Alexandria Welcomes Team Croatia With Waterfront World Cup Celebration

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria took another step onto the world stage Saturday as residents, visitors, and soccer fans gathered at Waterfront Park to celebrate the Croatian National Football Team’s decision to make the city its base of operations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The free public event, officially titled “Flavors & Sounds of Croatia – Alexandria,” was held June 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Old Town’s Waterfront Park. The celebration highlighted the growing partnership between Alexandria and Croatia as the city prepares to host one of international soccer’s most recognizable teams during this summer’s tournament.

The Croatian National Team selected Alexandria as its base of operations earlier this year. Players will stay at Hotel AKA in Old Town and conduct practices and workouts at Episcopal High School during the World Cup.

City officials and tourism leaders have said the partnership could bring increased international attention to Alexandria during the tournament.

Croatia’s selection of Alexandria as its World Cup base camp places the city among a small group of communities connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026, one of the world’s largest sporting events.

City leaders have said the partnership could create opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism, and economic development long after the tournament concludes. In fact, Alexandria City Manager James Parajon opened the festivities by emphasizing the significance of the partnership.

“What started out as, really, an individual conversation about a sporting event, and the World Cup, has really turned into a partnership related to cultural exchange, and economic development, and opportunities that are going to far surpass a single event, and a single summer,” Parajon said.

Old Town residents, visitors, families, and soccer fans alike came together on a sunny evening to celebrate Croatian culture along the Potomac waterfront.

Jerseys bearing the name of Croatian star midfielder Luka Modrić were a common sight throughout the crowd. Many guests brought their own soccer balls, with open pickup games popping up throughout the event.

The sound of live music echoed across the river as performers showcased traditional Croatian music and dance. The entertainment lineup included Muška klapa Podvorje, a Croatian a cappella group, as well as an authentic Croatian Tamburitza Band featuring traditional folk dancing and colorful costumes.

Guests were also treated to a variety of food offerings throughout the evening. Traditional Croatian dishes were available alongside selections from several food trucks, many of them local to the Alexandria area.

Ambassador of Croatia to the United States, Pjer Šimunović, addressed the crowd, expressing optimism about the developing relationship between Alexandria and Croatia.

“We love being here, we are so proud that our team has chosen Alexandria as its home base…we are already extremely glad and happy to see that our team choosing Alexandria has already forged a beautiful friendship between us and the city of Alexandria,” Šimunović said.

Soccer enthusiasts turned out in force for the celebration, with jerseys bearing the name of Croatian star midfielder Luka Modrić appearing throughout the crowd. Guests of all ages joined in the festivities, with informal pickup soccer games breaking out around the park as children and fans kicked soccer balls across the waterfront lawn.

The event served as one of the first major public celebrations of Alexandria’s partnership with Croatia ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which begins June 11 and will be played across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Croatia opens group play against England on Wednesday, June 17, at 4 p.m. ET.