With the 2026 World Cup underway, these are the top spots to catch a drink and the game with a lively crowd.
By Luca Muehlbauer
The World Cup is well under way with the tournament going till July 19. People are buzzing with excitement, hoping to get a glimpse of the hype. And while a lucky few managed to score (and afford!) tickets to see games in-person, the rest of us will have to enjoy them from here in the Triangle. Fortunately, there are several bars, restaurants and other venues around town dedicated to showing live coverage of the games for soccer-loving fans. If you’re ready to show up to your next watch party for the 2026 World Cup, consider one of these spots.
The Boot Room
Recently ranked within the top five of Yelp’s best sports bars in the United States, Durham’s The Boot Room brings an unmatched soccer vibe year-round, but especially for the World Cup. The whole venue is decorated in scarves, jerseys and other unique sports paraphernalia, and they serve classic pub fare like sandwiches, pretzels and wings. Attached to The Boot Room is the Beer Study, a tavern with 40 constantly rotating taps. True fans will head straight to the big screen in the back to cheer on their team as the match starts.
2501 University Drive, Durham; bootroomdurham.com
The Brass Tap Raleigh
With an incredible 150 global and local craft beer selection, the Brass Tap has a spacious environment to enjoy the World Cup in its full effect. The restaurant offers a full kitchen menu, with favorites such as the big pretzel with beer cheese and the wings. It’s the official home of the Raleigh Liverpool Supporters Club, which brings devoted fans from all over the Triangle. Expect a loud crowd for the World Cup along with a brand new 100-inch TV to catch all the action.
16 N. West Street; brasstapbeerbar.com
Hibernian Irish Bar
Since 2000 this bar with two locations in Raleigh, has brought authentic Irish culture to the area. With its traditional dark wood interiors and proper Guinness pours, its authenticity bounces off the walls. The menu always features classics like Shepherd’s pie and beef Reubens. Though Ireland isn’t in the World Cup in this edition, still expect a vibrant atmosphere. The bar has pledged to stream every World Cup match this year, so expect people coming in and out of the bar at all times.
311 Glenwood Ave & 8021 Falls of Neuse Road; hibernianpub.com
The London Bridge Pub
Known to be a premier gathering spot for Liverpool FC supporters, this downtown Raleigh pub brings London energy year-round. London Bridge serves classic English plates such as fish and chips and Scotch eggs along with a selection of British and domestic drafts. The pub has ample indoor space, along with a pet-friendly 3,000 foot patio. Expect a huge crowd for England games along with constant supporters for the World Cup.
110 E. Hargett Street; instagram.com/thebrigepub
Olé Sports Bar and Lounge
Featuring a rotation of six different food trucks, Olé Sports Bar and Lounge hosts watch parties for various soccer leagues year-round — so it’s an especially great atmosphere for the World Cup. With more than 20 beers and different drinks along with 14 high definition TV’s, it invites a lively, attentive crowd. (And for less soccer-inclined plus-ones, the bar has pool tables and arcade games.)
502 S. West Street; olesportsbar.com
Winchester Pub and Bottleshop
Bringing the English tavern atmosphere to Raleigh with its dark-wood walls, Winchester Pub and Bottleshop has a dedication to soccer (or should we call it football?) culture. It is popular for being a top destination to watch the top soccer leagues in the world, but certainly around here. They have a wide variety of craft beers on tap along with the possibility of bringing outside food, and have adjusted their hours for the World Cup.
6164 Falls of Neuse Road; thewinchesterraleigh.com
World Cup Watch Parties in the Triangle
With the World Cup drawing much attention from all over the country. Many watch parties are hosted throughout the Triangle. A few we have an eye on…
- The North Carolina Courage will be hosting a watch party for the USA vs. Australia game on June 19 at the Wake Med Soccer Park. Tickets are free, but required in advance. Doors at 2pm and the game starts at 3pm. 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary; tickets.nccourage.com
- Rialto Theater will also be hosting a watch party for the USA vs Australia game on June 19. The event will also feature various giveaways as it is sponsored by Soccer.com and Adidas. The doors will open at 2pm and the game at 3pm. 1620 Glenwood Avenue, therialto.com
- NC State will be showing the World Cup Semifinals at Hunt Library on July 14. The games will be shown on the big screen in the Hunt Library auditorium. 1070 Partners Way, calendar.ncsu.edu
This article was originally published on waltermagazine.com on June 17, 2026.
