By Roselle Mitch Gabinete, BA Comm-4, Centralian Link Intern

Attendees celebrate as Spain scores in the FIFA World Cup Finals Watch Party hosted by CPU.

The Central Philippine University (CPU), in partnership with the US Embassy American Corner-Iloilo, hosted a watch party for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals on July 20 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park, drawing around 500 attendees to witness the championship match between Argentina and Spain.

CPU opened Gate 2 at 2:30 a.m. to welcome attendees, including faculty members, staff, students, and football enthusiasts, who eagerly gathered to witness the crowning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup champion.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy welcomed the crowd, acknowledging the unusual early morning schedule while emphasizing the university’s commitment to providing a safe environment for the Centralian community. He also expressed his appreciation to everyone who made the event possible and shared the university’s goal of promoting football on campus and throughout the region.

The event was also supported by Brewed Coffee from Nook of Eli, which provided coffee for attendees during the watch party.

The watch party highlighted the university’s continuing efforts to foster community engagement by bringing Centralians together through international sporting events.