The USA hosts the World Cup for the first time since 1994 this summer and it’s only a few weeks away. Whether you're planning a neighborhood watch party or just want to make this summer special for the kids, your backyard has a big role to play. This is your guide to setting up the perfect outdoor space for the biggest soccer event in American history.

We've split this into two parts: how to set up for watching the games, and how to set up for playing them. Because the best soccer memories involve both.

Setting Up Your Backyard for Match Days

Get a screen outside if you can - A projector and a white sheet, or an outdoor TV, takes the viewing experience to a whole new level. The USMNT's games are played in the afternoon or early evening US time, which means you can set up in the shade, have the grill going, and watch soccer under the sky.

Comfortable seating matters more than you think - Folding chairs and blankets are fine for 90 minutes, but if you're watching multiple games in a day, invest in some proper outdoor seating. Your back will thank you by the quarterfinals.

Food station - Halftime is 15 minutes. Have snacks ready to go. Keep it simple: finger food, cold drinks, and something the kids can grab without any fuss.

Setting Up for Playing: The Backyard Training Ground

Kids who watch soccer want to play soccer. Those incredible  goals they see on screen become something they want to try in the backyard. That's the beautiful game right there. And the right setup channels that energy into something they'll remember all summer.

A proper goal - A sturdy QUICKPLAY goal is the starting point. Pegged into the grass or with rubber feet on a hard surface, it stays put during real-deal shooting sessions. 

A rebounder for solo practice - Halftime is 15 minutes. A rebounder gives any kid a full workout in that window. They kick, it comes back, they kick again. Like a training partner, the rebounder will pass the ball back like a one-two setup. It's the single best piece of kit for keeping practice sessions going without constant supervision.

Cones for drills - A set of marker cones transforms any flat surface into a dribbling course, a shooting channel, or a mini obstacle course. Cheap, effective, and kids genuinely enjoy setting them up themselves.

Finishing targets - Clip these to the corners of the goal and suddenly every shot has a purpose. Top-left corner? Five points. Top-right? Five points. Anywhere else? One point. That game will keep a group of kids occupied for an entire halftime. Make sure to get one that fits your choice of backyard soccer goal.

KICKSTER Target Hoops

A Halftime Game the Whole Neighborhood Will Want to Join

Try this for your next watch party: set up two goals facing each other in the backyard. Split the kids into two teams. First to five goals wins the halftime trophy. When the whistle blows for the second half, the game pauses - and everyone piles back inside.

It sounds simple because it is. But there is something about a major tournament summer, warm evenings, and a proper goal that makes even a simple kickabout feel like a big deal. The kids will talk about it for years.

What to Get Before USA vs Paraguay on June 12

Order early. Shipping takes a few days, and you don't want to be putting goals together the night before the opener.

The USMNT have a real chance to advance from their World Cup group this summer. They have the talent, the home advantage, and a country that is ready to show its love for soccer. Give your family the setup to be part of it, not just on the couch, but out in the backyard, playing the game.

Shop the QUICKPLAY goals collection and build your backyard setup before the big kickoff.