Your World Cup 2026 guide: Where to watch, nearby matches, & how to celebrate

Say hello to the world’s premier soccer event: FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially kicking off. This year, a record 48 countries will compete to see who lifts the championship trophy. The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) will be among the teams participating, with cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada hosting matches.

Though New Hampshire isn’t one of those hosts, there are several matches happening in nearby destinations. And of course, there are plenty of good spots around the state for catching the action. We’ve got your guide to maximizing your World Cup experience.

7 great ways to watch World Cup matches in New Hampshire

Want to watch the USMNT (or other clubs) amongst a group of fans in lively settings? Here are some of the best viewing spots New Hampshire has to offer.

The June Cork Pub

Soccer is a huge deal in the UK (but, you know, maybe call it “football” over there). And The June Cork Pub brings you the authentic feel of a British pub without having to hop across the pond. With 12 beers on tap and over 20 bottle/canned options, you’ll have no shortage to choose from while cheering on your club. Additionally, every bartender at The June Cork Pub is Cicerone Certified, the equivalent of a sommelier in the wine world. In other words, they know their stuff. So, head on over, grab a pint, and bond with some new friends over exciting footy action.

66 Third Street, Dover, NH, 03820

Liars Bench Beer Co.

Housed in an old plumbing supply warehouse, Liars Bench Beer Co. is one of the top places to catch a World Cup game. The brewery is naturally rooting for Team USA; to show its support, it’s hosting a World Cup watch party for the USA’s first matchup against Paraguay. The event starts at 7 p.m. and will feature food and beer from other local spots. Even better, your $10 ticket goes toward supporting the New Hampshire Soccer Project and Prescott Parks Arts Festival.

459 Islington St. #4, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Rek’-Lis Brewing Company

A visit to Rek’-Lis Brewing Company is anything but reckless, with plenty of TVs, 16 beers on tap—try a flight—and a welcoming environment for both humans and pups. Alongside New Hampshire Soccer Project, Rek’-Lis is also co-hosting a sizzling watch party for Team USA’s June 19 matchup against Australia. Doors open at 2 p.m., the match starts at 3, and there’s plenty of entertainment along the way, including a Q&A panel, soccer darts, and treats from Super Secret Ice Cream.

2085 Main St, Bethlehem, NH 03574

Schilling Beer Co.

One-third of the World Cup’s participating countries are European, so watching a match at a European-inspired brewery is quite on-brand. Schilling Beer Co., which began its operations in a refurbished 1797 gristmill, will make you feel like you’re tucked in a cozy European village. The Scandinavian farmhouse production brewery, the selection of beers on tap, and gorgeous views overlooking the mountains are all intriguing propositions. The atmosphere might be a bit more subdued than chanting along with a crowd of soccer hooligans, but sometimes that’s just what you need.

18 Mill St, Littleton, NH 03561

Pelham Soccer Club

The world’s best soccer players typically start playing in early childhood, and Pelham Soccer Club is helping shape some of those stars. The club is for boys and girls 14 and under, but its watch party on June 12 is open to all ages. While the matchup between the USA and Paraguay should offer plenty of thrills, there are several off-pitch experiences to enjoy, too. Check out a bounce house soccer game, live music, family-friendly activities, and local vendors, including Jeannette’s Fried Dough and Fried Treats and Andrew & Ava & Friends Lemon-Aid Stand.

Village Green 6 Village Green, Pelham, NH 03076

WZID’s watch parties

WZID is a staple of New Hampshire’s radio scene, playing adult contemporary tunes that consistently get heads nodding and toes tapping. During the World Cup, they’re partnering with Truly—the official seltzer of the World Cup—for watch parties all around the state. Venues include Nuevo Vallarta, Mi Jalisco, El Tapatio, and Arts Alley, and will feature appearances from WZID personalities. Be sure to goooooooooo(al) to at least one of these parties!

Multiple locations

New Hampshire Soccer Project

The goal of the New Hampshire Soccer Project is to help bring the sport to the state. Their efforts won’t stop after a World Cup champion is crowned, so keep the good times rolling throughout the summer. NH Soccer Project is hosting a street soccer tournament with Samba X on the morning of August 1. There’s no better way to kick off a little steam.

South Mill Pond Recreation Complex, Junkins Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Want to see a World Cup 2026 game live?

Unfortunately, there are no World Cup games taking place in New Hampshire this year. If you’re feeling up for a road trip, however, there are a few places within driving distance hosting World Cup matches.

Foxborough, Mass.

The closest venue to New Hampshire, Gillette Stadium (“Boston Stadium” for the World Cup) will be hosting a handful of matchups, including one in the quarterfinals:

June 13, 9 p.m. EDT: Haiti vs. Scotland
June 16, 6 p.m. EDT: Iraq vs. Norway
June 19, 6 p.m. EDT: Scotland vs. Morocco
June 23, 4 p.m. EDT: England vs. Ghana
June 26, 3 p.m. EDT: Norway vs. France
June 29 (round of 32), time TBD: Winner of Group E vs. 3rd place in Group A, B, C, D, or F
July 9 (Quarterfinals), time TBD: Winners of Match 89 vs. Match 90

East Rutherford, NJ

New Jersey/New York is a longer trip than Foxborough, but there’s plenty of excitement going on at MetLife Stadium. MetLife is using the moniker of “New Jersey/New York Stadium” during the World Cup, so why not make a fun little weekend or multi-day adventure to catch a match? MetLife is also hosting the final matchup—fans will get to see the champion crowned right in front of them.

June 13, 6 p.m. EDT: Brazil vs. Morocco
June 16, 3 p.m. EDT: France vs. Senegal
June 22, 8 p.m. EDT: Norway vs. Senegal
June 25, 4 p.m. EDT: Ecuador vs. Germany
June 27, 5 p.m. EDT: Panama vs. England
June 30 (round of 32), time TBD: Winner of Group I vs. 3rd place in Group C, D, F, G, or H
July 5 (round of 16), time TBD: Winners of Match 76 vs. 78
July 19 (Final), time TBD: Winners of Match 101 vs. 102

Philadelphia, PA

Sure, this is a lengthy drive, and a flight might make more sense. But if you really want to see one of the countries below, it could be worth the trek to Lincoln Financial Field, or “Philadelphia Stadium,” as it’s being called for the tournament. As a bonus, the stadium is hosting a special celebration on July 4 for the 250th anniversary of the United States.

June 14, 7 p.m. EDT: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador
June 19, 9 p.m. EDT: Brazil vs. Haiti
June 22, 5 p.m. EDT: France vs. Iraq
June 25, 4 p.m. EDT: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast
June 27, 5 p.m. EDT: Croatia vs. Ghana
July 4, time TBD: Winners of Match 74 vs. Match 77

Local players to root for

Rather stay at home while you watch the World Cup? Keep an eye out for a pair of players with ties to (or close to) New Hampshire.

Moise Bombito graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2022. He’s currently a member of Nice in Ligue 1, the top league in France. Bombito has been playing in the French league since 2024, though he’ll be representing Canada in the World Cup. His squad will be competing in Group B, with the first matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina kicking off on June 12.

There’s also Team USA’s goalkeeper Matt Turner, who conveniently wears #1, making him easy to spot. Matt grew up in Park Ridge, N.J., and currently plays for the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. Team USA is competing in Group D, with its first game against Paraguay.

However you decide to take part in the World Cup this year, we hope you enjoy all the beautiful game has to offer.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.