The World Cup is just around the corner, and 150 city of Goleta residents snapped up free tickets on Friday to see the Austrian National Soccer Team train at UC Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium.

The line for the free first-come, first-served tickets stretched around the Goleta Community Center. Tickets were limited to two per person.

Proof of city of Goleta residency was required to snag the tickets, which were all picked up in less than 30 minutes, said Blake Markum, who helped hand out the tickets.

Markum said the giveaway was a collaboration between UC Santa Barbara and the city of Goleta, which is hosting the team this summer for the 2026 World Cup.

“We’re just really excited to have this going on for the whole community,” he said.

Both kids and adults lined up for the tickets, including a group of AYSO teammates and their parents.

Ellie, 7, and Dean, 10, along with their friends, Noah and Miles, said they love soccer. This will be their first time seeing a professional game.

“It’s going to be fun, and that’s why I wanted to get tickets,” Ellie said.

Parent Jess Estrada said he’s looking forward to seeing a team that will participate in the World Cup “up close and personal and see how professionals train.”

The Austrian squad, Österreichische Fußballnationalmannschaft, is set to train at UCSB on June 5, 11 a.m. to noon. Tickets are required to watch.

“We hope you can join us for this rare opportunity to watch this squad train and give the team a warm welcome as it prepares for one of the biggest stages in sports,” city representatives said on social media.