Zerai's International Bar, a soccer‑focused sports bar located next to Zemam's Ethiopian Restaurant in Tucson, is gearing up for a surge of activity as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.
A Family’s Soccer Legacy
The bar is part of a family‑run venture that traces its roots to Amanuel Gebremariam, who opened Zemam's Ethiopian Restaurant almost three decades ago.
Lucas Gebremariam, inspired by the growing love for soccer in the United States, imagined a dedicated soccer bar adjacent to his family's restaurant, a vision now being realized.
The 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 national teams and a record 104 matches, arriving during Tucson's traditionally slow summer season.
Community and Commerce
Beyond serving drinks, the bar aims to create a gathering place where supporters can watch every match together, reinforcing the sense of community that the family has long championed.
The Gebremariam family plans to keep the doors open for the duration of the tournament, offering special promotions and a menu that blends Ethiopian flavors with classic game‑day fare.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Zerai's International Bar sees an unprecedented opportunity to blend sport, culture, and commerce in a city where summer typically sees a lull in business.