Oakland's World Cup moment — and the Mount Rushmore of Oakland sports

The Australian men's national soccer team — the Socceroos — are calling Oakland home for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, training at the Oakland Roots and Soul facility in Alameda. Oaklandside freelance sports reporter Anne Marks tells us what that means for the city, how Oakland is welcoming fans from around the world, and what local restaurants are doing to celebrate.Then: who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Oakland sports? Anne asked mayors, coaches, journalists, team executives, and historians — and got some great answers and some great arguments.Plus: Barbara Lee launches her re-election campaign, new data on Oakland's Flock surveillance cameras, a deadly crash in Fruitvale, turmoil at a homeless services nonprofit, Oakland Carnival, and new food openings.Find all these stories and more at oaklandside.org. Have feedback or story ideas? Email us at [email protected].