The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially here. For the first time since 1994, North America is hosting the world’s most watched sporting event. Columbus may not be a host city, but make no mistake, we are a city with passionate fans and dozens of places to watch the World Cup.
Read Next: Where to Get Drinks Before Concerts at Ohio Stadium and Schottenstein Center
We’re located at 222 W. Lane Ave., right next to Victory Lap Columbus and steps from Ohio State’s campus. Here are the best bars in Columbus to watch the World Cup this summer, chosen for their screens, outdoor and indoor spaces, atmosphere, and commitment to showing world-class sporting events.
About the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest in history with 48 teams, 104 matches, and 39 days of soccer across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 through July 19. The full match schedule is available on FIFA’s website.
Key dates:
- June 11 — Tournament opens: Mexico vs. South Africa in Mexico City
- June 12 — USMNT opener vs. Paraguay in Los Angeles
- June 19 — USMNT vs. Australia in Seattle
- June 25 — USMNT vs. Türkiye in Los Angeles
- July 19 — World Cup Final, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
1. Woodlands Backyard — Outdoor Experience
Photo courtesy of Woodlands Backyard.
Address: 668 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: woodlandsbackyard.com
If you’re looking for the ultimate indoor-outdoor World Cup experience in Columbus, Woodlands Backyard in Grandview Heights is your spot. With over 8,500 square feet of indoor space, 4 mini-bowling lanes, a covered patio, an expansive beer garden, and 9 sand volleyball courts, this place is built for a full day of summer sports. Woodlands Backyard has plenty of TVs throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces, so you’re never far from the action.
2. Parlay Sporting Club + Kitchen — The Full Sports Bar Experience
Photo courtesy of Parlay Sporting Club and Kitchen.
Address: 570 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: parlaycolumbus.com
If screens are your priority, nothing in Columbus touches Parlay Sporting Club + Kitchen. Located in the heart of the Short North, Parlay features wall-to-wall action on over 100 TVs. Parlay is showing every match all summer long and is already accepting bookings for private World Cup watch parties.
3. Victory Lap Columbus — Best Atmosphere & Drink Specials
Address: 200 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Website: victorylapbar.com/columbus
Victory Lap Columbus is where Buckeye fans rally year-round. This summer, it’s where Columbus comes for a World Cup watch party atmosphere. Wall-to-wall TVs and some of the best drink specials in the neighborhood make every match feel like an event. When hunger strikes between halves, Side Piece Pies is inside with hot pizza slices and buffalo wings ready when you need them most.
Weekly Specials (Summer 2026):
- Daily: $3 VL lager draft
- Tuesday: $3 margaritas, $3 tequila, $3.50 pizza slices from 7PM
- Wednesday: $3 domestic beers, $4 draft beers, 6 for $10 Wing Wednesday
- Thursday: $4 wells, $5 pint and slice special 4–8PM
- Friday: $12 liquor pitchers, $5 pint and slice special 4–8PM, $9 VL lager pitchers
- Saturday: $14 beer or mimosa pitchers, $12 liquor pitchers, $9 VL lager pitchers
Follow along at @victorylapcolumbus for match day updates and specials.
4. Land-Grant Brewing Company — Best Beer Garden Experience
Photo courtesy of Ohio Craft Brewers Association.
Address: 424 W Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: landgrantbrewing.com
Land-Grant Brewing Company in Franklinton is one of Columbus’s coolest gathering spots. Its outdoor setup makes it one of the best places in the city to watch a summer World Cup. Land-Grant added a giant beer garden, massive LED screen, and outdoor stage, which means watching a World Cup match here on a warm June evening with a cold craft beer in hand is ideal. With rotating featured food trucks, lawn games, and a dog-friendly patio, and you’ve got a full match day destination.
5. Bobcat Sports Bar — Best Neighborhood Sports Bar
Photo courtesy of Bobcat Sports Bar.
Address: 1099 W 1st Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Website: bobcatgrandview.com
Bobcat Sports Bar in Grandview Heights is committed to showing soccer, F1, and other specialty sports, giving them proper attention alongside Ohio State and Columbus Crew coverage. With 17 screens packed into its two-room footprint and stadium seating-style stools facing the main bank of televisions, every seat is a good one. Add in solid wings and an outdoor patio for warm summer matches, and Bobcat is a sleeper pick that won’t let you down.
Tips for Watching the World Cup in Columbus
Plan around the time zones. With matches played across the US, Mexico, and Canada, kickoff times vary widely, some starting as early as 9AM ET. Bars like Land-Grant (open from 11AM on weekends) and Parlay (open from 10AM on weekends) are your best bets for early games.
The USMNT matches are must-attend events. The US plays its group stage matches on June 12, 19, and 25. Expect every bar on this list to be packed and arrive early, especially for the opener on June 12!
Book ahead for big matches. Parlay is already accepting private watch party reservations for the entire tournament. If you have a large group, don’t wait.
Wear your colors. The World Cup is one of the few sporting events where you’ll see supporters from dozens of countries in the same bar at the same time. Wear your gear and enjoy the atmosphere that makes the World Cup unlike anything else in sports.
Follow your bar on social. Victory Lap Columbus, Parlay, and Land-Grant are all active on Instagram! Follow them for updates on watch parties, specials, and event details as the tournament progresses.
Columbus Is Ready for the World Cup
Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or someone who shows up every four years for the spectacle, Columbus has the bars, the atmosphere, and the screens to make the 2026 World Cup a summer you won’t forget.
If you want to be walking distance from the action all summer long — get in touch with the Rambler Columbus leasing team. We’d love to show you around.
