In Photos: Harvard Square Welcomes World Cup Watch Party

undreds of soccer enthusiasts spilled into Harvard Square on June 16 to watch the 2026 World Cup group-stage match between Iraq and Norway. Hosted by the City of Cambridge, the event marked the second of seven free outdoor screenings the city has planned for the summer — one for each World Cup match taking place less than 25 miles away at Boston Stadium.

At the event, various local restaurants and vendors lined Church and Brattle Streets. Several stands featured the cuisines of this year’s World Cup participants, including one offering complementary Iraqi-inspired eats.

As the players walked onto the field for the opening ceremony, attendees settled in to watch the match. Norway last played in the World Cup in 1998, while Iraq qualified for the second time under the expanded tournament field this year.

Fans sported a range of attire, including one jersey representing Sykkylven IL, a team that plays in the fifth tier of the Norwegian football system.

New England Revolution mascot Slyde the Fox pointed to the Norwegian flag in celebration after Norway striker and Manchester City star Erling Haaland scored the first goal of the game 29 minutes into the first half.

The crowd erupted when Iraq captain Aymen Hussein scored a header off a counterattack ten minutes after Norway’s first goal. It took less than five minutes for Norway to respond — Haaland scored his second goal, reclaiming Norway’s 2-1 lead as the Norway fans in the crowd emphatically celebrated.

As the game neared halftime, some fans chose to secure a prime viewing spot, moving to sit on picnic blankets in the front row. Norway went on to win the match in the second half with a commanding 4-1 victory.

After the match, fans celebrated with a musical performance from the Dirty Water Brass Band — which included a rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go” — and a World Cup-themed act from the Pinewoods Morris Men, a New England folk dancing group.

Cambridge will continue to bring the games to venues across the city, including Central Square and Kendall Square, until the final match held at Boston Stadium on July 9.