California venues cancel World Cup watch parties before Mexico-England match

California officials are taking swift action to address the escalating violence that has been erupting at World Cup watch parties across the state. The celebrations following Mexico’s victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been marred by shootings, stabbings, street takeovers, and attacks on law enforcement, prompting authorities to shut down or tighten security at these events.

One of the first casualties of this decision was Universal Studios Hollywood, which decided to end its public viewing events at CityWalk for the remainder of the tournament. This move came after multiple incidents of violence and unrest at watch parties in the area.

In San Francisco, SPARK Social SF also canceled all remaining World Cup watch parties after a shooting occurred near its Mission Bay location. The incident resulted in two individuals being hospitalized with gunshot wounds, although they are expected to survive. The suspected gunman managed to flee the scene, adding to the chaos and fear surrounding these events.

San Jose has also decided to abandon its downtown watch party setup following disturbances during Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador. The decision was made in light of the unrest that ensued, highlighting the need for a more controlled environment for such gatherings.

In response to the recent incidents, city officials announced that future watch parties will be moved to larger, ticketed venues at Discovery Meadow and SAP Center. This decision comes after two people were stabbed and another man was killed in separate incidents near the downtown celebrations, prompting concerns over public safety.

The San Jose Police Department reported that Tuesday night’s celebrations turned chaotic, with two stabbing incidents and an unlawful assembly declared by authorities. Despite efforts to maintain order, the disruptive behavior of some attendees led to arrests and injuries.

The escalating violence at World Cup watch parties has raised concerns among officials, prompting a crackdown on unruly behavior. From street takeovers in Los Angeles to shootings in San Francisco and stabbings in San Jose, the need for stricter security measures has become evident.

As cities across California grapple with the challenges of hosting large-scale events, the focus is now on preventing further incidents of violence and ensuring the safety of attendees. By transitioning to controlled, ticketed events and increasing security measures, authorities hope to curb the lawlessness that has marred what should be a joyous celebration of the beautiful game.