Where to watch the 2026 World Cup around D.C.
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D.C.'s soccer scene is going into overdrive for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with massive outdoor watch parties, beer gardens and rooftop bars turning into fan hubs across the region.
Why it matters: Washington lost its bid to host World Cup matches, but the region's deep soccer culture, international identity and large expat communities mean few U.S. cities will feel the tournament more intensely.
Driving the news: D.C. United is hosting two major watch events through the "United in Play Soccer Celebration" coming to Franklin Park in Downtown D.C. (June 12-14) and Navy Yard's Tingey Plaza (June 19–21).
- The family-friendly events will feature youth soccer activities, local food vendors, music and more.
- Matches will air live alongside programming celebrating the city's soccer culture and global communities.
- Admission is free with advance registration.
🌍 Other big hubs: Wunder Garten and Volo Sports are teaming up to create one of the city's largest World Cup watch party destinations.
- The Shaw beer garden plans more than 75 activations through July 19, starting with USA vs. Senegal (May 31) and USA vs. Germany (June 6).
- Expect giant indoor and outdoor screenings, themed entertainment, giveaways, fan competitions and specialty international brews.
- Watch parties are free and open to the public.
Meanwhile, Hi-Lawn atop Union Market will transform into a World Cup hub with a turf soccer pitch, giant LED screens and space for up to 1,000 fans — plus soccer-themed trivia, DJs and more entertainment.
- It's kid-friendly during daytime hours. Free admission with reservations available.
- For Latin American countries, La Cosecha marketplace will have all the action with large-screen viewing experiences, themed pop-ups and tournament specials — plus plenty of tacos, arepas, pupusas and Latin drinks to match.
The Wharf is still finalizing details on its FIFA World Cup Watch Zone (June 11-30, July 1-19).
- Pearl Street will transform into an open-air viewing destination with a large outdoor screen for match viewing.
- Kirwan's and Pink Tiger are partnering for patio watch party experiences, with more restaurants expected to join.
More places to watch
Every bar with a TV will likely be showing World Cup — these places kick things up a level with viewing parties, themed specials and more.
- Hall Pass (Chinatown): The beer hall is becoming "Global Matchday HQ," featuring every tournament match, including country-themed viewing parties, international beers and street food-inspired menus. USA opener festivities begin June 12.
- Penn Social (Penn Quarter): The massive sports bar is kicking off with Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 opening day, and plans to show marquee matches throughout the tournament.
- Lucky Bar (Dupont): The longtime soccer bar will host several USA watch parties, starting with USA vs. Australia.
- Elephant & Castle (Downtown): The popular soccer bar plans to show a full roster of World Cup games, starting with Mexico vs. South Africa (June 11). Reservations available.
- Metrobar (Edgewood): The outdoor venue near Rhode Island Ave, NE plans Team USA watch parties on its 20-foot screen with cocktails, beers and pizza specials.
- Boundary Stone (Bloomingdale): The Bloomingdale pub will show the full tournament schedule with $6 local drafts during matches.
- Station 4 (Southwest Waterfront): Go for a variety of matches on four big screens alongside food and drink specials, starting June 11. Free RSVP
- Public Bar Live (Dupont): The sports bar plans to open early for World Cup games.
- Immigrant Food: Ballston and White House locations will stream matches and offer the $13 "World Cup Combo," featuring Greek wings and a beer.
- Tom's Watch Bar (National Harbor, Navy Yard): The massive sports bar plans tournament-long viewing events across its wall-to-wall screens.
- Shipgarten (Tysons): The sprawling outdoor beer garden is hosting tournament watch parties and themed events throughout the World Cup — plus a "passport challenge."
- BOE (Clarendon): The country bar is branding itself "America's Home Bar for the World Cup," with Team USA parties, DJs, drink specials and, of course, stars-and-stripes shots.
- Over/Under Sports Bar (Mount Vernon Triangle): The rooftop sports bar is hosting World Cup watch parties with wall-to-wall TVs, game sound and all-day drink specials, including a Brazil vs. Morocco viewing party on June 13.
- Sport & Social (U Street): The venue plans to show tournament matches while its Upstate FTW kitchen rolls out World Cup-inspired dishes themed around host countries, including birria tacos, shrimp siu mai and disco fries.
Don't see your favorite World Cup bar? Email [email protected]
This is a developing list. Check back for updates.