By Melissa Garcia

Nearly every bar in the Richmond District held watch parties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games that took place from June 11 to the final match on Sunday, July 19 where Spain won against Argentina 1-0.

Walking down Geary Boulevard and Clement Street, crowds of people were dressed up in red and blue jerseys as they cheered for the two remaining teams packed inside and outside bars and restaurants.

Most bars opened between a half hour to an hour earlier and stayed open later than their usual operating hours to accommodate the game start time, and to give the customers a chance to settle in beforehand and reserve a spot inside.

“It’s not the normal thing to have that many people lining up especially prior to us opening,” said Erin Lankard, a bartender at Lost Marbles Brewery. “Every spot was filled. Sometimes it was a packed house of sardines, but it was really, really fun because the energy of everybody was just vibrant.”

Lankard said Lost Marbles Brewery that is able to serve a max capacity of 157 people inside.

“So that made it worthwhile, no matter how much hard work it was for all the bartenders– how much we were sweating, everything was just happy and joyous and people were just excited to be here.”

Lankard said that the Word Cup increased the amount of traffic and flow by double the amount of people who would walk-in on a normal Monday or Tuesday.

For the finale, Lost Marbles played into the soccer penalty system of things and would pass out a green, red or yellow card to customers depending on the energy they gave off during the game. Bartenders also passed out drinking tokens to customers cheering for the same team as them or any first timers at the bar.

Another bar that also got busy and got the crowd electric was Abbey Tavern, an Irish pub and sports bar.

That same weekend they hosted Na Fianna, an Irish hurling team they sponsor, that were celebrating their victory from Saturday’s game and also celebrating the World Cup.

When Fernan Torres, a player on Spain’s team, scored a goal during the 106th minute, cheering, clapping and a bar bell ringing filled the room as fans celebrated.

“World Cup, I think like all the evidence has shown that it was a big economic boost, especially to host cities and for us, it was really, we tried to provide the best service and show people that this is a place they should come to,” Bob Patterson, manager at Abbey Tavern said. “That was the busiest I’ve seen it here for like a prolonged period since we had to close for 15 months during COVID-19.”

At Abbey Tavern, Patterson said they had to increase in staff during the weekdays in order to host watchparties and also had doormen.

Although Argentina did not win this time, many fans wore their jerseys with pride.

“I’ve been playing soccer for 14 years now. I’ve been following soccer, and especially (Argentine player Lionel) Messi. He’s one of the soccer players that made me love this game,” Gabriel Birsan, customer at Abbey Tavern, said. “I didn’t know that Argentina was going so far. I’m happy that I can see everyone in the finals.”

Patterson also mentioned that although an Irish Pub, they were originally a bar rooting for Scotland in support of Brothers Across the Ocean Celtic Supporters Club who watch all Glasgow Celtic Matches there.

Ireland’s 32 was another Irish pub that was hosting watch parties rooting for other countries like Brazil and Colombia.

“I worked some of the Brazil games and those were fun,” said Amaia Leoz Maurer, a bartender at Ireland’s 32. “It does get quite crowded in here and everyone is wearing a Brazil jersey is rooting for the same team, so that’s like fun energy.”

Leoz Maurer mentioned that the bar also sold food when they typically do not. They offered Colombian dishes and burgers.

As the timer on the screen marked 120:00, it was the official end to the match and Spain winning the series.

During that moment, fans inside Abbey Tavern got on top of their chairs to celebrate the victory as clapping and cheers filled all around the room.