'Give me Messi' - fans react to World Cup draw at US watch party

December 5, 2025

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, attended by the leaders of co-hosting nations USA, Canada, and Mexico, while fans from various countries gathered at a Philadelphia viewing party to watch the group assignments. American supporters expressed optimism about their draw with Australia and Paraguay, while Colombian fans were less enthusiastic about facing Portugal in their group. Jordan, making their World Cup debut, will face defending champions Argentina featuring Lionel Messi, which fans view as both challenging and beneficial for growing football culture in their country.

Who is affected

Football fans from multiple nations (USA, Colombia, Jordan, Ecuador, Cameroon/South Africa, Ireland)
The three co-hosting nations: United States, Canada, and Mexico
National teams drawn into groups including: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Colombia, Portugal, Jordan, Argentina, Ecuador, Germany, Ivory Coast, Curacao, South Africa, Mexico, South Korea, and potential European qualifiers
Specific fans quoted: Jim House, Chris Day, Julio Mahecha, Hassan Shaaban, Wilson Velez, Christine Titih, and Gerry Grace
Ticket holders for matches in Philadelphia

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The draw has already been completed, and the article focuses on reactions to results rather than current actions.

Why it matters

The World Cup draw determines which national teams will face each other in the group stage, directly affecting each country's path through the tournament and chances of advancing. For co-hosts like the United States, a favorable draw increases prospects of progressing to the knockout rounds, which would be considered essential given home advantage. For debutant nations like Jordan, facing high-profile teams like Argentina provides valuable exposure and can significantly boost football culture and interest in their countries. The group assignments also affect fan expectations, travel plans, and emotional investment in the tournament, while upsets remain possible as demonstrated by previous World Cups.

What's next

USA will play six matches in Philadelphia (Chris Day has secured tickets to all of them)
South Africa will face Mexico in the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11
European qualifying play-offs will determine whether Denmark, Republic of Ireland, North Macedonia, or Czech Republic fills the final spot in South Africa's group
Ireland must prevail against Denmark in the play-offs to qualify for the tournament

Read full article from source: BBC