World Cup edition: Eat, drink, believe

by Phantom Foodie

Get a taste of the World Cup with some local eateries: Empanadas de Mendoza, Willards and Taste of Istanbul! Photos by Phantom Foodie.

The beautiful game is back, and screens across Reston are about to get a serious workout. Just for kicks, allow me to pitch you a match-by-match menu worthy of the occasion, a lineup of dishes to make or order as Team USA takes the pitch. No one remembers every offside call, but they will remember that dish, or most valuable plate.

Team USA lands in Group D: three matches, three countries, three culinary opportunities. Let's play soccer, or rather, fútbol!

June 12, 9 p.m. ET: USA vs. Paraguay

A Friday night opener in Los Angeles deserves a proper formation. Paraguay's culinary soul is built on corn, beef and the smoke of an open grill, and a simple play is empanadas: golden, hand-crimped pastries filled with savory delights.

Although technically Argentine, Empanadas de Mendoza at North Point Village Center has you fully covered, with 12 flavors including traditional beef, spicy chorizo, pineapple chicken and honey barbecue pork. I've indulged in empanadas from Bogotá to Barcelona, and these are the real deal. They will be part of my summer rotation, paired with grilled corn on the cob. I prefer mine baked, but you can also get them fried for extra crunch. Order ahead, grab a batch and add their delicious chimichurri sauce on the side. Goal.

For a homegrown American appetizer to round out the half, Old Bay deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser and squarely on our home turf. The Dash Rapid Egg Cooker remains this foodie's go-to for simple, perfectly cooked eggs every time.

June 19, 3 p.m. ET: USA vs. Australia

An afternoon match calls for a laid-back set piece. Australia's food culture leans coastal and fresh, so fire up the cast-iron skillet and go with grilled shrimp skewers and a zesty citrus aioli. Or keep things Australian-American neutral with a classic pulled pork slider spread. Low and slow wins the day, but if you're short on time or without a slow cooker, add takeout from Willards BBQ in the Home Depot shopping center to your playbook. Tasty barbecue and scrumptious sides await every fan.

For the adventurous, try a Vegemite and Nutella sandwich. The sweet-and-salty combination will have your watch party talking at halftime. Grab a craft lager, Foster's, or an Athletic Brewing nonalcoholic option and let the afternoon unfold. Bonus points if someone brings Tim Tams. Consider it extra time for dessert.

I will be serving crispy air-fryer onion rings with my homemade blooming onion sauce and may even try my hand at a classic beef-and-bacon meat pie.

June 25, 10 p.m. ET: USA vs. Türkiye

A late-night kickoff demands food built for the hour. Turkish cuisine is one of the world's great snacking traditions, featuring flaky börek with feta and spinach, spiced lamb flatbread, and mezze spreads made for lingering. Pick up phyllo dough at any grocery store and layer it with feta, egg and herbs before baking.

For those who would rather stay out of the kitchen, Taste of Istanbul in Reston Town Center offers a strong mezze spread that travels well. The classic döner wrap and flatbreads are flavorful options that are ideal for late-night sharing.

After a full 90-minute match, at minimum, have Turkish coffee ready for the morning.

Should Team USA advance, new opponents will mean new menus. Culinary inspiration and global sports are a winning combination. As the great Ted Lasso once said, "I believe in hope. I believe in belief." Believe in Team USA. And believe in the spread. Let's go!