San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is buzzing with anticipation as he envisions the electrifying atmosphere at Levi’s Stadium come July 1. The venue, known for hosting monumental events, is set to be the battleground for the Round of 32 match in the World Cup, likely featuring the U.S. team as the Group D winner.

Lurie, recognized as the most popular mayor in America according to recent polls, expressed his excitement in a FaceTime interview with POLITICO. “It'll be a thrilling moment for San Francisco, and for our region,” he said, his enthusiasm palpable even through the screen.

The mayor’s day had been packed, visiting vibrant watch parties in San Francisco’s East Cut neighborhood and at Fieldwork Brewing in China Basin, encapsulating the spirit and unity sports bring to the community.

A seasoned World Cup attendee and an investor in 49ers Enterprises, which recently acquired the Leeds soccer club, Lurie draws parallels between the sport's unifying power and his vision for San Francisco. Under his leadership, the city aims to leverage major events like the World Cup and the Super Bowl to rejuvenate its image and boost tourism and residency.

“We are managing for results here in San Francisco,” Lurie explained. The city focuses on safety, enjoyment, and ensuring visitors and residents alike want to return. These large events are not just spectacles; they are opportunities to showcase the city’s competence and hospitality.

Amidst this, San Francisco is also navigating an economic shift with potential tech IPOs, including Open AI, promising to widen the tax base but also presenting new challenges. “We got Anthropic. We got Open AI," Lurie noted, emphasizing the need for these corporations to contribute to the community meaningfully.

The mayor is particularly focused on making San Francisco a city for all. His administration is pushing forward initiatives to build more housing, particularly affordable ones, and has introduced pioneering policies like free early childhood education for lower-income families. “We're gonna hopefully keep more working families here in our city,” Lurie stated, targeting long-term sustainability and inclusivity.

While Lurie generally steers clear of the national political theater, preferring a hands-on approach to governance, his occasional appearances, like a basketball shot on “The Pat McAfee Show,” reveal a mayor who blends seriousness with moments of levity.

As the World Cup match approaches, Lurie remains cautiously optimistic about the U.S. team’s prospects, careful not to jinx their chances. “But it's looking very much like we will host USA in the first knockout round. My hope: I’ll be there to root on USA,” he said, looking forward to supporting the national team in person.

In a city as diverse and dynamic as San Francisco, Lurie’s practical yet hopeful leadership continues to foster a sense of community and excitement, making it a beacon for both tourists and tech giants alike.