On Thursday, June 17, East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) and the City of Oakland – in partnership with the Australian American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco and the Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club – hosted an exclusive VIP on-field mixer at their Australian-themed home match against the Birmingham Legion FC.
Earlier this year, the Oakland Roots were excited to announce that the Australian Men’s National Team, the Socceroos, selected the Roots training facility on Alameda’s Bay Farm Island as their base camp site for the FIFA World Cup 2026. To build on the momentum of this connection between the East Bay and Australia, on and off the field, East Bay EDA and the City of Oakland invited business leaders and officials to network with Team Australia officials, Australian consulate officials, Australian American Chamber of Commerce leaders, and Australian businesses.
The Australia–California relationship remains significant, with California exporting approximately $4.16 billion to the country in 2025, making it one of the largest exporters to Australia. The largest export category was computers and electronic products, followed by chemicals, electrical equipment, appliances & components.
Imports to California from Australia totaled approximately $2.93 billion, a 22% increase, making California the second-largest importing state from Australia. Top imports were processed foods, followed by primary metal manufacturers, and computer and electronic products.
The game between the Oakland Roots and their opponent went down to the wire, with the Roots scoring a tying goal during added time in the second half to even up the score at 1-1 shortly before the final whistle was blown. Now in their 6th season in the United States Soccer League (USL), the Oakland Roots are off to a great start, tied for second place in a competitive Western Conference.
East Bay EDA is offering members and partners an opportunity to participate in one more World Cup-related event in Berkeley on June 25, when we will partner with the City of Berkeley and Visit Berkeley for a World Cup watch party (Japan vs. Sweden) at the Doubletree Berkeley Marina. Please stay tuned for upcoming East Bay EDA events and other East Bay news by visiting our website and signing up for our newsletter.
Photos: Maurice Ramirez courtesy of Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance
