World Cup watch parties + how to become a soccer superfan in Birmingham

On Monday night, the entire country will be watching the Round of 16 World Cup match-up between the U.S. and Belgium in Seattle. 

And of course, we all are focused on The Magic City’s own “Captain America” and starting central defender on the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT): Birmingham native Chris Richards.

If you are new to watching soccer in Birmingham and seeking to learn more about the world’s most popular sport, below are tips for new and old fans alike.

Watch parties on July 6th in Birmingham

Watching the USMNT play with a group of friends and family is fun and memorable. At the beginning of the World Cup Bham Now released a list of 12 places to watch the tournament. 

They include:

• Good People Brewing Company
• The Anvil Pub + Grill
• Back Forty Beer Company
• The Edge in Homewood
• Sol Azteca Mexican Restaurant 
• Monday Night Brewing Social Club
• Fairway Social Birmingham
• The Goose
• Tin Roof Birmingham
• All Good Beverage
• Crestwood Tavern
• On Tap Sports Cafe

For the upcoming game make sure to arrive about 30 minutes to possibly an hour early to stake out a spot. 

• FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Game — U.S. v. Belgium in Seattle
• Kickoff: Monday, July 6, 7:00PM Central Time

Become a U.S. Soccer superfan: join the American Outlaws

Win or lose tonight, the best way to support BOTH U.S. Soccer’s men’s and women’s national teams is by becoming a member of the American Outlaws Birmingham Chapter, the official supporters group.

Here is how to join: 

1. Visit theamericanoutlaws.com and click “Sign Up” on the home page
2. Select Birmingham as your chapter as part of the sign up process. If you go to the Good People Watch Party they have QR codes you can scan that will take you directly to the sign up page on the website.  
3. Membership gives you access to discounted national game tickets (unfortunately not for the World Cup), discounted hotels and travel to USMNT and USWNT games, a free T-shirt every year and more!

“American Outlaws Birmingham is a community where people from all walks of life can come together around a shared passion for U.S. Soccer. Whether you’ve followed soccer for decades or you’re attending your very first watch party, you’ll find an inclusive environment that’s eager to welcome fellow supporters.”

Tyler Saxon, President- American Outlaws Birmingham

Where to get World Cup gear and a find a place to play

Now that you know where to go and join the official supporters group, where can you get some USMNT gear?  

Obviously, the big box sporting goods places have stuff, but if you are looking for a local soccer-only place to shop, Birmingham has two spots:

• Soccer Nation, located at 110 Little Valley Ct., in Hoover 
• Soccer Post, located at 5291 Valleydale Rd #137 in Hoover

Need a place to play? Soccer Nation also has a 7 v. 7 turf field and league. They also can help folks young and old seek a league to play in.

Support the Birmingham Legion FC

While you are watching the game against Belgium tonight, make sure to look for #26 hometown hero Chris Richards. 

Fun fact: He is an investor in our very own Birmingham Legion FC.

To celebrate the USMNT making it into the Round of 16 and Chris Richards success the “Three Sparks” have announced a special deal for the next home game on July 11th.

Fans can buy two general admission tickets for just $16.  Now that’s a way to celebrate the U.S. in this year’s World Cup.

Have you caught World Cup fever? We love for you to share your experience from the watch parties and future games. Share your videos and pics with us by tagging us on social media at @bhamnow