the World is Watching
Make no mistake: Futbol is life.
The World Cup is here, and with a projected 6 billion people watching, there is a reason it carries the name it does. This is the beautiful game, and the beauty is not just in the play itself but in the raw, vivid passion of the fans. The way entire nations pour themselves into ninety minutes. The way strangers become family in the stands. The way people who have nothing else in common find everything they need in a single match.
The fact that it lands here, in this country, in this particular moment in our history, feels significant. Because the World Cup does something quietly radical: it gets different cultures, different people, and different stories into the same room cheering for a common GOAAAAALLLLL. We could use more of that right now.
Richmond has embraced the tournament with open arms, and the city has no shortage of great places to catch the matches. Do yourself a favor — find a spot, find a crowd, and go watch one. One match in a packed room full of believers and suddenly "I don't get soccer" has you sporting a Ted Lasso stache and explaining the off-sides rule to your friends.
Here are some of our favorite places to watch in town.
Penny Lane Pub The city's unofficial soccer headquarters. Most matches will be shown throughout the tournament and the crowds for big fixtures — especially Team USA — are the real deal. Arrive early, arrive together, and settle in.
Rosie Connolly's (Shockoe Bottom) Watch parties with day of updates on social media. A classic Richmond pub with the right atmosphere for a big match.
Gus' Bar and Grill A longtime Fan favorite and a true soccer lover's spot. If you want to be in a room full of people who actually know what they're watching, this is your place. All World Cup matches on the TVs and match day energy from the jump.
House of Futbol Richmond's newest soccer bar near the Diamond District and possibly the only coffee soccer bar in the city. All matches, all tournament long. A great spot if you want the vibe without the wall to wall chaos of the bigger bars.
Cochiloco Expect packed houses for the big matchups here. The owners are die hard World Cup fans — one has attended every World Cup since Germany 2006 — and it shows. Adjusted hours for major matches and food and drink specials posted on social media.
Parlay Bar and Lounge (Scott's Addition) Every match on the ParlayTron in the outdoor patio plus projector and TVs inside. Scott's Addition energy, great setup, and a solid option if you want a little fresh air with your football.
Importante Bodega Bar (Carytown) Showing all matches live with authentic Spanish cuisine and refreshing drinks. A neighborhood gem with the food to back it up.
Scotty's Taphouse (Scott's Addition) Twenty three TVs and a big screen, drink specials, and team inspired wing flavors. One of the larger viewing setups in the city if you want to make sure you never miss an angle.
Abuelita's on Midlo (South Richmond) The World Cup happens to coincide with Aguas Locas season here — a Mexican party drink served with tequila or mezcal and topped with Mexican candies. Possibly the most festive option on this list and absolutely worth the trip.
Taco Bamba (Willow Lawn) Happy hour deals during all matches plus $20 Modelo buckets. Simple, fun, and exactly what a group watch party should feel like.
Bracket by Bola 2026
