Soccer fever is taking hold in Tysons early with the return of the now-annual COPA Tysons celebration.
The festivities will kick off with a launch party this Saturday, May 30 before the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes center field at a series of free watch parties planned throughout the summer, starting at Starr Hill Tysons Biergarten (1805 Capital One Drive).
“This summer, COPA Tysons will bring fans from across the DMV together at Starr Hill Biergarten and additional Tysons’ premier gathering spaces — to experience the excitement, passion, and communal energy that make the World Cup unlike any other sporting event in the world,” said Drew Sunderland, interim CEO of the Tysons Community Alliance (TCA).
With the U.S. Men’s National Team not scheduled to take the field competitively until mid-June, the COPA Tysons launch event will instead center on the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Hosted by broadcaster Dave Johnson and U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer Bruce Murray, the live watch party will be accompanied by “music, fan experiences, media appearances, and opportunities to connect with regional partners and the community,” according to the event page.
The party will start at 11 a.m. ahead of a noon kickoff for the match between reigning champ Paris and Arsenal, which is making its first-ever appearance in the league final after winning the English Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. Registration isn’t required, but it is encouraged.
Then, local soccer fans who want to cheer on the U.S. men’s team with a crowd — but without paying eye-popping prices — can visit Starr Hill Biergarten for its first World Cup match against Paraguay on June 12 at 9 p.m. That will be followed by games against Australia on June 19 at 3 p.m. and Turkey on June 25 at 10 p.m.
Dates and times for future matches will be announced as the tournament progresses, leading up to the July 19 championship final, TCA says.
More details about other festivities surrounding the watch parties are also still to come, but the TCA’s press release offered a general teaser of what to expect:
- Large-scale outdoor and indoor viewing experiences with high-quality broadcasts
- Live DJs and entertainment before and after select matches
- Interactive fan activations and games for all ages
- Food and drink specials from Tysons restaurants and bars
- Giveaways and branded experiences throughout the series
- Family-friendly fan zones and communal viewing environments
This year’s COPA Tysons will also feature celebrations tied to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in conjunction with Fairfax 250, according to the TCA, which promotes community and economic development in Tysons.
COPA Tysons launched in 2024 with watch parties and other events connected to that year’s Copa America and UEFA Euro Cup tournaments. Last year’s centerpiece was a Soccer Fest with a community tournament open to adults.
