SF’s World Cup Semi-Finals Watch Party & Refugee Soccer Fundraiser (Dec. 13-14)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Grab your international/soccer-loving/changemaking friends, family and colleagues, escape the office or house for a couple of hours and join us to watch the world’s biggest sporting event among our global community.

During the 1998 World Cup, amid political tensions, the US Men’s National Team met Iran on the soccer field. And, despite losing the match 2-1, US defender Jeff Agoos said afterward that players “did more in 90 minutes than the politicians did in 20 years.”

Fast forward to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar: once again geopolitical stakes have been attached to the games. From criticisms of Qatar’s human rights record and treatment of migrant workers who built World Cup infrastructure, to demonstrations in support of, Iranian women, LGBTQ rights and more, this event has reflected the world’s conflicts. Yet, despite the collision of geopolitics and sports, FIFA estimates that 5 billion fans are tuning into the games, proving the power of soccer to surpass borders and unite peoples on a global stage.

In celebration of the positive power of sport, and in support of Uganda’s Naki Football Academy, we are thrilled to invite you to watch both semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in-person at World Affairs on Tuesday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 14 at 11:00 AM PT.

Earlier this year, World Affairs members and supporters connected with Naki Football Academy coaches and players via our Portal Series. The club – founded in Africa’s oldest refugee settlement and home to players from nine of Uganda’s neighboring African countries – know finding something in common can help build more empowered, diverse communities. The cross-continent exchange was an energizing experience as folks in Uganda and here in San Francisco shared about the role of sport and culture to bridge diverse communities. World Affairs participants left feeling a real bond and sense of commitment to supporting our new friends in their important work of building community, developing young players’ skills – on and off the field – and creating belonging that extends beyond the team.

Please consider donating to the Naki Football Academy to help them purchase everything from shoes to soccer balls and show solidarity with their team.

Light snacks will be served – and you can also order your lunch from our partner restaurant E&O to enjoy during the game. Please RSVP for this free event so we can plan!

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.