LEXINGTON, Ky. — Mayor Linda Gorton announced that the city will host a free, family-friendly watch party for Team USA's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match on Wednesday, July 1, at the historic Kentucky Theatre in downtown Lexington.

The event will be held at the Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St., with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the match beginning at 8 p.m. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The watch party is a partnership between the city, FOX 56, and the theater.

"Lexington is a city that loves sports, and loves coming together to celebrate," Gorton said. "We are excited to partner with FOX 56 and the Kentucky Theatre to create an experience that invites Lexington residents to participate in the excitement of the World Cup."

The match comes as the city kicks off its Fourth of July celebration. "What's more patriotic than cheering on Team USA?" Gorton added. Team USA will face a third-place team from the group stage in the Round of 32, which will be played at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Members of the Lexington Sporting Club's soccer teams will attend to meet fans and celebrate Team USA's World Cup run. The Lexington Sporting Club women recently won the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Championship in May, defeating Carolina Ascent FC 3-1. The club will be selling USA-themed merchandise and offering fans free photo opportunities with the women's championship trophy.

The Kentucky Theatre, which opened in 1922, is one of Lexington's most iconic landmarks. One of a few remaining movie palaces in the United States, the historic venue has a long tradition of bringing the community together through shared entertainment and events.