The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off Thursday, marking a highly-anticipated global event.
North America is hosting the event across 16 cities from June 11 through July 19. Though there are no nearby host cities, fans can watch all the matches from the comfort of their couch, or at their local watering hole.
Here are some spots in Northeast Ohio to gather with fellow football 鈥� sorry, soccer 鈥� fans to watch the matches.
Crowley's
has multiple locations for fans in the east side suburbs 鈥� its original dive bars in Eastlake, Kirtland and Painesville, as well as its newer spot at John Carroll University. Crowley's has advertised watch parties for all U.S. and Croatia matches, complete with $5 drink specials.
Where:
- 35647 Vine St., Eastlake
- 9378 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland
- 77 South St. Clair St., Painesville
- 20621 Fairmount Blvd., Shaker Heights
Iggy's
in Lakewood is home to the local American Outlaws chapter, which is the diehard U.S. soccer supporters group, as well as the local Liverpool supporters, making it a prime place to watch matches. You're bound to hear soccer chants and songs here, so wear your U.S. Men's National Team gear and be prepared to cheer.
Where: 13405 Madison Ave., Lakewood
Merry Arts
is a Lakewood favorite that typically serves the local Arsenal supporters group, and will be a popular spot for World Cup watchers this summer. It has two bars lined with TVs and a shaded patio perfect for summer nights.
Where: 15607 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Missing Falls Brewery
Supporter groups for Akron City Football Club and Tottenham Hotspur have made one of their main meeting spots for match days, so soccer is no stranger here. The bar is staying open late for the USMNT's first match against Paraguay on Friday, with more watch parties to come.
Where: 540 South Main St., Akron
Mosaic Brewing Co.
in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood is a sponsor of Ohio City SC, an organization that aims to make soccer more accessible. Mosaic says it plans to show all matches with sound, including a watch party for the USMNT's opening match Friday, as well as more watch parties to come.
Where: 2070 West 7th Street, Cleveland
North Coast Yard
Cleveland's North Coast Yard, which debuted last summer, hosts pick-up street soccer matches on the lakefront every week, hosted by Cleveland Pro Soccer. The group is also hosting watch parties as part of its "Summer of Soccer" series. Fans can watch the USMNT's first match against Paraguay on June 12 at the North Coast Yard, as well as the World Cup final July 19 on a big screen at Public Square. Admission is free but .
Where: 515 Erieside Ave., Cleveland
Old Angle Tavern
Ohio City's is a common communal spot for Cleveland's Premier League fans. The bar is often open early on weekends for diehards, and will be open for every World Cup match, making it your best bet to catch your favorite team. Doors will open 15 minutes before the day's first match on weekdays, and at noon on weekends.
Where: 1848 West 25th St., Cleveland
Ray's Pub
in Akron's Highland Square neighborhood has also been a hangout for Akron City FC supporters, so visitors will be among fellow soccer fans. The bar is also a popular spot for sports of all kinds, so you won't miss any Cleveland Guardians games that coincide with World Cup matches.
Where: 801 West Market St., Akron
Whistle Taproom
in Downtown Cleveland will show every match on all its screens, complete with drink specials. Located just a block from Progressive Field, it's an ideal spot to catch a match before or after a Guardians game.
Where: 818 Huron Road, Cleveland
When does the U.S. play?
The USMNT is in Group D. Here is their group stage schedule:
June 12 vs. Paraguay, 9 p.m.
June 19 vs. Australia, 3 p.m.
June 25 vs. T眉rkiye, 10 p.m.
And don't forget, soccer doesn't stop after the World Cup. Northeast Ohio has a handful of semi- and pre-professional teams to watch, including Cleveland SC, Akron City FC and the Lorain County Leviathan. Forest City Cleveland, a future MLS NEXT Pro team, is set to kick off in 2027, while Cleveland Astra, a Women鈥檚 Premier Soccer League Pro team, will follow in 2028.
