Break out those lucky kits -- the World Cup is back. While the main event is taking place in Brazil, celebrations are happening all over San Francisco. So get off the couch (that's better for American football anyway) and head to one of these soccer-enthused spots to catch the most widely-viewed and followed sporting event in the world.

Civic Center Plaza
Civic Center, Rooting for: Another World Series win, marriage equality, and Team USA
Something special happens when fans gather at a city icon to witness history. In addition to showing the games on a massive outdoor screen in front of City Hall, soccer-themed activities including mini games and skills clinics will take place on the Civic Center Lawn for kids. 

Viewing Schedule (dates and times pending and subject to change):
Saturday, June 14: England v. Italy, Columbia v. Greece, Cote d'Ivoire v. Japan
Monday, June 16: U.S. v. Ghana, Germany v. Portugal, Iran v. Nigeria
Tuesday, June 17: Belgium v. Algeria, Brazil v. Mexico, Russia v. South Korea
Sunday, June 22: U.S. v. Portugal, Belgium v. Russia, Korea v. Algeria
Thursday, June 26: U.S. v. Germany, Belgium v. Korea
Wednesday, July 9: Semifinals
Sunday, July 13: FINALS

Mad Dog in the Fog
Haight-Ashbury, Rooting for: Crowd majority rules
More than 150 beers from around the world. Need we say more? Ok, we will. International sporting fans pour into this bar for the World Cup, even for those oddly-timed weekday games. www.themaddoginthefog.com

Kezar Pub
Haight-Ashbury, Rooting for: Ireland, or just a good time
If things aren't working out for your team, take it out on a game of pool or darts at this local pub, which begins showing games (and packing a crowd) as early as 5am. www.thekezarpub.com

Players Sports Grill & Arcade
PIER 39, Rooting for: USA and clam chowder
Itching to watch the games but your kids or partner couldn't care less?  Players is your saving grace. Your partner can take in the stunning bay views, kids can play on one of 75+ arcade games, all the while you watch the games on one of 35 HDTVs with a burger and bucket of beers. Wear your team jersey and get your first pint for $2. www.playerssf.com

Jillian's at Metreon
SOMA, Rooting for: Whatever keeps the taps flowing
When it comes to sports, size matters. That's why Jillian's at Metreon has a 50-foot video wall that will be showing the games. Something else you can't get at home? A private beer tap built into your table. www.jillianssf.com

Pig & Whistle
Laurel Heights, Rooting for: Probably not Germany
This local favourite (spelling intentional) sounds cute, but boasts pure British personality. Grab some fish 'n chips or a shepherd's pie, a creamy ale, and pretend you're in the U.K. as you watch the World Cup. The pub sponsors local soccer and cricket teams, so you know they'll be in high gear come game time. www.pig-and-whistle.com

The Napper Tandy
Mission, Rooting for: Soccer 
The Napper Tandy shows global soccer games year-round, so you can imagine how hyped the place gets for World Cup games. www.thenappertandy.com

Press Club Wine Lounge
Financial District, Rooting for: Whatever time you can leave work
Soccer pairs well with a fine wine so Press Club Wine Lounge will be opening early daily (except July 4) to show the last game(s) of every day of the series. Perfect for the FiDi folk who don't feel comfortable strolling into a pub in a suit. www.pressclubsf.com

Danny Coyle's
Lower Haight, Rooting for: Ireland and beer
Location is everything when you're rolling out of bed to catch a soccer game. Danny Coyle's understands. Walk in and be welcomed by other dawn dwellers, several TVs, and a cold drink served with a smile. www.dannycoyles.com 

Here are some additional spots making special World Cup accommodations:

Lobby Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton: Showing games on four large screens with special cocktails and bar bites. www.ritzcarlton.com/sanfrancisco

Parallel 37: Two screens with special Cachaca cocktails and bar bites. www.parallel37sf.com

Grand Hyatt San Francisco: Book their OneUP Private Studio Lounge and catering team for a private affair for up to 20 people. www.grandsanfrancisco.hyatt.com

Destino & Pisco Latin Lounge: Hosting daily games (both live and recorded) and serving specialty cocktails and happy hour tapas. www.piscosf.com

The Irish Bank: Showing all games beginning at 9 a.m. on large pull-down screens, accompanied by food and revolving beer specials. www.theirishbank.com

Venga Empanadas: Showing all games on a large-screen TV, with special offers whenever Argentina is playing. www.vengaempanadas.com

Stock in Trade: Showing games on 12 TVs, and serving food between 11 a.m.-10 p.m. www.stockintradesf.com

Knuckles at the Wharf: Every game, every day on 20+ different TVs (with sound!) www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com

Wipeout Bar & Grill at PIER 39: Watch the games on a huge projection screen with an outdoor patio, fire pit and full bar. www.wipeoutbarandgrill.com

The Vestry at The Chapel: Showing the games along with food and drink themed to countries that make it to the finals. www.thechapelsf.com 

Hotel Zetta: Offering large-screen TV buyouts for up to 50 people. http://www.viceroyhotelgroup.com/en/zetta 

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, activities and more, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel or call 415-391-2000.  The Visitor Information Center is located at 900 Market St. in Hallidie Plaza, lower level, near the Powell Street cable car turnaround. 

American Express® is the official Card partner of the San Francisco Travel Association.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 34 international cities on 29 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with 78 cities in the U.S. on 15 domestic airlines. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com.  

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