How Protecting Fans at World Cup Watch Parties is also Team Sport

Noticiero Móvil reporters spoke with law enforcement at San Pedro Square in San Jose, Calif. to ascertain how various city, county and private security teams attempt to protect the public in one of the most densely packed fans festivals in the Bay Area.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Pedro Square has become the place to be for watch parties for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and on Wednesday June 17, the Bay Area Host Committee organizers showcased that evening’s match-up between Colombia vs Uzbekistan.

While fans filled tables, waved flags, and cheered throughout the game, another team was carefully working behind the scenes to keep the event running safely: law enforcement.

The San Jose Police Department (SJPD) has multiple units assigned to the watch parties each day. Officers begin their shifts around 10 a.m. and remain on site until the final match ends, typically around 9 p.m.

Different divisions work together throughout the event including patrol officers, reserve officers, Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) officers conducting compliance checks, and members of San Jose MERGE, the department’s SWAT team.

SJPD Officer Johnny Marshall said the goal is to make sure everyone can enjoy the atmosphere safely.

“The majority of officers out here are from San Jose PD, however there are different task forces that have been out here,” he said. “The ABC cops were out here yesterday doing compliance checks with minors in possession of alcohol and that kind of stuff. I haven’t seen any today but … there’s some reservist officers over there who came to work.”

As thousands gather to watch matches from México, Canada and the U.S.A. in San Jose, officers are monitoring crowds, assisting visitors, and helping businesses throughout the square.

Marshall said one of the most rewarding parts of the assignment has been seeing the community come together through soccer.

“I think you could just take the population of San Jose, right? Opening day, team Mexico was playing, right? It was like a very large crowd and everyone’s very excited. And then you can see like today, also Colombia, there’s a lot of our population. Big supporters,” he said adding that , ”then it also depends on the time of the day, right? So, some of the early games on a weekday are less crowded, but we’ve had pretty pretty awesome weather. We see a lot of fans that are just coming out and just supporting every day.”

The support extends beyond national loyalties.

With different countries playing nearly every day, the crowds at San Pedro Square are constantly changing. Each match brings its own fan base, traditions, and atmosphere, creating a unique energy day after day.

Whether it’s families wearing team jerseys and singing chants, officers are tasked with managing a different crowd experience daily while maintaining a safe environment for everyone.

Marshall says one of the most interesting aspects of working the events has been watching soccer bring people together regardless of who they’re rooting for.

“Even though they’re maybe not from that country or ethnically not from that country, they’re just out here to support soccer and support each other,” Marshall said.

Watch parties offer a place for people to come together and experience the excitement of the World Cup. However, behind the scenes there is a team of officers working long hours to ensure the event remains safe and welcoming for everyone.

Written and prodiced by Janessa Arretche and Misha Fajayan