It’s been 32 years since the World Cup has been hosted in this country—and the American pride is reaching fever pitch. While watch parties have been popping up all over the city, the biggest kickoff bash by far was one specific party: literally titled The One Party, hosted by Uber.
Downtown at Manhattan’s Pier 36, the green carpet was rolled out—with a sprawling stretch of turf resembling a soccer pitch installed to welcome guests. Uber One insignias hung from the rafters and staff wearing custom jerseys ushered the influx of familiar faces through the step-and-repeat.
As the crowd watched the likes of Este Haim, Grace Gummer, and Lindsay Lohan pose upon arrival, they noshed on bite-sized favorites like tiny Sarge’s deli sandwiches, mini bodega-style bacon, egg, and cheeses, Mark’s Off Madison’s hotdogs, Mimi Cheng’s famous dumplings, and snacks by Aldi.
Amidst the cameras clicking, cocktails, and canapé consumption, the resounding love of sport echoed through the room. Ashlyn Harris, the former U.S. Women’s National Team’s goalkeeper, wore a bold Team USA jersey. “I think the most universal language is football, right? No matter where you come from, what walk of life you are, football brings people together,” Harris told Vogue. “It’s a moment of connection and joy for the love of the game, and that’s why we do it. We need lightness right now more than ever. And I’m really hopeful that this World Cup will bring that.”
Next to her, Sophia Bush—proudly repping an American flag-inspired hat from the Siegelman Stable x New York or Nowhere’s U.S. Soccer collaboration—chimed in. “I, for one, will say, as the non-athlete, asthmatic, theater child in our home, who is a die-hard sports fan, I’m just really hoping that that our men tonight get a sprinkle of the magical New York Knicks pixie dust.”
Russell Wilson and Ciara soon strode down the turf; poised, polished, and perfectly in sync. The duo have more skin in the game than most. “We’re owners of the Seattle Sounders, so Ciara, myself, and the rest of the team were able to really push getting the World Cup to Seattle. We did, and now Ciara’s doing the coin toss,” the NFL quarterback said, gesturing to his superstar other-half, who’s been practicing. She laughed in response, “I was like ‘Babe, is my thumb down too far?’ And he’s like ‘Yeah, you need to adjust that.’”
As the beats of Ronson’s set faded, the stage dimmed, and Backstreet Boys stepped out for their moment. Immediately, hoots and hollers erupted, and the nostalgic energy gave the party exactly what it wanted: throwback hit after hit after hit. Clearly, having one of the most-loved boy bands kicking off a milestone moment in American history was the right decision. And it was who else but Andy Cohen to sum up the evening perfectly: “I’m rooting for the U.S. because I love my country.”
