Although the region wasn’t selected to host a World Cup match, the global tournament will likely be inescapable at bars, watch parties and other social events for the next month.
The festivities kick off at 3 p.m. Thursday, when Mexico hosts South Africa in Mexico City. And many eyes across the capital region will be turned toward the United States, whose first match against Paraguay takes place at 9 p.m. Friday.
Montgomery and Prince George’s counties are home to soccer die-hards from around the world. Plenty of fans will converge on Washington, where some nations’ embassies are hosting watch parties at bars around the city.
Here are some ways to catch the World Cup with your neighbors.
National Harbor
Friday, 3-11 p.m.
The waterfront center will host an all-day-and-night party in its plaza.
Attendees can play games, grab a drink from the pop-up Michelob Ultra beer garden and pop a squat to watch Canada take on Bosnia-Herzegovina at 3 p.m. on a screen that overlooks the Potomac River.
The party will keep going through the end of the U.S. match, which starts at 9 p.m. Fans can participate in a team spirit competition at 8:30 p.m. that will feature giveaways and prizes.
Admission is free.
Bethesda Soccer Club
Friday-Sunday, 3-9 p.m.
DMV soccer players and enthusiasts of all ages are invited to the Bethesda Soccer Club’s performance center, where large screens will display the biggest matches.
The mini fan festival will include open seating for viewings, social areas, music, giveaways and halftime activities. Admission is free, with food trucks, concessions, and beer and wine available for purchase.
Between televised matches, players can join pickup games on the club’s open fields.
Prince George’s County World Cup Festival
Friday, 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.
The Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex in Landover will welcome fans and youth players over the next couple of days.
Friday brings a watch party for the U.S. vs. Paraguay game that will feature food trucks, artists and live performances. Doors open at 5 p.m. Friday, and registration is required.
Young players will descend on the complex to play in the Youth World Championship Tournament, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and is hosted by EagleSport Holdings. Teams will represent their homelands.
Capital FanFest
Saturday, 6 p.m.-midnight
Citadel Creole Cuisine in Wheaton is throwing the ultimate watch party for soccer lovers closely watching Haiti’s second World Cup appearance — its first since 1974.
Entry is $10, and VIP packages range from $40-$200. Food is sold separately. Before and after Haiti’s 9 p.m. match, guests can also catch Haitian rara performances.
The watch party is in partnership with several local Haitian organizations, including the Haiti Renewal Alliance, Embassy of the Republic of Haiti, the Association of Haitian Professionals and the Haitian Ladies Network.
Soccer Fan Zone
Friday, June 19, 3-6:30 p.m.
Keep the fanfare going next weekend at the Collection retail center in Chevy Chase.
Begin the afternoon with a USA vs. Australia watch party at the Hunter’s Hound before heading outside to the Tiered Plaza, where fans can participate in soccer-themed games, jersey giveaways and foosball table matches with live DJ music.
Admission is free; food and drink at the Hunter’s Hound available for purchase.
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