World Cup brings Aiken community to Lanky's on Laurens
AIKEN - Community members gathered at Lanky's on Laurens Monday evening to watch the United States Men's National Team face Belgium in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
The downtown restaurant and bar served as a local gathering place for residents watching the match. Guests sat at tables and the bar while televisions displayed the game throughout the restaurant.
Lanky's manager Nora Mahfuz said the restaurant wanted to provide a place for people to watch the match together.
"We're happy to have a place where you can come and get some food and drinks and watch the game and have a nice atmosphere," said Mahfuz.
The watch party brought together people who regularly follow soccer and others who have recently started watching the tournament. For local businesses, nationally televised sporting events can bring customers into restaurants and bars during match days.
Guest John Koppin said this year's tournament is the first time he has closely followed the World Cup.
"We've been watching the World Cup this year for the first time really ever, and it's been fun and exciting," said Koppin.
Monday's gathering was one example of how major sporting events can bring residents into shared public spaces in Aiken.
While many viewers watch games from home, restaurants such as Lanky's offer a setting where people can follow the match alongside other members of the community.
The FIFA World Cup is held every four years and features national teams from around the world. The 2026 tournament is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, bringing additional attention to the sport in North America.
The United States' match against Belgium came during the knockout stage, when teams must win to advance in the tournament. The final score was 4-1 Belgium.
The knockout rounds continue through July, with the final scheduled for July 19.
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 5:51 AM.