FIFA Fever
For one glorious month, everyone suddenly becomes a soccer expert.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 and runs through July 19, and whether you're screaming for Team USA, following your family's home country, or simply looking for an excuse to gather with friends, the DMV is ready.
Restaurants are creating country-inspired menus. Spain has seemingly claimed half the city. And if your idea of watching soccer includes Michelin-starred dining or a giant jumbotron, we've got that too.
Below are some of the World Cup happenings we're keeping an eye on. This is by no means all of them—new watch parties, specials, and activations are popping up daily—but it's a very good place to start.
TOURNAMENT-LONG WATCH PARTIES & SPECIALS
World Cup Bar DC at Hook Hall
Hook Hall transforms into a dedicated World Cup pop-up with every match shown on a 20-foot screen plus additional TVs throughout the venue. Admission includes country-themed wings, fries, and a cocktail inspired by the teams playing.
The Wharf Summer of Soccer Watch Zone
Pearl Street becomes a free outdoor soccer destination with daily match screenings on a 14-foot jumbotron. Team USA watch parties, games, giveaways, and restaurant specials are planned throughout the tournament.
Union Market District
Catch matches throughout the neighborhood at Hi-Lawn, La Cosecha, Stellina Pizzeria, F1 Arcade, Last Call, and more. Expect large-screen viewing parties, food and drink specials, and soccer-themed programming throughout the tournament.
Hi-Lawn
The rooftop lawn transforms into a soccer pitch-inspired viewing destination with oversized LED screens, daily match broadcasts, trivia, DJs, bingo, and live music. Free to attend with limited reservations available.
La Cosecha
Large-screen match broadcasts, Latin American-inspired specials, and tournament programming celebrating the cultures and flavors of participating nations.
Atlas Brew Works
All three taprooms are pouring $6 pints of Bullpen Pilsner and Silent Neighbor throughout the tournament while showing matches at locations in Navy Yard, the Bridge District, and Alexandria.
Boundary Stone
The Bloomingdale favorite will show the full World Cup schedule with $6 local drafts available during matches.
Colada Shop
Every location is showing matches before 9 PM and serving a Copa Snack Tray loaded with empanadas, sliders, and plantain chips plus $25 spritzer pitchers.
Bluejacket
$10 liters of beer, host-country Old Fashioneds, and discounted beer-and-shot combos run throughout the tournament.
Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza & Street Burger
Every match will be screened alongside $1 wings, $4 pints, and weekday social hour specials in Penn Quarter.
Immigrant Food
World Cup games stream at the Ballston and White House locations. Look for the $13 World Cup Combo featuring Greek Wings and a beer.
Astro Beer Hall
Downtown DC and Shirlington locations are offering $5 wings and $5 loaded nachos with beverage purchase during match days.
Astro Doughnuts
Celebrate Team USA with limited-edition World Cup doughnut boxes available throughout the tournament.
Taco Bamba
Happy-hour pricing and $20 Modelo buckets are available during live matches, along with special World Cup platters and combos.
PubKey
Penn Quarter's soccer-friendly tavern will show major matches on its massive screen with food specials and beer buckets. RSVP recommended.
Prost
World Cup specials include $5 off liter drafts, $6 Nutrls, and $10 Pretzel Knotchos during matches.
Madhatter
Specials include $5 draft beers, $6 Nutrls, beer buckets, pitchers, and towers throughout the tournament.
Mélange Foods
Chef Elias Taddesse's Shaw spot is offering sliders, tacos, tenders, wings, beer buckets, and drink specials during matches.
Stable
Cheer on Switzerland with live broadcasts of Swiss matches and a limited Swiss-inspired food and beverage menu.
Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown
The hotel once again becomes Soccer Central with large-screen viewing, international stadium-inspired dishes, and country-themed cocktails.
TEAM MEXICO
Apapacho Taqueria & Marea
Every Mexico goal earns guests a complimentary shot of Amaras mezcal or a Monopolio lager. Happy hour runs from kickoff through the final whistle.
dLeña & ROJA
A special cocktail menu celebrates Mexico's three host cities with drinks inspired by Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City.
TEAM SPAIN
Casa Teresa
The official Embassy of Spain watch party destination. Specials include Estrella Galicia, sangria, cava, and a complimentary glass of cava after every Spanish victory.
Jaleo
Spain's matches take center stage with a dedicated game-day menu featuring bocatas, mini burgers, Spanish hot dogs, empanadas, flautas, and sangria.
Torito Bar at Bully Spanish Steakhouse
The big draw here? Complimentary paella served at halftime during every Spain match.
LATIN FAN ZONE
Casta's at Bodega
Spanish-language broadcasts, country-specific cocktails, score prediction contests, giveaways, and late-night Latin dance parties after the final whistle.
elcielo Washington
For those who prefer tasting menus to tailgates, Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos is offering curated World Cup dining experiences centered around marquee Latin American matches.
FOR THE HOME TEAM
Upstate FTW
Chef Scott Drewno is celebrating the three host countries with dishes inspired by stadium favorites from Canada, Mexico, and the United States, including Birria Tacos and Disco Fries.
Nobu DC
Watch matches at the bar while sipping the limited-time Ichigo Junmai cocktail made with sake, yuzu, elderflower, and strawberries.
Uchi
Not a watch party, but a smart move if you're hosting one. Sushi box sales during the tournament will benefit Good Sports for All.
MORE PLACES TO WATCH
And this is just the opening kickoff. Soccer is on the big screen and gathering places throughout the DMV are showing matches all tournament long. More places to catch the action:
Johnny’s All American Cafe and Bar
Over Under Sports Book Rooftop Lounge
Sports & Social
FINAL WHISTLE
We are here for the fútbol (and the food). For the next month, DC is speaking soccer. See you at kickoff.
