The Hype For Soccer In America Keeps Growing: An Unforgettable Showdown At SoFi Stadium For Arsenal vs. Barcelona

via BroBible

You know what’s a great text to get when you’re in a stadium from a friend that owns a sports bar?

“What channel is this match on?! I know you’re there!!! I need to put it on at the bar ASAP, people are asking about it!”

That’s exactly what happened to me before the showdown between Arsenal and Barcelona at SoFi Stadium, as part of the Soccer Champions Tour presented by DIRECTV.

I’m sitting pitchside courtesy of the folks from DIRECTV, snacking on some chicken fingers during warm-ups and my phone is blowing up with messaging from all my soccer-loving friends about how excited they are for the pre-season friendly match. I told him to put on ESPN+, pronto.

It’s a special thing when sports brings people together, and your friends can live vicariously through you during a bucket list experience, if just for an evening.

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Soccer is more popular than ever in America right now. In a poll last May, an impressive 8% of Americans said soccer is their favorite sport to watch. While that number might sound small, this means that over 26 million people are claiming they prefer the international version of football to the one with shoulder pads. That’s a massive generational jump from 2004, when the percentage was only 2%.  From 1937 to 1972, two or three generations ago, the percentage was a mere 0.5%.

 

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It’s a beautiful thing that the beautiful game is finally getting the recognition and following it deserves. Like millions of other 80s babies and 90s kids, I (very, very poorly!) played youth soccer growing up and the emotional respect for the sport at the highest levels is starting to pay off as we mature into adulthood.

At SoFi Stadium, I learned what makes the Soccer Champions Tour presented by DIRECTV so freaking’ special. Not just for European soccer fans in the United States or their fans abroad who traveled stateside on holiday to check out their club – for sports fans as a whole.

Arsenal won in a battle that was tied 2-2 at the half, dominating play in the final 45 minutes. It was an epic night. I can’t wait to do it again.

Whether it’s this year or next summer when it comes back to the States, you have to get yourself to a match when the Soccer Champions Tour presented by DIRECTV rolls around. Here’s why:

An unparalleled matchday atmosphere

When you bring some of the best football clubs in the world to some of the best stadiums in the world, like the great modern thunder domes we have here in the United States, sparks fly.

From the second you walk towards the gate to the final whistle, it’s an unparalleled soccer atmosphere without needing to travel to Europe. Fan are loud and the revelry is strong. Stadiums like SoFi, AT&T Stadium, and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas are a thrilling environment for a match day at its grandest scale.

Barcelona and Arsenal show up in a big way. It’s loud and electrifying from start to finish, while also being vibrant and community-based, encapsulating everything great about soccer.

The intensity of European soccer on American soil

It’s just a fact that the best soccer talent in the world ship off to Europe to play professionally. That’s why bringing those organizations to the States is so exciting – We don’t have to get our passports punched to witness that kind of performance live. Plus, in the case of Arsenal in Los Angeles, they still play with the intensity you’d expect from the regular season.

I’ve been to a couple of friendlies before. I’ve always walked away a somewhat underwhelmed since the teams usually save the gas for when it matters the most and a championship is on the line. But Arsenal and Barcelona at SOFI was legendary. Heck, even Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez admitted after the match he was “surprised” by Arsenal’s ‘intensity and their tactical fouling.’

“Everyone wants to compete, but it is a friendly. They were playing with another level of intensity. We took it seriously but the main reason [for losing] was the difference in rhythm and match sharpness.”

He even said it was “a little much” playing in front of 70,000 screaming fans after the team’s first match back after an illness.

 

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It was a scrappy, physical match with lots of fireworks, including missed penalty kicks and chippy fouls going each way. Robert Lewandowski scored for Barcelona in the first 10 minutes, but then Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and a brace from Leandro Trossard sealed the deal for Arsenal. Fans left SoFI singing the Gunners’ new anthem at the top of their lungs with a 5-3 win.

It’s a great group hang 

I’m sure I’m not the only person with a friend group who’s gone all-in on soccer watch parties. Here in Los Angeles, my group of fantasy football friends regularly congregates for big Premiere League, LaLiga, or Serie A matches, scarves and all, at our buddy’s aforementioned sports bar.

Related: BroBible’s Guide To Picking A Premier League Team

A watch party is great, but there’s nothing like experiencing footy live. Soccer Champions Tour presented by DIRECTV just makes the excitement more accessible, which means it’s the perfect setting for a group to hang with friends and enjoy a match IRL. It just makes the stars, story lines, and trash talking all the more exciting.

Soccer Champions Tour is the perfect group backdrop for bachelor parties, dadchelor parties, birthdays, and anything else that warrants a celebratory bucket list trip with your favorite people to see your favorite club. Like a true supporter, you’ll walk away with memories that will last a lifetime.

It’s a taste of what’s to come in the United States in Summer 2026

Maybe you heard? There’s a pretty big tournament coming to United States. While walking out of SoFi Stadium after the match, all I could think about is how electric that sports moment is going to be in three years, when the United States hosts the biggest stage in soccer sports. It gives me chills just thinking about it.

The moments that are bigger than sports

Before the ball dropped at SoFI Stadium, both Arsenal and Barcelona took the field at SoFI holding the hands of children from the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House. It was a heart-melting moment to start the match, with 70,000 screaming soccer fans cheering them on with a standing applause. It’s a testament to the character and sportsmanship these great organizations have, as well as their determination to be ambassadors for something greater than just a win or a trophy. I can’t imagine the joy those children felt in that moment – all so very deserved. It’s something that everyone who got to witness will remember for ever.

Some things are just bigger than sports. These beautiful moments are really what make it the beautiful game.

 

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That’s about it, folks. It’s impossible to not have a great time when you attend a soccer match of the higest caliber. Do yourself a favor and grab tickets to a Soccer Champions Tour match presented by DIRECTV while you can. Or tune-in for a match at home. Trust me; nothing beats experiencing live soccer action firsthand.