The biggest FIFA Men’s World Cup ever is coming to North America this summer. Sixteen cities in three countries will host the event from the opening match on June 11 through the final on July 19. Visit foxsports.com for the full schedule with times, teams and TV channels for every match.

Though Columbus isn’t hosting any matches, we are a soccer city with passionate fans and dozens of places to watch the World Cup. Let’s get you a spot at the best bar, seated at a top table, or standing with your hands in the air yelling gooooooooooooool!

By the Numbers | Key Dates | USMNT Matches - Crew Soccer Celebrations
Soccer Bars | Best Sports Bars | Other Notable Matches | Live Soccer in Columbus

 

By the Numbers

 

  2026 2022
Matches 104 64
Teams 48 32
Stadiums 16 8
Host Cities 16 5
Tournament Length (days) 39 26

 

Key Dates

With 104 matches over 39 days, it’s important to keep track of the key dates. From June 11 through July 7 there’s at least one match every single day. Matchday 3 has the busiest schedule, with six matches each day from June 24-27. Be sure to hydrate and stretch your legs.

  • June 11 – 17: Matchday 1
  • June 17 – 23: Matchday 2
  • June 24 – 27: Matchday 3
  • June 28 – July 3: Round of 32
  • July 4 – 7: Round of 16
  • July 9 – 11: Quarterfinals
  • July 14 – 15: Semifinals
  • July 18: Third Place
  • July 19: Final


USMNT Matches – Soccer Celebrations with the Crew

The Columbus Crew are hosting three soccer celebrations during the USMNT’s group stage matches, each in a unique location around the city. Count on big screens with full volume and big crowds in full voice. Plus, there will be lots to do before the matches kickoff. More details below or learn more at ColumbusCrew.com.

  • Friday, June 12 at 9 p.m. vs. Paraguay 🇵🇾
    Bridge Park | 6741 Longshore Street, Dublin
    It’s the first World Cup weekend of the summer, and the USMNT start their journey vs. Paraguay. Be among hundreds of fans at Bridge Park to set the tone for a special tournament and kick off your weekend.
     
  • Friday, June 19 at 3 p.m. vs. Australia 🇦🇺
    Columbus Commons | 160 S. High Street
    A matinee match on Juneteenth sets the stage for a family friendly celebration at Columbus Commons. Bring the kids as early as 1 p.m. and stay after the USMNT match to watch more action on the screens at the Commons.
     
  • Thursday, June 25 at 10 p.m. vs. Turkey 🇹🇷
    Land-Grant Brewing Company | 424 W. Town Street
    Late match on a weeknight? This one is for the diehards. Join football fanatics at Land-Grant for a crucial final group stage match that will determine the USMNT’s World Cup future.

 

Soccer Bars & Restaurants

Did you know 14 teams in the Premier League have official supporters club locations in Columbus? Check out the full list here that inspired many of the locations below. Also, several of the Crew's Pub Partners are listed but check out that full list on the Crew's website.
 

Boston’s

191 Nationwide Boulevard
The national chain’s Arena District location is a heavily-trafficked pre-event destination for all sporting and entertainment events throughout the area, so you know they’re used to a raucous crowd. The menu expands well beyond its signature pizza offering into wings, sandwiches, salads and other usual suspects.


Yogi's Bar & Grill

Multiple Locations
Since opening in Dublin more than 15 years ago, Yogi's has grown to have multiple locations around the city including Grandview, Upper Arlington and a second Dublin spot. Their robust menu of pizza, wings, sandwiches and more is paired with a generous happy hour that runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all locations except Grandview. Plus, the the kitchen stays open late, taking orders until one hour before closing. 
 

Land-Grant

424 W. Town St.
In addition to being home to a Crew Soccer Celebration, it's also the official home of the American Outlaws Columbus Chapter. The beers are fresh and tasty and Ray Ray's Hog Pit has some of the best BBQ in Central Ohio. It’s bound to be rowdy during USMNT matches and have plenty of space for you and your whole crew. 

 

Endeavor Brewing & Spirits

909 W. 5th Ave.
It’s hard to find a bar more entrenched in Columbus soccer history. Endeavor was the de-facto HQ for big moments during the Save The Crew movement in 2017 and 2018. Oh, and the drinks are delicious.

 

Roosters

Multiple Locations
Roosters has several restaurants around Columbus and often at the top of many best wings in the city lists. They have a special combination of great food, affordable prices and sports-friendly surroundings. Few wing joints can match the size and quality of Roosters wings, an experience amplified by the rare ability to combine sauces to create unique, personalized mixes (try the combination of hot & garlic).

 

Zaftig Brewing Company

7020 Huntley Rd., Worthington
So many unique beers, plus regular food truck appearances, make this one of the best places to watch soccer. It’s also got a dog-friendly patio.

 

Fado Irish Pub

4022 Townsfair Way
Fado at Easton Town Center might be the most eclectic group of fellow international soccer fans. Supporters for several Premier League clubs, as well as other international clubs, often frequent the joint. If you’ve ever been walking by Fado on a weekend in the late morning or early afternoon, you’re likely aware of how passionate the fans are.

 

Grandview Café

1455 W. 3rd Ave.
TVs at the bar? Check. TVs outside? Check. TVs upstairs? Check. TVs downstairs? Check. Youn get the picture (in HD). A great place to catch a World Cup match and a tasty bite to eat. Plus lots of local beers on tap and specialty dishes give you loads of choices for a good time.

 

Grandad's Pizza

4093 Trueman Blvd., Hilliard
Home to the Columbus Tottenham Supporter Club, this place is known for their pizza - duh - and easy parking. They have a strong beer list, a small patio and lots of TVs regularly tuned to soccer.
 

Rusty Bucket

Multiple Locations
When you think of a classic neighborhood tavern, this is what you imagine. Cold beers, really good food and lots of TVs everywhere you look. With 10 locations in the greater Columbus area, you’re never far from one.

>> See our List of the Top Sports Bars in Columbus for more options

 

Other Matches

Ecuador is holding their Base Camp in Columbus in May and June as they prepare for the tournament. If you’ve adopted them as a second favorite team, here’s a list of their matches. Or if, you’re looking to follow Crew players as they suit up for their national teams, we’ve got those games below as well.

Ecuador World Cup Schedule 🇪🇨

  • Monday, June 14 at 7 p.m. vs. Ivory Coast 🇨🇮
  • Sunday, June 20 at 8 p.m. vs. Curaçao 🇨🇼
  • Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. vs. Germany 🇩🇪

Algeria World Cup Schedule (Mo Farsi) 🇩🇿

  • Wednesday, June 16 at 9 p.m. vs Argentina 🇦🇷
  • Tuesday, June 22 at 11 p.m. vs. Jordan 🇯🇴
  • Saturday, June 27 at 10 p.m. vs. Austria 🇦🇹

Cape Verde World Cup Schedule (Steven Moreira) 🇨🇻

  • Tuesday, June 15 at 12 p.m. vs. Spain 🇪🇸
  • Monday, June 21 at 6 p.m. vs. Uruguay 🇺🇾
  • Friday, June 26 at 8 p.m. vs. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

 

Live Soccer in Columbus

Watching the World Cup make you itch to see a live match? Scratch it in Columbus. ScottsMiracle-Gro Field is hosting two major matches while the MLS season is on pause:
 

  • Ecuador vs. Guatemala – International Friendly | June 7 at 4 p.m.
    La Tricolor are calling Columbus home for their base camp and hosting Guatemala for a tuneup match in the days leading up to the World Cup.
    >> Get Tickets
     
  • Gotham FC vs. KC Current – NWSL Challenge Cup | June 26 at 8 p.m.
    See the 2025 Champs (Gotham FC) take on the 2025 Shield Winners (KC Current) in the first ever NWSL match in Columbus. But definitely not the last, as Columbus will be home to the NWSL’s 18th team starting in 2028.
    >> Get Tickets

The Columbus Eagles have home matches at Fortress Obetz on June 19 and June 27 >> Get Tickets. Also, Crew 2 play at Historic Crew Stadium four times in June and July >> Get Tickets.

The Crew return July 22 for Hometown Proud Night, taking on NYC FC. Come by the pavilion pre-game to visit the 2027 NCAA Women’s Final Four Trophy Tour.

 

This was written with content from Jacob Myers Best Soccer Bars list and David Shaw’s Best Sports Bars list.