Where to watch World Cup games in Philadelphia
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
The World Cup has arrived and Philly has plenty of bars where you can watch the matches.
What's happening: The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar at 11am on Sunday, with the host nation taking on Ecuador.
- It'll be a World Cup of firsts: The tournament has never been held in the winter or in the Middle East.
- 32 teams in eight groups are competing in the first round.
Zoom in: The United States is in Group B with England, Iran and Wales — all of whom will play each other once. All three USA group stage matches kick off at 2pm ET:
- Monday: Wales
- Nov. 25: England
- Nov. 29: Iran
How it works: The top two teams with the most points in the group stage will advance to the knockout stage.
- The final match is Dec. 18.
Be smart: If you're looking to rub elbows with fellow soccer fans at a Philadelphia bar, keep in mind they can't pour drinks for the earliest 5am games.
- Most bars, restaurants and hotels can serve between 7am-2am Monday through Saturday, and 9am-2am on Sunday.
- But certain clubs, which hold a different type of liquor license, can serve from 7am-3am every day.
How to watch: FOX and Fox Sports will air all the games.
- Plus: You can stream full match replays free on Tubi.
Here are a few places to tune into the matches in Philadelphia:
The Black Sheep Pub (247 S 17th St.): Expect a lot of England fans as this pub is the home of the Manchester United supporters' club of Philly.
- It will open at 7:30am on Monday for the England vs Iran match starting at 8am, serving its brunch menu. Expect the pub to open for 8am matches involving England.
What they're saying: James Stephens, the owner of the pub, told Axios he expected "huge crowds" for some games to fill his bar and boost business.
- "We always do get good groups of people from all over the world for these games and it's a lot of fun," he said.
Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South St.): Visitors can tap into more than 30 German beers, a special World Cup menu and watch the games on seven televisions plus a 10-foot projector. Open for all matches 8am and later.
- On Nov. 25, the bar will hold a watch party on South Street starting around noon.
Cavanaugh's Headhouse (421 S. 2nd St.): Seven rooms with an "army of flatscreens" and a favorite of English Premier League fans.
- Expecting to open for most 11am games but check the website. Drink specials on Heinekens and Stateside Seltzers, along with discounts on small wings.
Fadó Irish Pub (1500 Locust St.): Guests can expect a match day brunch menu and drink specials. Doors will open 30 minutes before 8am matches.
U90 Soccer Center (800 Mifflin St.): The soccer spot opening a turf field inside South Philly's Bok building this weekend will be showing some matches in its lounge area. Check its Instagram for updates.