The last time the U.S. men’s national soccer team appeared in the World Cup, back in 2014, Richard Cupka walked into his bar — Cupka’s Café 2 on the Southside — expecting the usual Saturday afternoon mix of 10 to 15 people.
Instead, there were 300 people wrapped in American, Argentinian, and Brazilian flags, cheering on their teams.
“I think they’re more zealous," than the usual Steelers and Pitt fans that visit his bar, Cupka says. "They’re loud but fun. Not, you know, out of line.”
This time around, Cupka is feeling more prepared. He studied the game schedule and assigned extra staff to work this Friday, when the U.S. plays England.
“I’m expecting big crowds," he said. "As it goes further, deeper into the schedule, you now, if they keep on winning, it just grows as it goes, you know?”
The bar will broadcast most of the World Cup games, including the early-morning matches if the U.S. or another popular team are playing.
Cupka says he’s rooting for the U.S.—and hopes their wins will bring him some more business.
Other bars and restaurants carrying many of the games include:
- Cupka's Cafe 2, 2314 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
- The Getaway Bar & Grill, 3049 Sussex Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
- The Bulldog Pub, 1818 Morningside Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- Trace Brewing, 4312 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
- Cork Harbour Pub, 181 43rd St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
- City Works, 2 PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- Bigham Tavern, 321 Bigham St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
- Mike's Beer Bar, 110 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Read a preview of the World Cup by NPR's Tom Goldman.
