Houston Painted Portuguese with 'Zé do Bombo,' Bifanas, and... Messi (Photos)

HOUSTON — Texas prides itself on doing everything big, but Portuguese fans proved they weren't intimidated by the local grandeur. Upon landing in Houston, A BOLA's reporting team immediately immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere that has already enveloped the city, host to Portugal's opening match in the 2026 World Cup.

The countdown to the clash with DR Congo is marked by a strong accent of pride and infectious energy. The heart of the celebration settled in a legendary Houston bar and nightclub, Pitch 25, completely transformed into a slice of Portuguese soil in the heart of Texan territory. And the idea of hosting the party indoors couldn't have worked out better: outside, it was pouring rain...

Hundreds answered the call, turning the venue into a true cauldron of support for the 'Seleção das Quinas'.

Commanding such a crowd requires experience, and Portugal has a seasoned general in the stands. The iconic Zé Carlos, widely known as 'Zé do Bombo' (Zé of the Drum), took control of the operations. A charismatic figure who has accompanied the National Team to European Championships and World Cups for decades, Zé Carlos is the mastermind behind these gatherings, expertly organizing the grand celebrations that fuel the fans before and after the ball rolls.

To the rhythm of his percussion and well-known anthems, the community enjoyed a significant gastronomic treat: Mr. Bifana. This recent mobile catering business is trying its luck in the North American market, selling typical Portuguese bifanas, with tender meat and perfectly spicy sauce. Draft beers and local brews flew from the counters to quench throats hoarse with patriotism.

Amidst this fervor of Portuguese passion, there was room for a moment of pure humor that illustrates the beauty of World Cups. A young Mexican fan decided to test the limits of his own luck and entered the establishment proudly sporting Lionel Messi's jersey.

Seeing the name of the Argentine star and Cristiano Ronaldo's eternal football rival at the epicenter of a Portuguese gathering seemed like a recipe for disaster, but national hospitality prevailed. The 'intruder' was met with immense sportsmanship and good-natured jokes.

"I hope no one harms me," he told us, with timid laughter, as he took photos with several Portuguese fans, who had come from everywhere, from Portuguese soil to Australia, passing through Canada, California, and the Netherlands.

As the night progressed, the walls of the legendary venue shook with a single chant drowning out the outside noise: "I am, from Portugal I am, everywhere I go, just to see you win!" The declared ambition to this newspaper is for this celebration, led by Zé do Bombo, to be repeated eight times – the exact number of battles needed for Portugal to reach the grand final in New Jersey, scheduled for July 19. Texas has already understood Portugal's intentions.