming the city’s business district on Wednesday.

Local shops and restaurants obviously were prime benefactors of the swelling mass of people.

Just about every inch of the expansive downtown greenery was utilized in some fashion. Chula Vista Mayor John McCann said the event was expected to draw as many as 25,000 to the area.

Music, food and collectibles were to be had. Tacos, Burritos. Corn dogs. Fries. Chicken tenders. Whatever tickled your fancy was there. It was an eclectic menu offering for an elective crowd. Want something stronger? Then try the beer garden, which grew in size as the day went on.

Paradise Hills resident Lupe Lucero arrived with her grandson Jose Julian Saucedo to take part in Thursday’s festivities.

Mexico fans began arriving early and arriving throughout the day. Photo by Lupe Lucero

The park appeared full. But there was always room for more. Third Avenue seemed just as full while walking past a seemingly endless row of vendors hawking their wares.

Fans could take part in games at several of the booths, which created their own lines matching those of the strategically located porta-potties.

Excitement kept building for the 6 p.m. game between Mexico and South Korea that was being played in Guadalajara. Fans could watch the game on two large screen televisions, including one on the stage in Memorial Bowl.

The stadium was packed two hours before the start of the Mexico-Korea game as fans watched the conclusion of the Canada-Qatar match. The game between Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina (a 1-1 draw) was shown earlier in the day to kick off the triple-header of televised matches. Canada defeated Qatar 6-0.

Downtown business were the recipient of the extra attention brought by the event. Photos by Phillip Brents

The downtown area — from E Street to G Street — was cordoned off early. By 11:30 a.m. all street entrances to the city’s downtown area were blocked off with barricades.

Streets were eerily empty for most of the morning hours. Police provided traffic control when necessary.

As the day wore on, shade was where one could find it. Those fortunate enough had a chance to sit down and eat, or just take a rest break, under the branches of several large trees on the south side of the park.

But everyone was back on their feet when it was time for El Tri to take the pitch. After the game, fans could stay for a live concert.

The event drew a soccer savvy crowd, including coaches from the area. Raul Galindo and Roberto Bonilla, both former student-athletes and coaches at Sweetwater High School, navigated the growing crowd.

Both men played soccer at the National City school. As alumni they returned to guide a new generation.

Galindo coached boys soccer, cross country and track field at Sweetwater while Bonilla served as the girls soccer and girls tennis coach. Bonilla, an administrator at Bonita Vista Middle School for the past seven years, attended the event with his son Ramon, who plays soccer for the Rebels San Diego club.

The elder Bonilla will be working at the senior high school across the street this coming term, He’s excited to be back at the high school level and once again involved in athletics.

“It’s a chance for the community to come together, and that’s what the World Cup brings out,” Bonilla said. “This is the best time.”

“It’s great that they were able to do this for the community,” Galindo said. “They put something together and people came out. Just about everyone in the world does this, so why can’t we?”