Soccer's biggest event on Earth is back in the U.S. for the first time in 32 years, bringing 47 countries with it.

Why it matters: For one glorious month, fans around the world stop to watch one thing.

• Add in Lionel Messi's likely last dance, and even the most casual fan has reason to tune in.

By the numbers: The World Cup runs June 11–July 19 across 16 North American host cities.

Flashback: When the U.S. last hosted in 1994, the World Cup drew a record 3.58 million fans. With 40 more matches on the schedule this summer, that mark likely won't last much longer.

The intrigue: This World Cup looks different with a larger field, meaning a new round of 32 before the bracket reaches the round of 16.

State of play: The U.S. Men's National Team drew a manageable Group D with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. BetMGM gives the U.S. roughly a 2.4% chance of winning the trophy.

The favorites: Spain, France and England headline the sportsbooks, with five-time winner Brazil and reigning champ Argentina right behind. Norway is the buzzy dark horse.

The bottom line: For 39 days, the world's attention turns to one tournament. You don't need to be a soccer fan to feel it.

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For Springs soccer fans, the road to the World Cup won't start at kickoff — first, you've got to decide where to watch.

⚽️ The Brit Pub: This British-style watering hole offers imported ales, traditional pub fare and TVs throughout. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of fellow supporters.

📍 645 S. Sierra Madre St., Suite 100

⚽️ Trainwreck: This New South End hangout is going all in on the World Cup experience, with every match on its massive screens (with the sound on!) and drink specials to boot.

• Fans can watch indoors or outside, grab food, and settle in for what the bar is billing as "every goal, every save, every heart attack moment."

📍 812 S. Sierra Madre St.

⚽️ The Sportsbook Bar & Grill: With its more than 40 HDTVs and giant LED wall, you're not likely to have trouble seeing the game here. This locally owned Tejon Street spot features indoor and outdoor viewing areas in a sports-obsessed atmosphere.

📍 402 S. Tejon St.

⚽️ Jack Quinn's: Downtown's beloved Irish pub is rolling out a World Cup game plan of its own.

• Every match will be shown in the downstairs space, while the second- and third-group-stage U.S. men's national team games will get dedicated upstairs watch parties. The pub plans to open an hour before kickoff and will offer half-price appetizer specials during matches.
• If Team USA advances, Jack Quinn's says the watch parties will continue through the knockout rounds and, fingers crossed, all the way to the final.

📍 21 S. Tejon St.

⚽️ Urban Animal Beer Co.: Known for its quirky brews and community events, Urban Animal's downtown taproom is leaning into soccer season. The brewery's spacious setup and screens make it a natural gathering place for football fans.

📍 521 S. Tejon St.

🛋️ Want to watch from the comfort of your couch?

• Check out channels: Fox, FS1, Telemundo, Universo.
• Or streaming: Fox One, Peacock, DirecTV, Fubo and more.

🗳️ Primary ballots start getting mailed out today — and it's also the last day to change your party affiliation.

• Check your voter registration on the Secretary of State's website.

🎥 The Cinemark near South Carefree Circle and Powers Boulevard is getting a summertime glow-up — adding a new 70mm projector ahead of screenings of Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey." (KKTV)

✈️ Fourth Front Aviation has acquired the operations of Springs-based D&J Aviation, an avionics and special mission systems integrator at the airport.

• The deal expands Fourth Front's capabilities in aircraft maintenance, avionics upgrades, sensor integration, wildfire air attack and government aviation support. (Business Airport International)

Joe Wilkins III will soon see his life's work on the world's grandest sports stage.

Why it matters: Wilkins owns Littleton, Colorado-based Green Valley Turf Co., which is among the companies picked to supply turf for U.S. stadiums hosting the World Cup men's soccer tournament starting next month.

• After growing for at least a year, the company's turf was sent to stadiums in Atlanta, Dallas and Houston via a refrigerated truck, the Denver Business Journal reports.

The intrigue: A major reason why FIFA chose the company was its process, which involves growing turf on plastic, making grass playable almost immediately after installation.

What they're saying: "It's a little bit of a bigger deal, because we can't fail," Wilkins told DBJ in February.

What's next: The World Cup starts June 11 when co-host Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City. The first game in Atlanta is June 15 at noon, featuring Spain and Cabo Verde.

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