While the U.S. Men’s National Team has never lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy, plenty of Americans – including many in Mississippi – are hoping that changes when the tournament begins this week.
For the first time since 1994, the United States is serving as a host nation for soccer’s biggest event. The closest host cities to Mississippi are Atlanta and Dallas, but fans who can’t make the trip will still have plenty of opportunities to watch the action alongside fellow supporters close to home.
Winner’s Circle Park (Flowood)
The Mississippi Soccer Association, in partnership with the city of Flowood and Visit Flowood, is hosting an official outdoor watch party for Team USA’s match against Portugal on Friday, June 12, at Winner’s Circle Park. Admission is free, with festivities beginning at 6:30 p.m. ahead of the 8 p.m. kickoff.
The party will feature a big screen, food vendors, children’s activities, and door prizes.
Fondren Public (Jackson)
The busiest bar in Jackson’s most retro neighborhood is inviting soccer fans to gather for Team USA’s match against Portugal. As the official home bar of the Jackson chapter of The American Outlaws – the country’s largest independent supporters group for U.S. men’s and women’s soccer – Fondren Public plans to host watch parties throughout the World Cup.
For Friday’s match, the bar will open well before kickoff, with DJ Young Venom providing music for pregame festivities. Giveaways and new menu offerings are also guaranteed.
Nearby Fondren Yard will also air World Cup matches on the big screen in its outdoor greenspace.
Keg & Barrel (Hattiesburg/Ocean Springs)
The Hattiesburg Keg & Barrel, located at 1315 Hardy St., is hosting a World Cup watch party for the first-round match between Team USA and Portugal. Hosted by the local chapter of The American Outlaws, guests are encouraged to show up around 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. kickoff.
Event details are the same for the Ocean Springs location at 2501 Bienville Blvd.
Chandeleur Island Brewing Company (Gulfport)
Gulfport soccer fans have the opportunity to view all 104 World Cup matches at Chandeleur Island Brewing Company in Gulfport. Located at 2711 14th St., the brewery is offering various ticketed opportunities to support not only Team USA’s tournament run but also those of other countries if fans so choose.
Chandeleur is offering single-match tickets as well as VIP tickets, which include premium viewing of the screens, closer-catered service, and team-specific bundles to cover all possible viewer needs. Food and various drink options will be available to those who pay for entry. All ages are welcome.
DownUnder (Tupelo)
Tupelo’s Australian-themed DownUnder bar is staying on theme and going all out for the matchup between Team USA and Australia, or the “Socceroos,” as they call them, on Thursday, June 19 at 2 p.m.
They encourage fans to show up early, grab their mates, and enjoy a variety of food and drink options. DownUnder is even offering vuvuzelas, long plastic horns widely seen at soccer matches, for viewers to cheer with.
The Lyric (Oxford)
The ever-popular Oxford Lyric is also hosting free watch parties for all fans to enjoy. Doors will open two hours before each kickoff for Team USA, with The Lyric offering specialized cocktails and mocktails from open to close.
They will also be re-airing previous Team USA matches as fans file in before Friday’s matchup against Portugal and the rest of the team’s opponents.
Brass Door Irish Pub (Memphis, Tenn.)
For soccer fans in DeSoto County, The American Outlaws local chapter is inviting all across the state line to Brass Door Irish Pub in Memphis. The match will be shown, weather permitting, outside in the pub’s alleyway. As a bonus, all American Outlaw members get 10% off all drinks during every Team USA match.
Buffalo Wild Wings (statewide)
Mississippi has 13 Buffalo Wild Wings locations: Biloxi, Columbus, D’Iberville, Flowood, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Laurel, Meridian, Olive Branch, Oxford, Ridgeland, Southaven, Starkville, and Tupelo.
The sports bar chain is promoting itself as the go-to World Cup destination, promising to air every match throughout the tournament. Fans can also expect soccer-themed food and drink specials.