The coolest places fans are watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Like many soccer/football fans this week, I have been enthusiastically following the group stage matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the expense of my work and sleep schedule. While North Americans have a myriad of official FIFA fan zones to choose from across Mexico, Canada, and the United States, the rest of the world is gathering wherever they can to experience the shared hysteria of watching their country shoot on goal. While most people go to bars or gather for house parties and barbecues, some countries are organizing exceptional fan gatherings in historic locations — regardless of time of day in their respective time zones, proving that this is truly a globe-unifying event. Here are some of the most fascinating places people are gathering to watch the World Cup.

Jordan

Watch in a 2000-year-old Roman theater

It may be Jordan’s World Cup debut, but the national team’s fans are taking advantage of the country’s ancient architecture. The Roman Theatre of Amman dates back to the 2nd century AD, when the present-day capital of Jordan was known as the ancient world’s Philadelphia — coincidentally, the name of one of the 2026 American host cities. For the group stage, the 6000-person-capacity venue is even airing the games live in the early morning hours. The games are also being broadcast at Petra and other tourist sites around Jordan, but there’s no denying the drama the ancient theatre setting brings to this watch party.

New York City

Watch on an historic aircraft carrier

The Intrepid, a WWII-era warship at Pier 86 in Manhattan, is hosting free viewing parties during the tournament. Multiple screens will air select games from the group stages, some of the Rounds of 32 and 16 matches, and then every match from the quarter-finals onward. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will remain open during the matches. Not only will fans be able to cheer from the deck of a retired aircraft carrier, but they’ll also enjoy glorious Hudson River views towards New Jersey, where many of the games, including the final on July 19, are being played at New York-New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium.

Turkey

Watch from an ancient Greek amphitheater

Jordanians aren’t the only ones taking advantage of their ancient architecture. In Kaş, Turkey, fans are gathering in the Antiphellos Theatre(or Hellenistic Theatre), which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The 5000-spectator-capacity theater was built in the 1st century AD during the Hellenistic period. Televised matches will be limited, as Turkey will not advance to the knockouts. This venue combines the drama of an ancient venue with the beauty of being by the water. Although there won’t be more games to come — at least not for another four years — the theater is free to visit year-round and is located just half a kilometer from the city center.

Curaçao

Watch in a Dutch fortress

The smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, Curaçao (population: 158,000), is making quite an impression in its national debut. Not only did the team draw against Ecuador, but they managed to score a goal against Germany, the 2014 champions. Fans are watching all over the island, including the Wind Creek Arena, located inside Rif Fort, a 19th-century fortress that has been converted into a shopping center. Visitors can still visit the unique ramparts of the coral stone fortress and admire the views of the Caribbean Sea. 

Brazil

Watch on Copacabana Beach

When it comes to the World Cup, it doesn’t get more iconic than Brazil, and when it comes to Brazil, it doesn’t get more iconic than Copacabana. When Brazil plays, up to 10,000 people will gather for the games at the FIFA Fan Fest in view of the Atlantic Ocean and beneath the welcoming arms of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer. Tickets aren’t easy to come by, but thankfully, this is Brazil, so if you don’t get in, pretty much every television in the country will be tuned to the game. And if the bar is too packed to see the screen, citywide fireworks will let you know the moment Brazil scores.