Chicago's World Cup Viewing Party Moved to Soldier Field

Cheering on the U.S. Men's National Team in the World Cup has become so popular in Chicago that officials are moving it from Grant Park to Soldier Field.

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced it will host a World Cup viewing party when the U.S. takes on Belgium in the round of 16 match at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 1.

From the U.S. Soccer Federation news release:

Stadium gates open at 1:30 p.m. and admission to the stadium is free. Regular Soldier Field parking rates apply.

The viewing party will feature ESPN’s live feed of the match displayed on the north end zone video board. Fans will have access to watch the game on the field and in the stands.

U.S. Soccer merchandise, along with food, soft drinks, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase at the stadium.

The Round of 16 match against Belgium will take place at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil. Belgium finished first in Group H with nine points from three wins.

The USA is 1-4-0 all-time against Belgium, but the teams are not total strangers in World Cup play. The first meeting between the countries came at the 1930 FIFA World Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay, a 3-0 USA victory in the first World Cup match for the United States.

The most recent meeting between the U.S. and Belgium was a 4-2 loss on May 29, 2013, in Cleveland, Ohio. Geoff Cameron and Clint Dempsey scored the U.S. goals in that game. Belgium is ranked No. 11 in the most recent FIFA World Rankings and the USA is No. 13.

On July 2, 1994 – almost 20 years ago this Tuesday – Germany defeated Belgium 3-2 at Soldier Field to advance to the quarterfinals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The match featured a goal by U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.