While Boston and Dallas witness the fervor of Scotland and England fans respectively, a different scene unfolded in Washington, D.C. At Duke's Grocery, a popular bar in the West End, the atmosphere was charged yet contained as over a hundred England fans gathered to watch their team play Croatia in the World Cup.

Dubbed as the "UK's diplomatic mullet" by attendees, the event showcased a blend of serious sports watching in the front and a festive party vibe in the back. The U.K. Embassy, which organized the viewing, ensured a vibrant setup featuring flags of all participating nations, an iconic British telephone box repurposed for practical use, and even a cardboard cutout of Prince William and Kate, adding a royal touch under a Pride flag by the entrance.

Despite the politically charged air back home with the critical Makerfield election looming — potentially reshaping British leadership — politics took a backseat here. "This afternoon, there’s been no politics," said Frances Sterling, head of strategic communications and public diplomacy at the British Embassy. The focus was solely on football, unity, and national pride.

The crowd, a mix of World Bank staffers, embassy employees, and football fans from both England and the U.S., experienced communal highs and lows with every play. When England scored, the place erupted in joy; contentious referee decisions were met with collective chants of "wanker". A sign near the main projection screen encapsulated the mood: "Great sport brings people together."

Sterling emphasized the unifying power of football: "You get in a stand, and you watch a football game, and everybody’s a friend. You go through the highs and lows of that team, and you feel like you live it. For everyone in the U.K., it’s that sense of national pride that this is their game, but it’s played all over the world."

Duke’s Grocery, in collaboration with the U.K. Embassy, is set to host three games during the round robin phase — two for England and one for Scotland. Sterling explained the choice, noting that Scottish fans had largely migrated to Boston, where they reportedly "drank the city dry", leaving the U.K. consulate there quite busy.

"The U.K. consulate in Boston is absolutely overrun," Sterling remarked, laughing. "Scotland is doing great in Boston, so we’ll focus on England here."

This event not only celebrated football but also showcased how sports can serve as a bridge, bringing diverse groups together under one roof, all united by their passion for the game. The UK's World Cup diplomatic mullet indeed made its mark in Washington, D.C., blending business with pleasure in a truly British style.