**Local Mother-Daughter Duo Experience World Cup Magic in Atlanta**
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Bailey DeWitt, a 10-year-old budding soccer player, and her mother, Susanna, found themselves at the heart of the action during the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. Their dream became a reality when they won pitchside tickets through a contest, allowing them to witness the highly anticipated match between Spain and Cape Verde on June 15, surrounded by a jubilant crowd of over 67,000 fans.
For Bailey, being just a few feet away from some of the world’s most talented athletes was a surreal experience. “Her dream is to play professional soccer and to be that close to some of the best players in the world… it inspired her to strive for that one day,” Susanna shared, reflecting on the impact of the event on her daughter.
Bailey’s love for soccer was kindled at an early age when she began playing for a local club in Georgia at just three years old. Susanna, who initially played softball, has developed a deep passion for the sport alongside her daughter. The bond over soccer has been a significant part of their family life, with Bailey’s father also having a history in the game, having played at the collegiate level.
At the tournament, Bailey enjoyed the thrill of playing the wing-back position, which involves both defensive and offensive duties. “I get to be part of something that’s bigger than me,” she expressed, emphasising her connection to the sport and the camaraderie it fosters.
The journey to the World Cup match began when Susanna checked her My Verizon app earlier this year, discovering an opportunity related to American defender Gisele Thompson. After watching Thompson play against Paraguay just days prior, Susanna knew it would be a fantastic experience for Bailey. With a 14-minute countdown to enter the contest, excitement mounted, and ultimately, she won the coveted pitchside tickets.
The moment they received the call from Thompson to inform them of their win was one Bailey would not forget. “We were just so thrilled for the opportunity to speak with a pro soccer player who plays for the U.S. Women’s National Team,” Susanna recounted. Eager and full of questions, Bailey had prepared nearly 21 inquiries to ask the young defender.
Once they arrived at Atlanta Stadium for the match, the atmosphere was electric. As Bailey put it, “It was big and really loud,” capturing the vibrant energy that permeated the stadium. The match itself ended in a tense 0-0 draw, with Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, Vozinha, making an impressive seven saves throughout the contest, and the duo enjoyed every moment of the action.
What stood out to Bailey most about this once-in-a-lifetime experience was sharing it with her mother. “That was a core memory,” Susanna added, reflecting on the importance of the day and the experiences they shared together.
As the World Cup progresses, Cape Verde has made its mark on the tournament, notably placing second in Group H. They faced a challenging knockout round against Argentina on July 3, where they nearly achieved an upset before losing 3-2 in extra time, thanks to a deflected goal from Lionel Messi’s corner kick.
Spain, on the other hand, continued to showcase their skill, gaining a hard-fought victory against Portugal in a nail-biting 1-0 finish, marking a bittersweet end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
The excitement surrounding the tournament is palpable, with the World Cup final set to take place on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, promising further thrilling moments for fans around the globe.
The shared experience of the World Cup has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Bailey DeWitt and her mother. Their story is a beautiful reminder of the power of sports to create lasting memories and inspire future generations.