Fan-friendly places to watch World Cup 2026 in Central London
The World Cup 2026 is set to bring a summer of football, colour and togetherness to fans across the world. While the matches will take place across Canada, Mexico and the USA, London will have its own matchday energy. This guide shares where to watch, meet, eat, and celebrate in Central London, including lively spots around Fitzrovia, Soho, and nearby areas.
What to know about the World Cup 2026?
Here are the key dates, viewing details and England fixtures to know before planning your World Cup night in Central London.
1. Where to watch World Cup matches in London
The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with an expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches. Although London is not one of the official host cities, the capital will still become a major gathering place for fans, with pubs, sports bars, food halls and fan hubs screening matches throughout the tournament. Venues such as Market Halls, Flat Iron Square and BOX Piccadilly are already promoting World Cup screenings, bringing big screens, food, drinks and group-friendly matchday atmospheres to London.
2. When are the England World Cup matches?
England will play in Group L against Croatia, which should bring a strong test against familiar European opposition; Ghana will add pace, energy and unpredictability; and the final group match against Panama could be decisive for England’s route into the knockout stage.
| Matches | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| England vs Croatia | Wednesday 17 June 2026 | 9 pm | Dallas Stadium |
| England vs Ghana | Tuesday 23 June 2026 | 9 pm | Boston Stadium |
| England vs Panama | Saturday 27 June 2026 | 10 pm | New Jersey Stadium |
3. How can I watch England’s matches at home?
In the UK, the World Cup 2026 will be shown free-to-air across BBC and ITV. ITV has confirmed England’s group matches against Croatia and Panama will be shown on ITV, while the BBC will show England’s group match against Ghana. The final will be shown live on both BBC and ITV.
Places to watch the World Cup 2026 in Central London
Places to meet before kick-off
1. The Queen Charlotte
Address: 43 Goodge St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 12 – 11 PM
Thursday: 12 – 11:30 PM
Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 12 – 8 PM
Cost range: £10 – £20 per person
The Queen Charlotte is a classic British pub on Goodge Street, known for its welcoming, community-focused atmosphere and straightforward pub lineup. Inside, you’ll find a traditional interior paired with a solid selection of beers, ales and spirits that suit a casual lunch or evening pint. With its friendly service and relaxed vibe, The Queen Charlotte is a great choice for meeting friends, enjoying a drink after exploring nearby streets, or simply taking a break in central London.
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2. The Oxford Market
Address: 11-13 Market Pl, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 12:00 AM
Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: Closed
Price: £20 – £30 per person
The Oxford Market works well as a lively meeting point before the game, especially for friends or colleagues gathering after work. With its spacious beer garden, sharing boards, burgers, cocktails and basement bar, it has the easy-going atmosphere of a place where the evening can begin slowly, then build towards match-night energy.
3. Rhum Tavern
Address: 48 Margaret St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 5 PM – 12 AM
Thursday – Saturday: 5 PM – 1 AM
Sunday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Price: £10 – £30 per person
This attractive pub in Fitzrovia brings a more immersive start to the night during the World Cup, with a wood-panelled interior inspired by a ship’s keel and a rum-led drinks menu. It is a characterful choice for fans who want something more atmospheric before or after the match, somewhere that feels spirited, playful and ready for a celebratory evening.
Pubs in Central made for match night
1. One Tun
Address: 58-60 Goodge St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Thursday and Sunday: 11 AM – 11:30 PM
Best items to try: Juicy dirty burgers, sharing plates, fish & chips
Cost range: £10 – £30 per person
One Tun is a well-liked, traditional British pub known for its welcoming, no-frills atmosphere and classic pub offerings. Set over a few comfortable rooms, it’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a pint of well-kept ale. The pub’s combination of old-school charm and easygoing vibe makes it a great stop for casual drinks
2. Fitzrovia
Address: 18 Goodge St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 11 PM
Friday and Saturday: 9 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 10 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: £10 – £40 per person
The Fitzrovia is a classic British pub right on Goodge Street, known for its relaxed atmosphere and traditional pub feel. Set in a spacious corner building, it offers plenty of seating and a solid range of draught beers and cask ales, including familiar names like Greene King IPA. With sports shown on screens, straightforward pub food and a long local history under previous names, it’s a dependable spot for an easy pint, casual catch-ups or a post-work drink in central London.
3. The Lyric
Address: 37 Great Windmill St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: £10 – £20 per person
In the heart of Soho, The Lyric brings a classic Central London pub energy to tournament season. It is well-suited to fans who want to be surrounded by conversation, movement and celebration, with the game becoming part of the wider West End atmosphere.
Attractive spots to visit around Soho during the World Cup 2026
Big-screen bars for every goal
1. BOX Piccadilly
Address: Unit B Ground & Basement 21, 23 Shaftesbury Ave, Piccadilly Circus, London
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 11:30 PM
Friday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: £20 – £30 per person
BOX Piccadilly is for supporters who want volume, pace and a crowd that reacts to every moment. With its sports-bar setup and West End location, it turns the match into a full night out, the kind of place where a last-minute goal will lift the whole room.
2. Bat & Ball Covent Garden
Address: 50 Earlham St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 11 PM
Friday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: £10 – £30 per person
For a more playful football night, Bat & Ball brings together live sport and social games in a lively Covent Garden setting. It is especially good for groups who want to arrive early, keep busy before kick-off and stay on afterwards, turning the match into a full evening rather than a single screening.
3. Greenwood
Address: 170 Victoria St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Price: £10 – £30 per person
Greenwood is one of the strongest Central London options for fans who want the World Cup to feel big. Set opposite Victoria Station, it has over 30 ultra-HD screens, a 150-inch TV wall, strong sound, food, drinks and a two-floor sports-bar layout. For supporters who want every goal, save and late penalty to land with energy, Greenwood brings the feeling of a dedicated football night rather than a casual pub screening.
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Fan-hub nights for the full World Cup buzz
1. Flat Iron Square, London Bridge
Address: 45 Southwark St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Tuesday & Wednesday: 11 PM – 11 PM
Thursday – Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Monday: Closed
Price: £10 – £20 per person
Flat Iron Square brings the World Cup closer to a festival-style experience. With a larger crowd, food, drinks and plenty of space to settle in, it is a destination for fans who want the atmosphere to build around them, where every chant, goal and final whistle becomes part of the event.
2. Market Halls
Address: 9 Holles St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Wednesday – Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Price: £10 – £20 per person
Market Halls Oxford Street, located at 9 Holles Street, is promoting World Cup 2026 screenings across its halls, with big screens, food and drinks. It also offers matchday packages, reserved tables or dedicated areas depending on group size, and private screening options through The Cavendish, a private room with its own bar for up to 90 standing or 60 seated guests.
3. HERE at Outernet
Address: Charing Cross Rd, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 4 PM – 11 PM
Friday & Saturday: 4 PM – 4 AM
Price: £20 – £30 per person
Few Central London venues can make a match feel as immersive as HERE at Outernet. Its large-scale screen and sound setup gives football a cinematic edge, making it a strong choice for supporters who want to feel surrounded by the game, the crowd and the drama of a major tournament night.
Group-friendly places for friends and colleagues
1. The Cocktail Club
Address: 4 Great Portland St, Oxford St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 4 PM – 11:30 PM
Thursday & Friday: 4 PM – 3 AM
Saturday: 3 PM – 3 AM
Sunday: 4 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: £10 – £20 per person
The Cocktail Club is an open-plan basement escape inspired by Downtown LA. This place is one of the most buzzing bars on Great Portland St to visit on weeknights or weekends.
2. The Groucho Club Screening Room
Address: 45 Dean St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 2 AM
Saturday: 8 AM – 2 AM
Sunday: Closed
Price: £30 – £40 per person
The Groucho Club Screening Room is a private Soho bar rather than a walk-in sports bar. Its official events page lists a seated boardroom capacity of 16, standing capacity of 30, an 85-inch plasma screen, Sky TV, WiFi and AV connections. This makes it better suited to private World Cup screenings, client events or a curated group evening than casual public match viewing.
3. The Little Scarlet Door
Address: 12-13 Greek St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 4 PM – 1 AM
Wednesday: 12 PM – 1 AM
Thursday: 12 PM – 2 AM
Friday & Saturday: 12 PM – 3 AM
Sunday: 12 PM – 11 PM
Price: £10 – £30 per person
An open-plan living room and kitchen, covered courtyard, basement studio, DJs from Wednesday to Saturday, and a late-night house-party feel. Venue information also lists AV equipment and a screen/projector, but I would not position it as a confirmed public World Cup screening venue unless the venue directly confirms match coverage.
Pair your night out with a good meal. Here are some great restaurants near Soho worth checking out.
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Go shopping for football’s clothes
Paris Saint-Germain Retail Store
Address: 192 Oxford St, London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Best for: Official PSG merchandise, football apparel, and accessories.
Situated in the heart of Fitzrovia Quarter, this flagship store on Oxford Street offers an immersive experience for Paris Saint-Germain fans. The store features exclusive collections, interactive displays, and a stylish interior that reflects the club’s prestige. During World Cup 2026, it is a strong choice for locals and visitors looking to add a club-inspired edge to their matchday outfit before heading to pubs, big screens or fan hubs nearby.
Sports Direct
Address: 24-36 Regent St., London, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Best for: Affordable sportswear, equipment, and footwear
A go-to destination for sports & gym enthusiasts in Central London, Sports Direct offers an extensive range of brands at competitive prices. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or looking for professional gear, this store has it all.
Finding more buzzing places in the Fitzrovia Quarter
As World Cup 2026 brings fans together across London, Central London is the perfect place to watch, meet, shop and celebrate every matchday moment. From big-screen bars and lively pubs to pre-match dining, post-match drinks and football-inspired shopping, Fitzrovia Quarter places you close to the action while giving the evening a more characterful local feel.