Written by Colin McEvoy | June 12, 2026 | SHARE
Students from around the world gathered at Lehigh's Global Union to watch the FIFA World Cup and connect with fellow students during a summer watch party hosted by OISS.
Students from around the world gathered at Lehigh University on Thursday to watch the opening match of the FIFA World Cup and connect with fellow students during a viewing party hosted by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
“It’s a nice chance to take a break from research and actually do something and be involved with students and other Lehigh community members,” said Kevin Ayllon, who wore a Mexico kit while watching the game. “It’s a good way to connect with people who stayed on campus for the summer.”
More than 50 people gathered at the Global Union on Coxe Hall to watch as Mexico defeated South Africa 2–0 in the opening match on June 11. Ayllon, an accounting and finance major entering his sophomore year, said he roots for Mexico during the World Cup because of his family's Mexican heritage.
OISS will host regular World Cup watch parties through July 19, allowing students to watch any match in the Global Union. It also plans a Philadelphia FIFA Fan Festival trip on June 13. For more information about this and other summer activities, visit here.
“This is one of my favorite events because it brings people together through something that is truly global,” said Goldman, Assistant Director of International Student Engagement at Lehigh. “The World Cup gives students from different countries and backgrounds a chance to connect, share their traditions and build community on campus.”
OISS supports Lehigh's international community through advising, programming, and events that help students build connections, engage with campus life, and share their cultures with the broader university community.
Shohruh Komiljonov, an international student from Uzbekistan finishing his MBA at Lehigh, was among the attendees on June 11. He strongly supports his home country during each World Cup, and plans to travel to Atlanta later this month to watch Uzbekistan play the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“I’m looking forward to watching more matches here at Lehigh, as well,” Komiljonov said. “It’s a nice community. Everyone here is enjoying it.”
Osod Odaniezaev, a computer science and business major, said he appreciated having a place to watch the match on campus with other fans while many students are away for the summer.
“Especially somewhere like this with air conditioning and free pizza,” he added.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The knockout stage begins June 28, and the tournament concludes with the championship match on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.