Thirty-two years after the United States hosted the World Cup, soccer’s biggest event is back in North America for the next month. And if you’re not watching matches in person, whether because of sky-high ticket prices or because the D.C. region wasn’t chosen as a host city, there are numerous ways to take in the games and immerse yourself in World Cup culture.
This will be the most user-friendly World Cup since Brazil 2014, at least for U.S. viewers. While you do have to account for time zones, most games kick off at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time, plus a handful at noon, making it easy to catch matches live, especially on weekends. The U.S. team is playing two of its three first-round games on the West Coast, meaning later-than-usual nights for East Coast viewers, but at least American fans only have to sneak out of work early one time — and that’s on a summer Friday.
Washington is at its most international during the World Cup, when embassies organize viewing parties, Argentine and Brazilian steakhouses fill up hours before dinner, and expat groups fill local bars with jersey-wearing fans. We’ve seen the bewilderment on the faces of tourists wandering into the Elephant and Castle pub near FBI headquarters and being met by a wall of orange-clad Dutch supporters, and we’ve been drenched in free champagne at the French Embassy after Les Bleus won the title in 2018.
Whether you’re looking to cheer for the red, white and blue, follow a particular international team, or just soak in the atmosphere at an outdoor viewing party, here’s how to catch World Cup fever.
Outdoor public viewing parties
FIFA Fan Zone on the National Mall
When FIFA didn’t select D.C. or Baltimore to host matches back in 2022, local soccer fans consoled themselves knowing that at least the National Mall would host a giant fan zone, right? These public outdoor viewing parties have been a staple of the World Cup since the 2002 tournament in South Korea. Rumors began to trickle out about a fan fest earlier this year, but it wasn’t officially confirmed until May 26, just two weeks before play begins. (It’s still not listed on FIFA’s website among the official fan zones.) The fan zone is taking over the first block of the Mall, between Third and Fourth streets NW. Like the Great American State Fair and other Freedom 250 events on the Mall, details are still thin. Organizers say gates will open an hour before the first match of the day, and there will be “interactive activities, great food, and immersive entertainment” in addition to the games being shown on a large screen. Admission is free. The event website has a form to register for advance tickets, but it also says “walk-ups are welcome.” Through July 19. freedom250.org. Free. Reservations recommended.
Summer of Soccer at the Wharf
The Wharf is shutting down Pearl Street — the narrow alley that’s home to Pearl Street Warehouse, Colada Shop and other businesses — and installing a 14-foot jumbo screen to show matches every day of the tournament. Start times vary, but organizers say they’ll show most games between noon and 9 p.m., and all U.S. and Argentina games regardless of when they kick off. The first two U.S. matches include “sip and stroll zone” that allows viewers to carry alcohol within the designated area. Seating is available on restaurant patios and some high tables in the alley. Outside chairs are forbidden. A full schedule is available on the Wharf’s website. Through July 19. wharfdc.com. Free.
United in Play at Franklin Park and Tingey Plaza
For the first two weekends of the tournament, D.C. United is hosting public viewing parties in two different outdoor spaces. From June 12 to 14, the team will be set up in Franklin Park, watching the U.S. and Paraguay on Friday night, Brazil vs. Morocco on Saturday, and a triple-header of matches on Sunday featuring Germany, the Netherlands and the Ivory Coast. The fun moves to Navy Yard’s Tingey Plaza from June 19 to 21, with three games scheduled per day, including the U.S. taking on Australia on June 19. All days include youth soccer activities, music, food trucks and interactive games. Free tickets are required. June 12-14 and 19-21. dcunited.com. Free.
Watch the World Play at the Mosaic District
Strawberry Park, the large turf area that the Mosaic District in Merrifield uses for outdoor concerts and movie screenings, is welcoming crowds of fans on selected days during the World Cup. The park is opening predominantly for afternoon matches, with food and drink specials available. Only one U.S. match is scheduled. Select matches June 13-22, plus some knockout rounds. mosaicdistrict.com/soccer. Free.
Soccer Screenings at National Harbor
The giant LED screen overlooking the Potomac River at National Harbor is in regular use for weekly movie nights, concerts and other community events, but it’s making time for soccer this summer, too. The party gets underway on June 12 with the first games for Canada (3 p.m.) and the U.S. (9 p.m.), and activities including a beer garden and interactive games. Look for early games — usually kickoffs between noon and 3 p.m. — to be shown for the rest of the month. Through June 26. nationalharbor.com. Free.
Lamont Plaza Watch Parties
“Soccer is for the people!” says Mount Pleasant Main Street, and the neighborhood organization is organizing viewing parties in the community’s plaza at the intersection of Mount Pleasant and Lamont streets NW. Grab dinner from a local restaurant before watching games on a projection screen. The fun begins June 12 with the U.S. and Paraguay; see the full schedule on Instagram: instagram.com/mountpleasantmainst.
Where to watch the U-S-A!
Representing one of three host countries, the U.S. national team bears the weight of heavy expectations. Much of the fan base believes the Americans can at least get to the round of 16, the stage at which the team exited at the 2022 World Cup. And for the next few weeks, die-hard and casual fans alike will be following the team at packed pubs, in crowded beer gardens, and even on movie screens.
American Outlaws at Solace Outpost and Franklin Hall
The most recognizable supporters, both in the stands and at local bars, are the American Outlaws. The bandanna-wearing fans brought stadium vibes to the basement of Astro Beer Hall, with nonstop drums and chanting. No wonder there were lines down the block before matches in both 2022 and 2014. This time, the Outlaws will have two bars in D.C.: Solace Outpost taproom in Navy Yard and the spacious Franklin Hall near U Street. Solace promises custom American Outlaws-themed cans as well as $6 pilsner drafts during all games; Franklin Hall promises food and drink specials for all games. Both bars will offer full sound for all games throughout the tournament — if the fans don’t drown it out. See instagram.com/americanoutlawsdc for updates.
Ireland’s Four Courts
Fresh off being named “America’s Best Soccer Bar” by soccer enthusiasts Men in Blazers, Arlington landmark Ireland’s Four Courts is gearing up for a busy World Cup. Obviously, the 30-year-old pub is showing every match. But managers are expecting to be exceptionally busy during U.S. matches — so much so that they’re instituting special rules that sound like St. Patrick’s Day. On June 12, for example, they’ll close after the Canada game and begin allowing U.S. fans to enter at 5:30 p.m. (Remember, kickoff is at 9.) When the indoor section of the bar hits capacity, they’ll begin allowing fans onto the covered back patio until that, too, is full, and at that point, admission will be one-in, one-out, with a limited menu. Note that parties must be complete to be seated together. See all the details at irelandsfourcourts.com/worldcup/.
Copa Tysons at Starr Hill Biergarten
The Copa Tysons program brings soccer viewing parties to bars and restaurants around Tysons, but the best atmosphere is at the Starr Hill Biergarten, the centerpiece of the Perch, a 2½-acre rooftop park above the Capital One Hall complex. A terraced lawn faces a cozy amphitheater, which holds a 24-foot screen, where you’ll be able to watch all three U.S. group stage games. Grab one of the 20 Starr Hill beers, cocktails or seltzers on draft before finding a seat. Dogs and kids are welcome. The Perch also includes the Perch Putt mini-golf course, food trucks and an area for picnics. Read more and make reservations through starrhilltysons.com/events.
Penn Social
What’s more American than Jell-O shots and light beer? “Red, White and Loud” is the theme at Penn Social, where drink specials during American group stage games include $2 Jell-O shots and $6 Michelob Ultras. pennsocialdc.com.
Soccer at Arlington Drafthouse
The Arlington Drafthouse is showing June 12’s match between the U.S. and Paraguay on its full-size movie screen. Doors open at 8 p.m., and while admission is free, reservations are strongly recommended. arlingtondrafthouse.com/shows/world-soccer.
Where to watch specific countries
Soccer is the world’s game, and every four years, embassies, expat organizations and the DMV’s international communities bring fans together to celebrate.
Argentina: After a quarter century of serving brochette, empanadas and grilled steaks, Rockville’s El Patio expanded to a second location in May. While some fans of La Albiceleste may instinctively head for the original restaurant, owner Guillermo Ribulotta says in an email that the new location, off Shady Grove Road, might be better: “Our new Traville location is particularly well-equipped for the viewing experience, featuring additional TVs, a larger dining area, an expanded bar, and improved sight lines throughout the restaurant.” Either way, arrive early: In 2022, as the Messi-led team advanced through the tournament, crowds were common.
Austria: Austria is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and it won’t be easy. The embassy is hosting a viewing party for Austria’s match against defending champions Argentina at the Aslin beer garden on 14th Street NW on June 22. While registration is requested, it’s not required.
Belgium: Like several other countries on this list, the Embassy of Belgium is spreading the love during the group stage, hosting watch parties at three different restaurants. Join the Belgians to cheer for their Red Devils at Belga Cafe on Barracks Row (June 15); St. Arnold’s Mussel Bar near Dupont (June 21) and the Aslin beer garden (June 26), which is a joint party with the Embassy of New Zealand. Belga and Aslin are both free and first come, first seated; reservations are available for St. Arnold’s.
Additionally, Belga Cafe is showing all Belgium matches with Belgian beer specials. Georgetown’s Sovereign Belgian beer bar is offering half-price mussels and $6 Brugse Zot blonde ale during all Belgium (and U.S.) matches.
Brazil: An Adams Morgan destination since 1992, the Grill From Ipanema shows Brazil games and hosts samba dance parties year round, but it’s full of canary yellow during the World Cup, when reservations are strongly recommended if you want a seat. (Four years ago, you couldn’t miss the crowds lining up to take photos in front of an enormous Brazilian flag on Columbia Road.) Brazilian cultural organization Arena Brazou is hosting viewing parties in New York, Chicago and D.C. during the first round; locally, the screenings are on the rooftop of the Clarendon Ballroom, with DJs and live music to go with the caipirinhas and soccer. Admission is $25.
Canada: Les Rouges have only played in the World Cup on three occasions — including this year, when they’ll be co-hosts. The Embassy of Canada will host a trio of game-watch parties: at Suzie Q’s, across from Nationals Park, on June 12 and 24, and at Franklin Hall on June 18.
Colombia: Public Bar Live on 18th Street NW has long been a stronghold for Los Cafeteros, with drink specials and big screens, plus music at halftime.
Croatia: Introducing the Washington area’s honorary home team in the World Cup, since the Vatreni, who finished third at the 2022 World Cup, are based and training in Alexandria. The Association of Croatian American Professionals is hosting viewing parties at Franklin Hall, where checkerboard jerseys are encouraged.
England and Scotland: The Embassy of the United Kingdom has the curious responsibility of organizing viewing parties for two of the participants in the World Cup: England and Scotland both qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Duke’s Grocery in Foggy Bottom is hosting three first-round screenings: England vs. Croatia (June 17), Scotland vs. Morocco (June 19), and England vs. Panama (June 27), says owner Daniel Kramer. Other destinations for English and Scottish fans include Duke’s Grocery in Dupont Circle and the Queen Vic on H Street, which was packed for England matches during the team’s run to the final of Euro 2024. The pub will open early for all England, Scotland and U.S. matches.
Egypt: You’d expect a restaurant with a mural of Egyptian striker Mo Salah on its wall to show the World Cup, and you’d be correct: Fava Pot is hosting a screening of Egypt and Belgium on June 15 at its newest location at the Boro in Tysons. Red and black attire is encouraged.
France: The Union des Français de l’Étranger, an international organization for French expats, is back at Penn Social in Penn Quarter after an epic run to the final last time around. Join the Francophone crowd for $6 bottles of Kronenbourg beer and $35 bottles of French red or white wine, and the game on a giant screen. The group is also organizing viewing parties at Gustave Boulangerie in Del Ray. Reservations are suggested. The Alliance Française, a French cultural institution, is hosting screenings of all three first-round games at its Kalorama headquarters, and the first match, against Senegal, is already sold out. Admission is $7.18 for nonmembers. The third match, against Norway on June 26, is followed by a talk (in French) about the evolution of soccer in France compared with the U.S.
Germany: The German Embassy has two official viewing parties: Staffers will be at the Aslin beer garden on June 14, and at the Heurich House’s Dupont Circle beer garden on June 20. The Goethe Institut, a German cultural institute in Logan Circle, is sponsoring game-watching parties at Pitchers, an LGBTQ sports bar in Adams Morgan, on June 14 and 25 for Pride Month, and at the Atlas Brew Works taproom in Anacostia on June 20. Prost, a German bar in Mount Vernon Triangle, will have sound on for all Germany matches, along with discounted liters of beer and snacks, while the venerable Old Europe in Glover Park is billing itself as a family-friendly place to watch matches.
Ghana: Appioo, the Shaw restaurant run by Ghanaian chef Prince Matey, is a popular destination to watch West African teams in the World Cup, with traditional dishes like kelewele and red red washed down with Club Lager or palm wine.
Haiti: The Embassy of Haiti, the Haitian Ladies Network and U.S. nonprofit Roots of Development, which works with community aid groups in Haiti, are teaming up for a viewing party at Hook Hall on June 24, from 5 to 9 p.m. In addition to showing the match against Morocco, the event features live Haitian music from Rara Bel Poze, a marketplace with Haitian art, and Haitian food and drink for sale. Tickets are $12.51 for ages 12 and older, and free for children age 11 and younger.
Mexico: There’s no shortage of places for Mexican fans to watch El Tri this summer. If you’d like to do a little meeting-and-greeting in addition to cheering, MXDC, the Mexican Professionals Network, and the Mexicanos in D.C. Meetup group are hosting events at Public Bar (June 11 against South Africa and June 24 against the Czech Republic) and Penn Social (June 18 against South Korea and, if Mexico gets out of its group, June 30). In addition, they’ll have a Panini sticker swap at the first Penn Social game. El Rey in Navy Yard is positioning itself as the “Official Unofficial Bar” for Mexican fans, with bucket and pitcher specials.
The Netherlands: There’s nothing particularly Dutch about Elephant and Castle, an English-style pub near Federal Triangle, but it’s been a Dutch stronghold since 2014, turning the bar a shocking shade of orange during all matches. (We’ve even spotted a stuffed lion or two.) Get there early to join the D.C. Dutch expat group.
Panama: The Embassy of Panama and cultural organization Panameños en el DMV are hosting a party at Metrobar for the team’s first game against Ghana on June 17, with music by DJ Rey Parker and Panamanian food by Frituras Granpau, beginning at 7 p.m.
South Africa: Bafana Bafana gets its World Cup campaign underway against Mexico on June 11, and the embassy is sponsoring a viewing party at Buddy’s in Columbia Heights. Doors open at 1 p.m., two hours before kickoff.
South Korea: Match screenings, Korean cultural performances and complimentary Korean snacks are offered at three viewing parties in Northern Virginia, organized by groups including the Korean Cultural Center and the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The events take place at the Washington Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville (June 11 and 24) and the Messiah Presbyterian Church of Washington in Annandale (June 18). Space is limited, so RSVPs are required.
Spain: The young but traditional Spanish restaurant Casa Teresa is just a few blocks from the Embassy of Spain, making it a natural choice for staffers after work. For Spain’s matches on June 15 and 26, Casa Teresa is teaming up with the embassy to show the games on a projection screen and other TVs with discounted drinks and snacks, including sangria and cava for $10 per glass or $40 per pitcher, while Estrella beer is $4 or $8. If Spain wins, everyone gets a free glass of sparkling wine. For Spain’s June 21 match against Saudi Arabia, the party moves to Franklin Hall. D.C.’s best known Spanish restaurant, Jaleo, is supporting Spain by showing all matches and relaunching its “Futbol Club” menu of bar snacks and small bites — think empanadas, flautas and Spanish hot dogs — along with $5 Spanish beers and an international cocktail menu.
Switzerland: Steak Frites, the warm-weather version of Stable, the city’s only Swiss restaurant, is showing up for its team. The H Street NE restaurant is offering Swiss food and drink specials during all three first-round matches. Ticketed reservations are required for each game: The $18.18 fee includes one beverage and a guaranteed seat.
General soccer bars
With the majority of games broadcast on Fox, any bar, from a fancy multiscreen sports bar to the smallest neighborhood tavern, can show World Cup games. The question is whether the drink specials and vibes are worth it. Here are some of our favorites.
Boundary Stone: The Bloomingdale tavern is more of an American football bar, but it’s offering $6 local beers during games shown during its usual hours.
The Bullpen: The large outdoor beer garden by Nationals Park is showing games throughout the tournament, including the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands on opening weekend. Just check the online schedules, as the venue also hosts day parties and concerts that preempt the World Cup, and crowds of Nats fans might descend before and after baseball games.
Cafe Citron: The longtime Dupont Circle destination for salsa dancing, mojitos and margaritas caters to crowds from across Central and South America. Its calendar of games prioritizes Spanish-speaking countries, including Colombia, Panama, Uruguay and Mexico.
Casta’s at Bodega: The “Latino Fan Zone” at the Foggy Bottom bar is showing games on its big screen with exclusively Spanish language commentary. There are drink specials when different teams are playing — aguardiente for Colombia, caipirinhas for Brazil — and fans can win prizes by guessing the correct score before the match.
Hi-Lawn: There’s a new look to the artificial turf at the rooftop bar above Union Market: Hi-Lawn is remaking its “lawn” to resemble a soccer field. With a 12-foot screen outdoors and more TVs under a tent, it can be your built-in backup plan in case a D.C. summer storm pops up. Check the schedule ahead of time to make sure no private parties are happening.
La Cosecha: Union Market’s Latin American marketplace is screening matches throughout the tournament, with a focus on countries like Colombia, Mexico and Argentina, with specials from La Cosecha’s vendors. Don’t miss other World Cup experiences in the neighborhood, including pickup games at the Yard, a turf lot one block over on Fifth Street, run by Guerilla FC.
The Midlands: The popular Park View beer garden isn’t taking reservations for games, so get there early for prime seats. (Air conditioning or fresh air, take your pick.) Deals include $5 Miller Lite pints and discounted Corona buckets.
The Roost: The beer program at the Roost draws heavily on beers and traditional beer styles from the Czech Republic, England, Germany and, of course, the U.S. The family-friendly food hall on the eastern end of Capitol Hill is showing all World Cup matches, but it will put the sound on for games involving those four counties. No matter who’s playing, deals include $6 lagers and cask ales, $10 wings and burgers and $15 one-topping pizzas.
Toro Bar: The soccer-loving Columbia Heights pool hall is boasting about its new 110-inch TV wall and upgraded sound system ahead of the tournament. Expect crowds for Mexico games; it’ll be showing every game with drink specials.
Wunder Garten: This NoMa beer garden was international soccer central during the 2022 World Cup, with a regular stream of viewing parties and embassy meetups. It warmed up for this year’s tournament by hosting the German Embassy for the U.S.-Germany friendly. Watch the schedule for pop-up events, and get there early if you want to stake out a spot in a tent out of the sun. German beers, and offerings from Little Miner Taco and CaliBurger are always available.
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