Events
Where to Watch: Your Philadelphia 2026 World Cup Watch Party Guide
The 2026 World Cup is coming to Philadelphia next week! This year’s tournament is the largest ever, bringing some of the best fanbases in the world, such as France and Brazil to our backyard, as well as some new faces, such as Curacao. This year’s tournament being right on our home soil presents us with a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect and watch with fans of visiting countries. We at Philadelphia Soccer Now urge you all to get out to some events!
In this article, we have compiled a list of Philadelphia-based events as well as renowned soccer bars that are sure to bring the atmosphere this summer. This article will be updated as more events are planned throughout the tournament. Let’s get into it!
Philadelphia FIFA Fan Festival
The rowdiest place to watch the 2026 World Cup with fans will surely be the FIFA Fan Festival at East Fairmount Park’s Lemon Hill. The official Fan Festival will feature a big screen and a large standing-room area for the audience. Philadelphia’s Fan Festival is free to attend and will air every match of the 2026 World Cup from start to finish. While tickets are free, they must be claimed online for attendance.
Alongside the airing of the matches, the Philadelphia Fan Festival promises live entertainment and music throughout the tournament. Luis Fonsi will perform after Mexico and South Africa’s opening match on Thursday, June 11th. In addition, the Festival promises a lineup of locally owned food trucks as well as a marketplace for local makers and artisans.
Find more information on the Philadelphia FIFA Fan Festival on their official website. Public transit options exist for the Festival, including the Philly PHLASH bus, which has a stop 0.4 miles from the festival entrance.
Soccer Celebration by Philadelphia Union
The Union are hosting their own watch parties at Union Yards outside of Subaru Park, providing another gathering place for fans to watch matches. The Soccer Celebration promises a large LED screen to broadcast the games, as well as special appearances and giveaways. The Union also plan to provide “Flavors of the Matchday”, a food and beverage menu inspired by the nations on display in the tournament.
Like the Philadelphia Fan Festival, the Soccer Celebration will be free to attend with advance registration. The Soccer Celebration will not be open for every match, and has published a schedule of specific games that will be aired at Union Yards. Featured matches are scheduled to air including the USMNT, Haiti, featuring active Union player Danley Jean-Jacques, and Subaru Park guests Côte d’Ivoire.
Additionally, the Union will host Côte d’Ivoire in a friendly match against Union II on Monday, June 8th at 7 p.m. Subaru Park will also host an open training session for Côte d’Ivoire on Friday, June 12th at 6:30 p.m. Similar to the Soccer Celebration, these are free ticketed events. Claiming a free ticket online will be enough to attend. The Ivorians may be a fun team for Philadelphians to bandwagon this summer.
Bars and Pubs in Philadelphia
Lion Sports Bar
Located in Center City, Lion Sports Bar has emerged as a great place to watch soccer in recent years, serving both local fans and travelers. On top of showing every Premier League match in 2025-26, Lion is also the home of Philadelphia’s Napoli FC fan club. Lion hosted Flamengo fans before their match in the 2025 Club World Cup last summer, and are preparing to provide a similar experience for both locals and traveling fans this summer. Lion Sports Bar has announced a partnership with The Fédération Française de Football (FFF) to host traveling France fans before their June 22nd match in Philadelphia. The event promises to bring a French-themed takeover, featuring French food and drink specials. Lion will be a great place to watch France this summer.
Additionally, Lion will be a top spot to watch Brazil. After hosting Flamengo fans last season, Lion reconnected with FLA Philadelphia, Flamengo’s official fan group chapter in Philadelphia. Lion will host a pre-match event for Brazil on June 19th before their match against Haiti.
Due to expected demand during the tournament, Lion Sports Bar partnered with Yamitsuki across the street. The two establishments will come together to serve soccer fans. Lion will function as a typical bar/pub area, while Yamitsuki will provide ticketed, guaranteed seating options with an open bar and buffet, more suitable for a family experience. Lion will be one of the top spots to catch a game this summer.
Brauhaus Schmitz
Union fans will be familiar with South Street’s Bierhall, but Brauhaus Schmitz is going all-out for World Cup festivities this summer. Typically a Bundesliga bar, Brauhaus Schmitz will host USMNT and Germany fans this summer. Brauhaus has also established itself as the home base for Colombia fans (who I believe are some of the best fans in the world), and are planning events for fans of Switzerland, Croatia, and the Netherlands.
The indoor Brauhaus will be open for every match with sound on. They also house one of the world’s largest German beer selections (if you’re into that). Seating indoors will be on a first come, first served basis. However, Brauhaus Schmitz will also host outdoor watch parties, shutting down the 700 block of South Street to do so. Brauhaus will host Outdoor watch parties on June 25th, June 27th, July 3-4th, and July 19th. Brauhaus is anticipating a crowd for Saturday’s Germany vs. USMNT friendly match as well. Philadelphian soccer fans will need to make a stop at Brauhaus this summer.
The Black Taxi
The Black Taxi has emerged recently as a lively place to watch the Premier League, with fans spilling out onto the streets recently to watch the Champions League Final. Home of Philadelphia’s Leeds United fan club, The Black Taxi is located in close proximity to the Philadelphia Fan Festival, and could be easy to stop by on the way in or out. Even then, The Black Taxi is a great place to sit down and watch a match with others. The Black Taxi has yet to announce specific watch parties for this summer, but we are anticipating it to be a great time.
Tradesman’s
Tradesman’s has emerged as the hosts for Latino watch parties in Philadelphia. Latin Vibes Group of Philadelphia have partnered with Tradesman’s to host watch parties for Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia fans. Located right near City Hall, Tradesman’s is an easy place to hit when traveling through the city, but it’s also worth planning your night around.
Top Tomato
Despite the World Cup occurring on our home soil, many Philadelphian USMNT fans are unable to watch their home team due to the entire group stage occurring on the west coast, in addition to exorbitant ticket and flight prices. Don’t let this kill your World Cup fever! Top Tomato is the home of Philadelphia’s branch of American Outlaws, the supporters’ group for the United States National Teams. The bar will host watch parties for all of the USMNT’s matches, featuring drink discounts. Outdoor block parties will occur for the USMNT’s matches on June 12th against Paraguay and on June 25th against Turkey. If you’re a USMNT fan, Top Tomato will be one of the best places in the city to watch with fellow fans.
Tierra Colombiana
Tierra Colombiana, a restaurant and bar serving North Philly, will be bringing the party this summer. Offering VIP packages for the tournament, Tierra will be providing live music during their “La Casa Del Fútbol” event. Tierra Colombiana currently has events scheduled for Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11th, Brazil vs. Morocco on June 13th, Ecuador vs. Ivory Coast on June 14th, Argentina vs. Algeria on the 16th, and Uzbekistan vs. Colombia on June 17th. Sounds like a party!
NaBrasa Brazilian Steakhouse
NaBrasa, owned by the same group as Horsham soccer bar Iron Abbey, is anticipating a strong Brazilian presence ahead of the world cup this summer. With matches to air in their bar area, NaBrasa is offering a promotion for visiting supporters. Guests who show a valid 2026 World Cup ticket at NaBrasa can receive a complementary Rodizio meal (one per table) as a way to welcome guests to Philadelphia! NaBrasa will be a fun place to catch Brazilian fans this summer in Center City.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
If you’re from Philadelphia, you know McGillin’s and don’t need it explained to you, so I’ll try not to do that. Instead, I’ll just let you know that McGillin’s is planning to broadcast all Philadelphia World Cup matches without sound. McGillin’s won’t be hosting any specific fan groups, but it will be lively enough and more this summer. Custom McGillin’s soccer jerseys will also be for sale. Why not? A Philly staple.
The Plough and the Stars
One of Philadelphia’s Irish pubs, The Plough and the Stars serves Old City and has earned a reputation for being a great place to watch soccer. Home of the Plough Boys, a fan group supporting Celtic FC, The Plough and the Stars should be a great place to watch Scotland in the World Cup. The Plough will also host the Premier League Trophy on Friday, June 5th from 7:15 to 8:15 PM.
Misconduct Tavern
Misconduct is the home of Arsenal fans in Philadelphia. With a location in Rittenhouse and in Logan Square, Misconduct is sure to bring an atmosphere this summer. Misconduct sold tickets to watch Arsenal in their recent Champions League Final and sold out both locations. They have yet to announce any dates for specific events, but will be hosting a kickoff event on Saturday, June 13th. I anticipate Misconduct will be a great place to watch England.
Tir na nÓg
Tir na nÓg is an Irish pub with a reputation for soccer in Center City. Hosting fans of Manchester City and Chelsea, you’re guaranteed to run into some soccer fans at Tir. A favorite of many in Philadelphia, Tir has committed to airing World Cup matches this summer.
New Deck Tavern
New Deck Tavern will host sponsored parties throughout the World Cup. If you’re an Arsenal fan, they will also have the Premier League trophy on display on Friday, June 5th from 2:45 to 3:45. Clearly, they are a bar with a passion for soccer, and they have committed to broadcasting every match this summer. While not hosting any specific fan groups, New Deck Tavern will be a top spot to go near University City.
Rivers Casino
Rivers Casino will be hosting watch parties from July 1-4 for full afternoons of soccer. The schedule can be found on their site. Similar to other watch parties, Rivers is offering general admission as well as guaranteed seating or sections in the days leading up to Independence Day.
Frankford Hall
Frankford Hall is a German Biergarten serving Fishtown. Typically airing Bundesliga matches on weekends, Frankford Hall will surely be lively this summer and will be another option to watch Germany.
Fadó
Located in Rittenhouse, Fadó is home to many Premier League fans during the season, serving as a top location for Liverpool fans. They have yet to announce any specific events for the World Cup, but I anticipate they will. This list wouldn’t be complete without Fadó.
Good Good Things
Good Good Things is a bar some Philadelphians may not know about. Known as the home for West Ham fans in Philadelphia, Good Good Things is the new project of the former Sto’s owners. Good Good Things has a smaller, dive bar feel to it, but it serves as a great soccer bar.
Stateside Live!
This one is pretty self explanatory. Live! has always been a great place to catch fans coming in and out of games, and it was an easy spot for traveling fans to gather before and after matches during the 2025 Club World Cup. Live! is offering paid tailgate packages and match day experiences ahead of matches at Lincoln Financial Field.
Bars and Pubs in the Philadelphia Suburbs
Villa Capri – Doylestown
Villa Capri is made for soccer. Serving as both a bar and pizzeria, Villa Capri serves Doylestown and features a full bar and an outdoor deck for watch parties. While Villa Capri is a hit with locals, many travel to Villa Capri to watch matches. Ranked the 10th best Soccer Bar in America by Men In Blazers, Villa Capri is making their reputation in soccer known. Villa Capri has posted a schedule of matches that will be shown during the tournament, so check that out before you head over (and try the mozzarella sticks).
Soko Bag – Phoenixville
Soko Bag is a newer restaurant/bar serving Phoenixville. Partners with the Philadelphia Union, Soko Bag hosted the Sons of Ben and the Supporters’ Shield earlier this year. A family-owned restaurant with a focus on Korean fried chicken, it has earned a reputation as a great place to watch soccer. During the World Cup, visiting fans can expect food and drink specials, giveaways, and more. Due to their operating times, they cannot accommodate for matches starting at 9PM or later, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip. Don’t let that deter you though, Soko Bag is one of my favorite places to catch a game in the area. If you go, make sure to try the kimchi fries.
Iron Abbey – Horsham
A Liverpool bar during the season, Iron Abbey is gearing up for a busy summer. Guests include fans of USMNT, England, Brazil, Spain, and others. Iron Abbey is planning on providing challenges, giveaways, prizes, drink specials, and more for their guests this summer, with more to be announced soon.
Zed’s Beer – Marlton, NJ
Zed’s is a popular soccer bar and brewery serving New Jersey. A favorite among locals, Zed’s will air all USMNT matches this summer, among others designated on their online calendar. Zed’s will sprinkle in World Cup events, including Soccer Trivia on Friday, June 12th. Zed’s is proud of their “48 hops for 48 teams IPA”, a special IPA made with hops from 48 countries, which they will serve throughout the tournament.
Kildare’s Pub – West Chester
Kildare’s is a pub that wants to be known for soccer. Another Liverpool bar, Kildare’s Pub televises Union matches and has also partnered with local soccer club Westtown FC. The pub sits right on Gay Street in West Chester, and will likely be the place to go in town when it comes to watching the World Cup. Kildare’s will be hosting a watch party for USMNT on June 12th for their match against Paraguay, which will be a fun one to attend for locals.
Catherine Rooney’s / Trolley Tap House – Wilmington, DE
Catherine Rooney’s and Trolley Tap House are right next to each other, and they are serving as the soccer headquarters of Wilmington. The joint establishment will be hosting fans for all World Cup matches and are having a launch party for their new collaboration brew on Thursday, June 5th. In addition, they are hosting a World Cup Bracket Challenge with a $1,000 grand prize. Located right in Trolley Square, this location should have the best fan environment that Wilmington has to offer.
Fan Zones – Reading and Scranton
The organizers of Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and Visit PA helped organize smaller Fan Festivals for the Reading and Scranton areas. Unlike the Philadelphia edition, the Reading and Scranton Fan Zones will not run for the entire tournament. The Reading Fan Zone will be held in Santander Arena on July 3rd, 4th, 17th, and 19th for the Round of 32, Round of 16, and the Final. The Scranton Fan Zone will occur at Lackawanna County Courthouse Square on July 4th, July 5th, July 18th, and July 19th for the Round of 16, the Third Place Match, and the Final. Both Fan Zones pledge to include live entertainment as well as food and drink options, but have yet to provide details.
Block Parties – Lancaster
Discover Lancaster has set up a website detailing their plans for the World Cup, including block parties on Monday, June 22 and Thursday, June 25. The outdoor block parties will take place at Penn Medicine Park, featuring local food and drink options. Lancaster is also offering a “Match Day Bar Passport”, featuring a list of local spots to catch games in the city. This passport serves as its own guide of destinations to catch the World Cup in Lancaster, offering discounts and coupons along the way.
We hope that this list will be helpful in making plans for watching the World Cup! This list of events is not complete, and we know that more watch parties will be planned as the World Cup approaches and teams advance through the tournament. This article will continue to be updated as more information regarding watch parties and events roll in. If there is an event you would like to make us aware of, feel free to contact us on socials or via email at evank347@gmail.com.
