San Pedro’s Croatian community gathers for World Cup watch party

Checkerboard apparel was everywhere at the Croatian American Hall in San Pedro on Wednesday, June 17.

That’s because the hall, on Ninth Street, was packed with soccer fans who gathered there to watch Croatia — whose iconic jerseys are inspired by the red-and-blue checkerboard crest that’s in the middle of the country’s flag — face off against England in their 2026 World Cup opener on Wednesday afternoon. The crowd shouted, cheered and lamented, and roared their emotions during the watch party. The match between Croatia and England — back-to-back World Cup semifinalists against one of this year’s favorites — was the marquee match in Group L.

And it didn’t disappoint — except, for San Pedro’s Croatian community, the result.

The first half was particularly high-octane, with Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina with a brilliant strike from outside the box in the 36th minute after striker Harry Kane gave England the initial lead with a penalty kick in the 12th minute. The two teams traded goals again before halftime.

But then England’s depth of attacking talent overwhelmed Croatia during the second 45 minutes.

At the end, the match was a six-goal thriller — but England took all three points with a 4-2 win.

The game, which was played at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, drew an enthusiastic and often loud crowd of stalwart soccer fans in the port town to watch it all live from the main bar at the local gathering spot. The free watch party also included an optional buffet lunch for purchase and a no-host bar.

And despite the loss, Croatia put in a valiant effort to mount another comeback after England’s third goal — though the Three Lions sealed the match with their fourth goal in the 85th minute.

Still, it was that grit and determination that spurred Croatia to the semifinals during the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Now, Croatia, a small-but-proud soccer nation, will turn their attention to Ghana, who they will play in Philadelphia on June 27.

And you can bet San Pedro’s Croatian community will be watching.

That’s because San Pedro has long been identified by its large Croatian American population, which migrated to the coastal town when the port’s commercial fishing industry was booming.

Underscoring the size of the community is that the Croatian Hall wasn’t the only place in San Pedro to hold a watch party. The Dalmatian American Hall, 1639 S. Palos Verdes St., also held a viewing party in that two-story building, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. San Pedro’s Dalmatian-American Club was founded by immigrants from the Dalmatian coast who settled in the little seaside town.

Looking ahead following this year’s World Cup excitement, meanwhile, San Pedro’s Croatian community will see more activity in two years.

A cultural hub known as the Croatia House will come to San Pedro during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Los Angeles Councilmember Tim McOsker announced late in 2025.

Olympic Houses serve as hospitality and cultural venues set up by participating countries in host cities during the Games. The sites may also include live event broadcasts, athlete meet-and-greets and traditional food, among other activities.