Largest U.S. soccer fan group originated in Lincoln; they’re now gearing up for an American World Cup

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The World Cup is right around the corner, and the American Outlaws are ready.

“We are probably one of the largest organized fan groups in the world with 25,000 paying members,” said Justin Brunken, the Co-Founder of the American Outlaws.

The national group planted its roots in Lincoln almost 20 years ago.

United States soccer fans Korey Donahoo, Ben Cohoon and Justin Brunken noticed how big the soccer community is in the Capital city, but how little space there was for everyone.

“A lot of people don’t think of soccer in Lincoln, Nebraska, but there’s a big group of people,” Brunken said. “The problem we had was that there was just no place to always watch the game on TV because there are all these different sports going on. Every time there’s a US game on TV, we want to make sure there’s a place that anyone can come and join.”

The group now stretches across 200 cities worldwide.

Their movement gained the attention of well-known brands.

Adidas helped the nonprofit design custom shoes to showcase the fan base’s unique passion for the sport.

“They’re a reflection of the ’94 denim kit,” said Trevin Wurm, the President of Lincoln’s American Outlaws chapter. “So they have those slanted stars that are on that jersey, the iconic US jersey. These are iconic shoes.”

The group is hosting a watch party at both the Railyard and Captain Jack’s in downtown Lincoln on Friday.

“Our goal is to provide the biggest watch party in Nebraska at the Railyard,” Wurm said. “We really want as many people to come down and experience the atmosphere. Watching the World Cup is such a unique thing; it only happens every four years. It’s a much better experience with a group of people. That first goal when it goes in, seeing how excited people are, people hugging strangers, there’s really nothing like it.”