A Night of Chants and Drums
Fans of the U.S. men’s national soccer team converged at Tombstone Brewing Co. in Phoenix on a recent evening, turning the brewery into a makeshift stadium as the squad faced Turkey in the World Cup group stage.
The gathering was organized by the Phoenix chapter of the American Outlaws, a supporters group that has become a fixture for U.S. fans living abroad. Nate Worthington, a leader within the chapter, said the atmosphere was electric, with chants, drums and a sea of red, white and blue filling the space.
Mario Lopez, a longtime follower of the team, described how the crowd’s energy mirrored that of a live arena, noting that the supporters sang and beat drums throughout the match, creating a palpable sense of excitement.
Team USA had already secured a place in the knockout round before kickoff, a fact that added extra optimism to the night. Worthington, who now leads the chorus of songs, explained that these watch parties have turned into more than just gatherings — they are opportunities to forge friendships and keep the momentum alive.
A Turkish Perspective
Across town, Mustafa Uygur, a Turkey native residing in Chandler, watched the game with friends in Chandler, recalling how his family’s experience was enriched by the Turkish national team’s training sessions in Mesa earlier that summer.
Uygur’s children, he said, will never forget the sight of the players practicing on the fields of Mesa, a memory that blended the excitement of the match with a personal connection to the sport.
Jamara Saah, president of the American Outlaws Phoenix chapter, took the opportunity to invite more fans to join future watch parties, encouraging anyone interested in singing, drumming and cheering for the USA to become part of the community.
The event underscored the global reach of soccer, with supporters from both nations finding common ground in a foreign city, while local breweries and community spaces become unexpected arenas for international camaraderie.