Sofía Vergara is ready to have an unforgettable summer full of soccer, family gatherings, and national pride as the FIFA World Cup takes center stage in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Colombian actress has been eagerly awaiting the tournament, even appearing in a Telemundo commercial alongside Owen Wilson to help build excitement ahead of the global event.
But while she's thrilled to support Colombia every step of the way, one unexpected problem has emerged, and is deciding which family members get to join her at the matches. "It's been good and bad because, like, for example, I'm going to be able to watch some games with them together," Vergara tells PEOPLE. "We're going to be able to do what we do when we come together, which is eat and put together the family and everything."
© Getty ImagesDifficult Decisions
The "Modern Family" star explained that while the World Cup has created valuable opportunities for family bonding, it has also sparked some difficult decisions. "It's also created some problems because I am going to be able to go to some games, and I cannot get all of them in the games," she says.
Vergara already knows she'll be attending several major matches throughout the tournament. She plans to be at Colombia's first game on U.S. soil in Los Angeles on June 12 and will also attend the World Cup Final outside New York on July 19. She expects to be at additional matches in New York throughout the competition.
© WireImageWith so many relatives hoping to secure a coveted seat, narrowing down the guest list has become a challenge. "It's been kind of like a little bit of a struggle to pick who deserves to go to the World Cup," says the Barranquilla-born actress, 53. "But it's all been fun!"
As if the tournament wasn't exciting enough, Vergara also has another reason to look forward to the final match. Fellow Colombian superstar and longtime friend Shakira is set to perform during the World Cup Final Halftime Show. "I don't even want to name-drop, but she texted me yesterday," Vergara reveals. "She asked me if I was going to be in L.A. for the games."
© Getty ImagesThe actress says she's already anticipating a memorable performance. "I'm very excited because I'm sure she's going to give a hell of a show like she always does. And she's very excited to do it. It's going to be amazing. For sure, I'm going to watch her," Vergara said.
When she's not attending matches in person, Vergara plans to celebrate Colombia's World Cup journey from home surrounded by loved ones. For the actress, the perfect game-day experience includes "good food, good music, and good things to drink," along with plenty of family time.
"When you're together, that's when you really get to enjoy each other and eat, and fight, and complain and it's fun," she says.
