From Gareth Southgate lookalike competitions to dishes that honour the tournament hosts, London is ready for the football.
In the past, when major tournaments roll around, London turns into a football frenzy. Outdoor screens host thousands of supporters, pubs fill up with England kit-clad fans and all plans seem to revolve around the match schedule.
For this year’s FIFA World Cup, hosted in America, venues are going above and beyond – many have even pledged to stay open late into the early hours of morning for late kick-offs.
Opening 8 June with 48 teams playing 104 games, the schedule will be full. So far we know England will be playing Croatia on Wednesday 17 June (9pm), Ghana on Tuesday 23 June (9pm) and Panama on 27 June (10pm).
Space will no doubt fill quickly so best get booking soon. Here are the some of the best spots in London to catch the action.
World Cup 2026 fan zones
With an event as big as the World Cup, of course there to be dedicated fan zones for those who wanting to gather en masse.
Running from 17 June, O2 Forum Kentish Town, Club 360 Tottenham, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Village Underground Shoreditch are confirmed fan parks for watching the action on massive screens. Just be prepared for a bit of rowdiness whenever a goal is scored.
Pubs and restaurants
The Dial – Home of the Meantime, Greenwich Peninsula
The multi-floor pub, sports bar and restaurant, The Dial – Home of Meantime, will be showing the matches across 11 screens in the sports bar, Tap Room and big screens facing outward to the beer garden – perfect for groups wanting to make a full day or night of it. Enjoy Meantime craft beer, brewed onsite, along with the bar’s usual selection of food.
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Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
For atmospheric open-air viewing, Vinegar Yard provides an almost fan zone like setting. Matches will be show across three large screens throughout the outdoor and indoor spaces, with open-air bars pouring ice-cold pints and Aperol Spritzes, plus a line-up of World Cup-inspired specials from the venue’s much-loved street food traders. Highlights include Nanny Bill’s Seoul Mate Chicken Strips inspired by South Korea, Bad Boy Pizza Society’s England Margs, and Japanese Chicken Shop’s Nippon Sandos. Entry is free, but booking in advance is recommended.
The Alma, Wandsworth
Live music and a Gareth Southgate lookalike competition kick off the league at The Alma’s World Cup launch party on 11 June at 6pm. As an established and popular football pub, it’ll be a lively spot to catch the first games, with the kitchen serving snacks and meals throughout the evening.
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The Ship, Wandsworth
If you like your football with a view, you can catch the matches from South London pub The Ship’s Thames-side outdoor deck. Here, you can take your pick of 13 indoor and outdoor screens across the pub, so there’s plenty of choice while you enjoy stacked burgers, wings and sharers. Late kick-offs are especially popular so early for a prime spot on the walk-ins only decking.
Grand Junction Arms, Harlesden
Head to the Grand Junction Arms along the Grand Union Canal to catch the games across the pub’s seven bars and seven screens. If you want to stick to your group, VIP screenings available to book in the garden lodges including food and drinks. With space for 1,500 supporters, its guaranteed to be an energetic atmosphere throughout the season.
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Prince Arthur Belgravia
Michelin-approved Basque dining for the World Cup, anyone? Prince Arthur Belgravia’s large, high definition screens, pints and signature pintxos – small, Spanish bite-sized snacks – provide a more upscale viewing experience. All England matches and major games will be shown live, in both the ground-floor bar and first-floor dining room, with bookings available across both floors.
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Castle Pubs, across London
Looking for somewhere to watch in Clapham, Camden, Highbury or Soho? Castle pubs across London, are showing the matches on live screens, with Jubel beer towers, large garden courtyards and hearty pub grub. Locations include The Falcon and The Sun in Clapham, The Edinboro Castle in Camden, The Alwyne Castle in Highbury and De Hems Dutch Café & Bar in Soho.
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Hackney Bridge
The canalside food and drink destination Hackney Bridge is being transformed into a giant fan park, screening every game on one of London’s largest outdoor screens, alongside additional indoor viewing areas. Expect globally inspired World Cup specials throughout: dishes include Poptata’s Maple Brisket Fries inspired by Canada, Wrap n Rolla’s Brazilian Burrito, Filigrillz’s Grilled Pollo Sabroso representing Spain and Inamo Sukoshi’s Japan Victory Katsu Bowl. And of course, multile bars for beers and drinks. For those looking for post-match celebrations, the venue’s late night bar Nico’s will have al lineup of local DJs every weekend.
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Record Bars, across London
For those keen on a more relaxed vibe, London’s vinyl-led nightlife group Record Bars is screening World Cup matches across its venues. Pairing big-screen action with stone-baked pizzas, cocktails such as palomas and mojitos and a music-filled atmipshere that makes it easy to linger long after the match is over. All three locations, Venn St. Records, Northcote Records and Eastcheap Records will be showing all the England games.
Cinnamon Kitchen, Battersea
Watch the games at Cinnamon Kitchen while enjoying Executive Chef Vivek Singh’s signature grills and curries. Games are shown during restaurant opening hours, and if you can correctly guess the winning team you can win 25% off drinks after full time; predict the exact final score and you’ll get 50% off.
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Drake & Morgan, across London
Multiple Drake & Morgan venues across London will be showing live screenings, with bookable food and drink packages, sharing platters and exclusive Peroni bundles. Private screening experiences will also be available across the group’s private dining rooms. Participating venues include The Fable (Farringdon), The Happenstance (St Paul’s), The Moniker (Tower Hill), The Parlour (Canary Wharf), TheRefinery City Point (Moorgate), The Refinery New Street Square (Chancery Lane) and The Otherist (Liverpool Street).
Pizza Pilgrims, Shoreditch and Hyde Park
Pizza Pilgrims’ Shoreditch and Hyde Park locations will be showing all England matches, the quarter final, semi-final and final games, with tickets already on sale. Each £4 ticket includes a guaranteed seat and a beer on arrival, with games and prizes to be won throughout.
In honour of the tournament, the chain has also reintroduced its American pizza – a white base pizza topped with hot dogs and fries – for the summer. It’s an acquired taste but, washed down with a pint and in front of the footie, it’ll make an evening to remember.
Feature image: Vinegar Yard
