Are you ready for some futbol? FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off today, with 48 teams from around the world competing across the United States, Mexico and Canada until July 19. Your local sports bar might be carrying the games. On the other hand, between baseball and other sports, they might not have the match you want to see on the 100-inch screen.
But Madison soccer fans are excited, and a lot of places are hosting watch parties through the 39-day tournament. Here are a few places to catch the games that are offering drink specials and other goodies:
Where else to watch a soccer game than in a soccer stadium? The historic stadium on East Washington Avenue is hosting watch parties in its Forward Club, as well as on-the-field watch parties for when Team USA plays, such as Friday night’s match against Paraguay.
Billing itself as “Madison’s World Cup Headquarters,” this spot on the Capitol Square will have wall-to-wall watch parties in both the main bar area and the upstairs Watch Hall. The Watch Hall will have a 120-inch screen, full bar and a special menu.
The former church turned beer hall and sports bar is known as a home for Arsenal fans in Madison to watch matches. They’re adjusting their hours to be open for every match during the tournament.
With the State Street bar pausing its DJ sets due to noise complaints from neighbors, they’ll be hosting World Cup watch parties, such as today’s 2 p.m. match between Mexico and South Africa, with drink specials. Just make sure to not cheer too loudly, ok?
This Middleton brewpub held a tie dye party with customers dyeing T-shirts in the colors of their favorite team. Through the tournament, they can wear the T-shirts to get food and drink specials.
Madison’s new IV vitamin therapy clinic is hosting an active watch party on June 13, where families can take part in a guided soccer workout together. Then relax and recover and watch the game! (Only those 14 and older can receive IV therapy treatment.)
The north side music bar is hosting seven watch parties in its Sidecar Lounge, with DJs, buckets of beer and hard seltzer, and a new World Cup signature cocktail.
