Hundreds of Lowcountry soccer fans gather to cheer on team USA in Fifa World Cup

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Soccer fans packed into Holy City Brewing Friday afternoon as the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) beat Australia 2-0 to advance to the next round of the FIFA World Cup, turning a Charleston watch party into what one fan described as a “madhouse.”

The Charleston Battery has been hosting multiple watch parties across the Lowcountry during the tournament, and fans filled the brewery well before the 3 p.m. kickoff.

“It was awesome, Australia actually scored for us, it’s exciting, the people are still coming into the restaurant, it is an insane environment, yeah it’s awesome, go USA!” said Mia, who was cheering for USMNT.

James Kern said the atmosphere was intense but welcoming. “It’s kind of overwhelming with all the cheering, but it’s fun to see other soccer fans coming to watch,” he said.

Several fans said the turnout was no surprise in Charleston.

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“Not at all. It’s a soccer town,” Brian Kern said. “We have the Charleston Battery here. A huge following for that team. Not a surprise at all to see them here at the Holy City Brewery.”

Bryan Granger agreed, saying, “A lot of people really love the beautiful game here.”

As the U.S. scored, the crowd’s energy surged, with chants of “USA! USA! USA!” echoing through the brewery.

Jen said the watch party brought people together. “I think this is awesome. Everybody’s excited about the World Cup. Everybody either took the day off or had the day off and coming together for USA,” she said.

Fans said watching as a group is part of what makes the tournament special.

“Well, it’s just the best time that you could have. It’s good fun. Great sporting event. The whole world is watching. It just means everything to have the family here,” Brian Kern said.

Granger said, “To be able to watch the World Cup game in our own country in a huge brewery like this with everyone, it’s fantastic.”

Some fans also said the event is creating a sense of unity at a time when the country can feel divided.

“Only so many things unite the whole country nowadays, it seems, and soccer’s certainly one of them, so we’re happy to be here,” Granger said.

Another fan added, “Love it. Love it. Glad to see America is really kind of taking on to this. This is great.”

The U.S. men’s national team will play Turkey next on Thursday, June 25.