A World Cup watch party kicked off the beginning of the year for the Oregon State University men’s soccer team.
Soccer fans in support of Argentina and Spain came together Sunday to enjoy a World Cup Final watch party held by the OSU men’s soccer team at the Toyota Club in Reser Stadium. The soccer team used the event to present their 2026 roster and raffle off signed merchandise.
World Cup Final Watch party in Reser Stadium on July 19th. The OSU Soccer Team presented
their roster during the event. (Liam Flannery)
The crowd was split between fans of Argentina and Spain. Entire families came dressed in gear representing the country they rooted for to win the final. Children played cornhole and a pick-up game of soccer using balloons as balls. The jersey of Argentinian star Lionel Messi was especially popular among the younger crowd, with several children sporting his classic blue and white striped No. 10.
Lionel Messi at the World Cup Final Watch Party in Reser Stadium on July 19th. Spain defeated the reigning world champion Argentina with a score of 1-0 in extra time. (Liam Flannery)
Jose Luis Moreno, who rooted for Spain while visiting from Madrid, waved a miniature Spanish flag alongside his family throughout the match and during the Spanish national anthem.
of the Spanish national anthem at the World Cup Final Watch Party in Reser Stadium on July
19th. Spain defeated the reigning world champion Argentina with a score of 1-0 in extra time. (Liam Flannery)
Members of the team were split in who they rooted for, but predominantly rooted for Spain. Coach Jarred Brookins remarked before kickoff that he was rooting for Spain and that OSU defender Oriol Vidal is from Terrassa, Spain. Many of his teammates joined in and rooted for his home country. Vidal and Brookins later handed out raffle prizes during the first-half hydration break. Prizes included signed jerseys and Pac-12 signs.
Following a 0-0 first half, the team presented their roster for the upcoming season. Brookins said he was excited to see his squad perform this season, and pointed out new players and transfers.
The match went scoreless into the end of the regulation time, despite a dominant performance by Spain. It was not until the second half of extra time that Ferran Torres scored the first and final goal of the match. Spain fans erupted in cheers after the goal and later again when the final whistle blew. After the match, players from the team handed out signatures to their younger fans at the event.
The Beavers will play Seattle University on the road for their first exhibition game on Aug. 8.
Stadium on July 19th. Spain defeated the reigning world champion Argentina with a score of 1-0
in extra time. (Liam Flannery)
