Next World Cup 2014 US soccer viewing party moves to Soldier Field

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Soldier Field will be packed Tuesday afternoon, serving as the site for the next World Cup watch party.

Team USA takes on Belgium at 3 p.m. The game will be shown on the stadium's Jumbotron. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. Fans can gather on the field - or in the stands - and beer, soda and Team USA merchandise will be sold at the event.

The Grant Park watch parties drew an average of 20,000 people. At least that many are expected for the party at Soldier Field, which has a capacity of more than 60,000. U.S. Soccer says it wanted a safe, spacious location for the fans.

"We've been blown away by the support. The team in Brazil notices what's going on and it helps them succeed," said Mike Gressle, U.S. Soccer.

"The last time I was in The States was eight years ago, when it was also the World Cup. And you couldn't watch it anywhere," said Portugal fan Andreas Schwiertz.

Also watching the World Cup is Team France supporter Marc Brice. He's supporting the U.S. Tuesday but says Belgium is a tough team to beat.

"I'm going to watch the American game here as well, but don't tell my boss 'cause I'm working," Brice said Monday while watching another game at Fado Irish Pub in River North.

For those who are going to Soldier Field, many normal security measures will apply. Tailgating is permitted outside, but no food nor drinks are allowed inside where concessions are sold.

Admission to Soldier Field is free. Regular Soldier Field parking rates apply. The viewing party will feature ESPN's live feed of the match displayed on the north end zone video board. Fans will have access to watch the game on the field and in the stands.

Team USA is in Salvador, Brazil, getting ready for the match against Belgium. From here on - it's win or go home. The Round of 16 match against Belgium will take place at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. Belgium finished first in Group H with nine points from three wins. The USA is 1-4-0 all-time vs. Belgium, but the teams are not total strangers in World Cup play. The first meeting between the countries came at the 1930 FIFA World Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay, a 3-0 victory for the Americans in the first-ever World Cup match for the United States.

The most recent meeting between the U.S. and Belgium was a 4-2 loss on May 29, 2013, in Cleveland, Ohio. Geoff Cameron and Clint Dempsey scored the U.S. goals in that game. Belgium is ranked 11th in the last FIFA World Rankings and the USA is 13th.

On July 2, 1994 - almost 20 years ago this Tuesday - Germany defeated Belgium 3-2 at Soldier Field to advance to the quarterfinals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The match featured a goal by U.S. Men's National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.