Every four years, World Cup Fever takes over the summer when the globe’s biggest sporting event returns. The quadrennial competition holds extra resonance for local soccer fans this time around.
Despite not being selected as one of the Cup’s official host cities, Music City is making its mark on the big event. Nashville is playing host to the Japanese Men’s National Team during the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is taking place in cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The famed Samurai Blue have been using Nashville SC’s 60,000-square-foot training facility in Antioch (as well as the Embassy Suites downtown) as a home base in between matches. And speaking of the Boys in Gold, Nashville SC up-and-comer Ahmed Qasem has suited up to play for Iraq. Even Chattanooga has gotten in on the action, with the tournament favorites Spain choosing to stay in The Scenic City. The Washington Post reports “Spain, the sportsbooks’ favorites to win the 48-team competition, chose an Embassy Suites in the Appalachian foothills. Chattanooga, which started putting together its pitch to FIFA three years ago, offered a combination of privacy, quality facilities and proximity to Atlanta that ultimately won Spain over,” instead of the option of staying in Atlanta proper.
Thanks to this year’s iteration being the first since the tournament’s expansion from 32 teams to 48, games have been played at a furious pace during the group stage and the beginning of the knockout rounds over the past few weeks.
As the knockout rounds continue through the championship final on July 19, we have rounded up some of the best spots to catch a match here in Nashville, whether you are a die-hard football fan or a soccer novice.
Nashville SC Soccer Celebrations
Publix Plaza at GEODIS Park
www.nashvillesc.com
NSC has hosted official watch parties for each United States match so far on the Publix Plaza outside of Geodis Park and should continue to do so for as long as the Americans advance through the tournament. While most prominent domestic soccer leagues around the world play their seasons from August through May, the MLS season typically takes place from February through October. However, the league takes an elongated summer break during the World Cup every four years, which means Geodis has been open for watch parties and other activities.
Plaza Mariachi World Cup 2026 Watch Parties
3955 Nolensville Pike
www.plazamariachi.com
Plaza Mariachi on Nolensville Pike is hosting a watch party for every single game of the tournament, all 104 of them, and encourages fans to bring the flags of their favorite teams. There are giant screens throughout the plaza, plenty of delicious local food and drink options, and “one of the best soccer atmospheres in the city.” Catch a Mexico match for a truly special Plaza Mariachi experience. They’ll be updating their schedule online each day, and it’s an excellent place to bring the whole family for the experience.
Istanbul Lounge World Cup 2026 Watch Parties
3013 Nolensville Pike
www.loungeistanbul.com
Istanbul Lounge, a restaurant on Nolensville Pike specializing in Turkish and Kurdish food, has had exuberant watch parties during the tournament. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner and catch a match. They also often have live music and offer hookah as well.
Fogg Street Lawn Club World Cup 2026 Watch Parties
648 Fogg Street
www.foggstreet.com
Fogg Street Lawn Club in Pie Town is another one of the best places in town to catch a soccer match. And similarly to Plaza Mariachi, they are airing every game throughout the Cup. You’ll just have to check their website for the details. Grab a pint and play a game of lawn bowling as a prelude to one of England’s matches.
Fleet Street Pub and The Pub World Cup 2026 Watch Parties
Fleet Street Pub: 207 Printers Alley, www.fleetstreetpub.com
The Pub: 400 11th Ave. S.,
www.experiencethepub.com/locations/nashville/
Fleet Street Pub in Printer’s Alley and The Pub in the Gulch are also Nashville soccer fan favorites. You can often find local supporters groups for international clubs filling out these spots early on weekend mornings. Head to either pub, post up at the bar and order the fish and chips (and, again, a pint) for a good World Cup viewing experience. The Pub will have some giveaways throughout the games as well.
Choose Your Own Adventure World Cup 2026 Watch Parties
Various Locations
Any number of Nashville restaurants or bars will be informally hosting World Cup action, and you’ll probably have a good time watching even if it’s not a watch party. You could even use the tournament as an excuse to sample food from different cuisines you’ve been meaning to try, whether that country has already been eliminated from the competition or not. Now is your chance to finally try Uzbek (Osh on Thompson Lane) or Egyptian (Galilee in Antioch) food.
Make it a true World Cup international summer without leaving Nashville: there’ll be plenty of opportunities over the next couple of weeks.