local
Young athletes from all over compete in the USA Cup in Blaine
By Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield at WCCO / CBS News Minnesota (CBS)
· July 18, 2026
· 2 min read
As the world's best soccer-playing adults battle it out in New York for the World Cup. Their juniors are slugging it out in Minnesota for the USA Cup. Attendees all have their loyalties. The 11U team chanted, "Costa Rica! Costa Rica, Costa Rica." Players are also loyal to their geography, as one ...
Key takeaway " Players are also loyal to their geography, as one young player said, "Minnesota is good, but I prefer Costa Rica.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The USA Cup in Blaine brings a unique opportunity for Minneapolis -area residents to experience global soccer culture without leaving the state. With teams from 20 countries participating, the tournament showcases diverse playing styles and fosters connections between young athletes from different backgrounds. For local families like the Thorsnesses, hosting international teams is a chance to learn about different cultures and build relationships that extend beyond the soccer field. The tournament's presence in the Twin Cities also highlights the region's ability to attract and accommodate large-scale international events, which can have a positive impact on local businesses and economy. As the tournament concludes, Minneapolis residents can take pride in their community's role in promoting global understanding and sportsmanship among young athletes, and look forward to potential future events that bring the world to their doorstep. The USA Cup's success in Blaine demonstrates the Twin Cities' capacity to host high-profile international competitions.
About this story
Original reporting by WCCO / CBS News Minnesota (CBS) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WCCO / CBS News Minnesota (CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: WCCO / CBS News Minnesota (CBS) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As the world's best soccer-playing adults battle it out in New York for the World Cup. Their juniors are slugging it out in Minnesota for the USA Cup. Attendees all have their loyalties. The 11U team chanted, "Costa Rica! Costa Rica, Costa Rica." Players are also loyal to their geography, as one ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by WCCO / CBS News Minnesota (CBS) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield at WCCO / CBS News Minnesota (CBS). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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