Detroit isn't hosting any World Cup matches, but the city is ready to show out by the thousands at watch parties from Campus Martius to Mexicantown.

Why it matters: The global spectacle begins tomorrow afternoon, when Mexico opens the tournament against South Africa.

• Canada, Mexico and the U.S. co-host the 2026 men's tournament, which includes 104 matches through July 19.

Driving the news: USA and Paraguay kick off at 9pm Friday. DCFC has already distributed more than 2,000 tickets for a World Cup watch party at Campus Martius, signaling strong demand for public viewing events, Abi Varghese, DCFC's partnership development director, tells Axios.

• "We're Detroit's soccer team, and we want to take initiative and host these watch parties."

The big picture: The turnout reflects soccer's growing popularity in Detroit, where DCFC has cultivated a passionate fanbase, and immigrant communities across the metro bring their own World Cup traditions.

Zoom in: Friday's event is one of a half-dozen watch parties that DCFC has planned for group stage matches involving USA and Mexico.

• June 11, 18 and 24: Mexico watch parties at Los Galanes in Southwest Detroit.
• June 12 and 19: USA watch parties at Campus Martius.
• June 25: USA watch party at Detroit City Fieldhouse.

If you go: The all-age parties are free, but organizers say fans should arrive early.

• Tickets must be claimed in advance for the Campus Martius parties. Tickets do not guarantee entry once venues reach a capacity around 4,000.

How to watch: Games will be broadcast in English on FOX, FS1, and the FOX One app.

• Telemundo will air Spanish-language broadcasts in the U.S., and will air games on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app.
• Tubi will show the opening game between Mexico and South Africa tomorrow and the U.S. men's national team showdown against Paraguay on Friday.

The big picture: Fans looking beyond DCFC's watch parties will find World Cup coverage across Detroit, including McShane's Irish Pub and The Old Shillelagh near downtown, El Nacimiento Mexican Restaurant and Candela Detroit in Southwest and Harry's near LCA.

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Welcome back to our regular city government update!

💼 Job moves: The city is working on selecting a new leader for its Planning and Development Department that shepherds the city's physical growth across neighborhoods.

• "[Mayor Mary Sheffield] has a really robust planning process, neighborhood by neighborhood, throughout her first four years," chief of staff David Bowser told Axios early last month, adding that the city needs "an individual to come in and take on that scope."
• Previous planning director Alexa Bush has rejoined the Kresge Foundation as a program officer, though she has also remained on in an advisor capacity with the city, per a city spokesperson.

Plus, the influential Downtown Development Authority, which captures some downtown property taxes, continues to fill out its governing board.

• The latest nominee is Jared Fleisher, CEO of Dan Gilbert's real estate firm, Bedrock.

💵 Mayors' money: Sheffield recently appeared on a Business Insider list ranking U.S. big-city mayors by salary.

• Sheffield's starting mayoral salary as of January is $224,573, per BridgeDetroit.
• Others on the BI list include Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson ($221,052), Boston Mayor Michelle Wu ($250,000) and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani ($258,750).
• San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie topped the list with $393,097 as of 2024.

🏫 Detroit Public Schools Community District will hold a public meeting tonight to hear concerns about plans to demolish the former Cooley High School building. (Chalkbeat)

⛔ Flint City Council passed a one-year moratorium on new data centers. Officials say they'll use the time to better understand their impact. (Crain's 🔒)

🐟 Michigan's annual 2026 Eat Safe Fish Guides are here, with recommendations based on chemical levels found in fish across the state. The guides recommend limiting consumption of Detroit River carp, catfish and white (silver) bass. (Detroit News)

Blood donation groups' needs increase during the summer — so Sunday's World Blood Donor Day may be the time to roll up your sleeve.

Why it matters: In the hot months, demand for blood goes up as more accidents occur, while donations fall with high-school and college-student donors taking a hiatus, C&G Newspapers reported.

Zoom in: Find Michigan blood donor locations and events by ZIP code hosted by Versiti.

• The American Red Cross also provides a searchable database of blood drives, as well as an app.
• Or, if it's more convenient, give blood at local Ford dealerships — dates and locations here.

Tips for donating:

🍎 Eat and hydrate.

💊 Consider iron supplements. This helps if you're a frequent donor or menstruating. Iron makes hemoglobin, and if yours is too low, you may be turned away.

💪 Wear something baggy. You need to access the bend of your arm.

🚗 Explore a new place — pair your donation with a day trip or fun dinner out.

🏆 Check for promos, gift cards and raffles.

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This summer's Rocket Classic will be the last, as Dan Gilbert's Rocket Companies has ended its sponsorship of the city's annual PGA Tour event, per the Detroit News.

Why it matters: Some of the world's best golfers have come through Detroit since the Rocket Classic arrived in 2019.

Yes, but: The field of players has underwhelmed in recent years while attendance has slumped.

What they're saying: "When we launched the Rocket Classic, our mission was to shine a national spotlight on Detroit. That mission has been accomplished," tournament director Mark Hollis told the News.

What's next: The Rocket Classic is July 30-Aug. 2 at Detroit Golf Club.

• Tickets