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The FIFA World Cup 2026 is here. Even though Chicago isn't a host city, there are still plenty of ways to get in on the action right here at home. From huge watch parties with a jumbotron to a digital soccer tournament with a $10,000 grand prize, you won't want to miss these World Cup celebrations.
Party at Chicago Fire’s World Cup HQ
Recess and Chicago Fire are going all out for the World Cup. The West Loop bar/event space has installed a massive 360-degree jumbotron and is hosting a lineup of themed watch parties, giveaways, and exclusive merch drops throughout the tournament. Guests should reserve a free mobile pass before coming in, and reservations for tables and cabanas are encouraged.
Claim free food and beer
Just because most of the World Cup weekday matches take place during the workday here in Chicago doesn’t mean you need to skip out on the watch party action. From 9am to 5pm during any weekday match, Stella Artois is covering fans’ tabs. If you order a Stella, you can submit your receipt as an “expense report” for reimbursement.
Nando’s is also giving out free chicken and chips entrees to anyone who comes in between 5-8pm on Friday, June 12, wearing their favorite team’s jersey. You can also earn free menu items and loyalty points from Jason’s Deli every time the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team scores a goal.
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Compete in a Whirl'd Cup tournament at Whirlyball
Grab your crew, or enter as a free agent, and compete in WhirlyBall’s Whirl’d Cup tournament during the World Cup championship match on Sunday, July 19. The Whirl’d Cup will take place while the final match plays out on screen, alongside a shootout competition and other soccer-themed activations. Check here for more info and to register.
Bring the kids to Sloomoo’s slime soccer zone
Slime funhouse Sloomoo Institute is celebrating the World Cup with the Sloomoo Football Club. Here, kids (and adults!) can play with limited edition DIY slime kits, fling slime past a goalie, and take advantage of other interactive, soccer-themed activations.
Win $10,000 in a digital soccer tournament
Immersive Gamebox recently launched a new soccer arcade game—with a $10,000 grand prize. The immersive motion-tracking experience might be the closest you’ll get to being on the field. Plus, if you wear a soccer jersey on Friday, June 12, you’ll get a free game session.
Watch a match in Spanish at a movie theater
Select Regal and AMC theaters across Chicagoland will be showing World Cup matches on the big screen with Spanish-language audio. Check out the full schedule of showings and participating AMC and Regal theaters.
Catch a match at basically any bar
Just about every bar in the city will be showing the World Cup throughout the 39-day tournament. Some of the biggest watch parties will take place at Tree House Chicago in River North, which has transformed into OLÉ. The pop-up space is decked out with jerseys, flags and memorabilia from teams around the world. OLÉ is open to all ages until 8pm from Friday through Sunday, after which it’s 21+. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also reserve a table online.