This past July, Don Julio (1942) partnered with the modern sports publication and newsletter, OffBall, and threw a day- party panel on Chelsea Pier 59 for a World Cup Final Celebration. The event was mainly to serve as a release party for their limited edition gold bottle, and a part of a wider takeover across New York City called “Port of Champions”.
The panel was hosted by OffBall founder Daniel-Yaw Miller, and the interviewees consisted of Issa Rae (insert) and two World Cup soccer players, Christina Press and Folarin Balogun. The layout was stunning, as the pier was decorated with a green turf-like carpet complete with large comfy sofas that guests rushed to claim; all while next to a completely decked-out Don Julio golden yacht.
Guests, ranging from reporters, journalists, assistants, and athletes, were greeted with a Don Julio cucumber margarita and socialized for about an hour, as luxurious finger food was passed around. Around 3:15, attendees were invited to sit down with Miller and listen to a wide-ranging conversation about sports equality, brand endorsement, and the panel participants’ most emotionally charged soccer memories.
Starting off with Issa Rae talking about her love of soccer and how that bleeds into her roles as a fan and an entrepreneur. U.S. Team player Balogun gushed about feeling the love from the United States as a player, and felt extremely thankful to be on a team that felt
OffBall x Don Julio World Cup 2026 Panel
The conversation shifted to a more progressive take from two-time Women’s World Cup champion Christian Press. As she delved into the importance of activism in sports and her own struggles of being a female soccer player
“A lot of us (players) had other jobs besides soccer that were used to make actual money; I knew girls who were making only 20k a year”.
Miller wrapped the panel up by grilling Rae, Balogun and Press about their final predictions on the World Cup final. Balogun hesitated, settling on Argentina, praising Messi as an indomitable force. Rae voiced that she is rooting for Spain and ultimately wants them to win, but is concerned that Argentina will take it. Press without hesitation pushes for Spain, praising them for their spirit.
This Panel Event was just the beginning of a large star-studded weekend. As the yacht parked next to the panel, the event hosted a surprise performance from Nas and had after-party attendees like Burna Boy and other U.S. athletes like Weston McKennie and Tim Weah.
More than a celebration of the World Cup Final, the afternoon reflected the growing intersection of sports, culture, and storytelling. Don Julio and OffBall created an event that felt just as much about the conversations surrounding the game as the match itself. Perfectly highlighting and encapsulating the playful yet intense energy of this World Cup.
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