For Team USA: Red, White & Blue BBQ
Supporting the Stars and Stripes is a classic American pastime, and the menu should reflect that with an easy, crowd-pleasing barbecue theme. The red, white, and blue palette is one of the easiest to work with, lending itself to familiar, delicious dishes.
For your main course, think classic grill fare. Burgers and hot dogs are a no-brainer. To hit the colors, serve them with ketchup (red) and mayonnaise or a creamy coleslaw (white). For snacks, go for a vibrant bowl of red salsa alongside both blue corn and white corn tortilla chips. A layered dip featuring refried beans, sour cream, and salsa also works beautifully. For something sweet, a simple berry trifle is a showstopper: layer pound cake, whipped cream, strawberries, and blueberries for a perfect patriotic dessert. You could also make or buy cupcakes with white frosting and red and blue sprinkles.
For Mexico: A Tri-Color Fiesta
El Tri’s iconic green, white, and red are not just the colors of the Mexican flag; they are the colors of its cuisine. This makes creating a supportive spread both incredibly easy and deeply authentic. You can create a stunning and delicious tribute with minimal effort. Start with the essentials: a vibrant bowl of fresh guacamole (green), a zesty pico de gallo packed with tomatoes and onions (red), and a creamy queso blanco or sour cream dip (white). Serve these with a giant bowl of tortilla chips. For a more substantial offering, chicken tinga or beef barbacoa tacos allow guests to build their own plates, adding toppings like shredded lettuce, crumbled cotija cheese, and salsa. For drinks, a large pitcher of non-alcoholic agua fresca made with watermelon (red) or lime (green) is refreshing and perfectly on-theme.
For Argentina: An Albiceleste Spread
The pale blue and white of the Argentinian flag, known as La Albiceleste, presents a fun creative challenge. While blue isn't a common food color, you can get inventive with light-hued dishes and strategic pops of blue from natural ingredients. The theme here is clean, fresh, and hearty—much like Argentinian soccer. Lean into the white with a creamy white bean dip served with crackers, or a platter of cheese featuring mozzarella and provolone. For a main, think grilled steak skewers (a nod to the country's famous beef) served with a side of chimichurri—while it’s green, it’s an essential flavor. To bring in the blue, use blue corn tortillas to make small quesadillas or serve them as chips. For dessert, the national cookie, alfajores—two shortbread cookies sandwiching dulce de leche and often dusted with powdered sugar—are a perfect white treat. A pitcher of water infused with blueberries and lemon slices adds a final, subtle touch of color.
For Brazil: A Taste of the Tropics
Brazil's vibrant yellow, green, and blue jerseys evoke images of sunny beaches and lush rainforests. Channel this energy with a tropical menu that’s bursting with fresh, bright flavors. This is a theme that feels like a party in itself. For your savory options, grilled chicken or fish seasoned with lime and spices makes a great centerpiece. Serve it alongside yellow rice and a big green salad loaded with avocado and hearts of palm. Mango and pineapple salsa can be served with chips or as a topping for the grilled protein, adding a brilliant splash of yellow. To drink, a non-alcoholic Brazilian lemonade (made with whole limes and condensed milk) is a creamy, tangy delight. For those who drink, you can’t go wrong with a classic caipirinha. For a simple dessert, a platter of sliced tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi is both healthy and on-brand.
For England: A Proper Pub Grub
The Three Lions are represented by a simple and bold red and white. This color scheme lends itself perfectly to classic English pub fare—hearty, comforting, and ideal for a tense match. Think less about fussy presentation and more about satisfying, savory bites. Build your menu around mini sausage rolls or small meat pies—store-bought is perfectly acceptable here. Serve them with a side of ketchup for your red element. A platter of sharp white cheddar cheese, crackers, and red apple slices is another simple and effective option. For a more ambitious dish, fish and chips (with malt vinegar and tartar sauce) is the ultimate pub classic. For a sweet touch, a bowl of fresh strawberries and a separate bowl of whipped cream allows guests to dip and enjoy a simple, deconstructed version of the Wimbledon favorite.
