Oh When the Yanks….
American Outlaw members at a World Cup qualifier against Mexico.
The World Cup begins today, and I look forward to the excited and colorful displays of national pride that inevitably occur during the tournament in an international city like DC.
My first real World Cup viewing experience was 2010. Camped out for the afternoon at a booth in a busy soccer-focused bar, I interacted with waves of fans filtering in and out to support their national teams. Even if I knew nothing of the team playing, someone near me would be happy to provide insight, just as I did when the US played. The enthusiasm was contagious.
This year, I’ll enjoy watching matches in a variety of environments – whether relaxing around a friend’s big screen, swapping commentary with enthusiasts camped out in a soccer-focused pub, learning from expats as they cheer their home team at their favorite local restaurant, singing chants with US supporter group the American Outlaws, or picnicking with a disparate crowd of fans around a screen outside.
As I decide on matches and viewing locations, many of my friends pack for the flight south in order to cheer the US team through the group stage. I wish them safe travels, I’ll look for them on TV, and I can’t wait to hear the stories.
In honor of the tournament and my friends’ adventures, enjoy some World Cup-related links:
- Entertaining overviews of this year’s World Cup teams by 2 men in blazers
- An assessment of the US roster beyond the Landon Donovan controversy and whether players with dual-citizenship are good for the growth of soccer in the US.
- A comprehensive viewing guide for those of us watching matches in DC
- Celebratory painted streets and anti-World Cup street art throughout Brazil
- Brazilian craft beer: why it’s interesting, what to drink, the growth of the craft market, label art, and how the World Cup is influencing the Brazilian beer industry
- The most popular beers for each participating country and the official(ish) drink of each country