🎉 Let the Games Begin: GWC 2024 Kicks Off with the Team Draw ⚽

On July 31st, the Genuine Cup 2024 officially kicked off with the Team Draw at Rice University in Houston — and the energy in the room was electric.

Dozens of players and coaches gathered, all eyes fixed on the screen as group pairings were revealed. With every team name announced, cheers erupted, hands flew in the air, and excitement filled the room.

This wasn’t just about who would face whom. It was about the shared anticipation, the first connections between teams, and the joy of finally being here — together.

The draw marked the first big moment of the tournament, turning nervousness into celebration and setting the tone for a week of passion, inclusion, and football from the heart.

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🚀⚾ Before Kickoff: NASA, Baseball & Big Emotions

Before a single ball was kicked, the Genuine Cup 2024 had already delivered unforgettable memories.

On July 31st, the teams experienced a day packed with excitement, discovery, and pure joy — starting with a visit to the NASA Space Center in Houston. Players explored the world of rockets and astronauts, walked through interactive exhibits, and marveled at the legacy of space exploration. For many, it was their first time seeing anything like it — and their faces said it all: wonder, curiosity, and awe.

But the day didn’t end there.

Later that evening, the teams headed to Minute Maid Park to watch the Houston Astros — and the atmosphere was electric. Genuine players filled the stands, cheering and celebrating like lifelong baseball fans. The biggest surprise? A player from Houston Dynamo Genuine was chosen to throw the ceremonial first pitch. His reaction was priceless — hands on his face, surrounded by applause and teammates, overwhelmed with emotion.