World Cup 2026 finally gets under way for England fans with the team’s first game against Croatia tonight.
An estimated 1.4 million football fans from around the globe have travelled to Canada, Mexico, and the US for the world’s most anticipated sporting event - which will see a record 48 countries compete.
But many fans will be soaking in the atmosphere and watching all 104 matches back home in London.
With England’s first here at last, many will be keen to watch Thomas Tuchel’s side for the first time and find out if it really is coming home. Tickets to screenings are selling out fast, so punters should be sure to check before heading out and to book where possible.
For mass singalongs of Three Lions and Vindaloo, look no further than The Standard’s guide to the busiest pubs and best fan zones to watch the World Cup, including England’s first game.
Best fanzones and busy pubs to watch the World Cup in London
Boxpark
Let’s get it out of the way: Boxpark has become the first point of call for many football fans in London.
With five London locations, you won’t have to travel far to be part of the crowds of football fans. Boxpark’s sister brand Boxhall is also offering World Cup screenings at its charming food hall site in Liverpool Street.
Tickets are still available for England v Croatia!
Multiple locations, boxpark.co.uk
The Garden Vauxhall
You can catch all of the action at this south London venue which markets itself as having London’s biggest open-air beer garden.
There are three massive screens, as well as plenty of atmosphere and buckets of beer.
Tickets still available for England v Croatia
6 South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, SW8 1SP, www.thegardenvauxhall.co.uk
Between the Bridges
Between the Bridges is back for the World Cup, despite bidding farewell to its London Eye location last year.
The venue offers covered areas, open-air areas, multiples bars, and food traders. It has sold out every World Cup and Euros game in the past, with the 2026 tournament likely no different.
Only waiting list tickets available for England v Croatia.
The Queens Walk, Southbank, SE1, www.betweenthebridges.co.uk
Ely’s Yard Social
Located at the Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard is one of London’s hidden gems.
The warehouse and outdoor beer garden will screen select games on 100-inch TVs at this Brick Lane fan zone.
Tickets still available for England v Croatia!
Ely's Yard, Dray Walk, London E1 6QL, www.trumanbrewery.com
Flat Iron Square
Flat Iron Square was outrageously busy during the Euros 2024 and promises an electric atmosphere this year too.
Tickets to this fan hub are already in high demand with the venue saying England’s group stage matches are already sold out.
But organisers of Flat Iron have suggested that England fans can also go next door to watch games at Rae’s.
Formerly known as Omeara, the sports lounge will be transformed for the World Cup Tournament. Think of it as an extension to Flat Iron Square.
Sold out for England v Croatia
45 Southwark St, London SE1 9HP, flatironsquare.co.uk
Clissold Park Tavern
Clissold Park Tavern is a popular watering hole when the football is on and when it’s not.
Technically, this pub doesn’t have a giant screen, but plenty of well-sized ones throughout its huge beer garden. This pub is also offering private match day booths with access to your own screen.
But be warned - group stages for England games are selling out fast and knockout stages are walk-in only.
Limited bookings still available for England v Croatia
177 Green Lanes, London N16 9DB, clissoldparktavern.com
People’s Park Tavern
This beer garden is always bustling and will be screening every World Cup game outside on its newly installed big screen for the first time in its history.
Book ahead of time and get ready to soak in the atmosphere.
Sold out for England v Croatia
360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BT, www.peoplesparktavern.pub
93 Feet East
Call it a bar, club or pub, but for the World Cup, it will be Shoreditch’s best fan hub.
All England games will be shown on huge screens, both indoors and outdoors, followed by DJ sets after each match.
Plenty of tickets still available from £5.50 for England v Croatia
93 Feet East, 150 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL, www.93feeteast.co.uk
Electric Ballroom
Expect matchday energy at Electric Ballroom which is offering standing and seated tickets at its Camden venue.
Tickets are free, but you’ll want to be quick.
Limited tickets left for England v Croatia
184 Camden High St, London NW1 8QP, electricballroom.co.uk
Vinegar Yard
One of the prime spots to watch all England games this summer.
This venue is fully covered, providing shelter from the unpredictable British weather. But the atmosphere will be guaranteed - come rain or shine.
Sold out for England v Croatia
72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QX, www.vinegaryard.london
Queen of Hoxton
You may only know the Queen of Hoxton for its after-work cocktails and rooftop terrace, but it will be the home of the beautiful game all summer long.
Note that it’s only the indoor ground floor bar that will be available for football fans.
Limited bookings available for England v Croatia
1 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3JX, queenofhoxton.com
The Steelyard
Bongos Bingo - out, World Cup - in. The central London venue, synonymous with hosting bingo nights, will be hosting an official fan zone that will go on late into the night.
Standing and seated tickets are both available for that match day atmosphere.
Standing tickets available for England v Croatia
13-16 Allhallows Ln, London EC4R 3UE, thesteelyard.london
Hope & Anchor in Brixton
This Brixton pub is made for big games, bigger crowds, and some of the best energy in London.
You can book ahead of time, though walk-ins are also welcome.
Limited bookings available for England v Croatia
123 Acre Ln, Brixton Hill, London SW2 5UA, www.hopeandanchorbrixton.co.uk
The Alma
The Alma is a great sports pub, but not typically recognised for its beer garden or fanzone vibes.
However, especially for the World Cup, fans can lock in for a whole summer of sport with England games and other ‘nail bitey’ matches being shown on big screens in the pub.
Limited bookings available for England v Croatia
499 Old York Road, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1TF, www.almawandsworth.com
Freight Brixton
Freight is known for its music, its parties, and legendary rooftop.
But it’s also earned itself a reputation for screening some of the best sporting moments from its big screen.
A ton of games are being screened, complete with street foot vendors and pre-match build up.
Tickets still available for England v Croatia
33 Brixton Station Rd, London SW9 8PB, freightbrixton.com
Colour Factory
If football does come home, you’ll want to be at the Colour Factory where every minute of action will be shown.
Tickets are essential to securing your spot, but you can also book out any of four private spaces to watch the game on your own terms.
Third release tickets available for England v Croatia
8 Queen's Yard, Hackney Wick, London, E9 5EN, colourshoxton.com
Kerb Sports Bar
Every single match will be shown on the big screens at Kerb Sports Bar.
England games will be ticketed, costing £12, while all other games are free.
Tickets still available for England v Croatia
Old Spitalfields Market,4 Horner Square,London E1 6EW, kerbsportsbar.com
The Falcon
One of the most popular places to watch the footy in London and for good reason.
Soak in the atmosphere and all of the action at this south London hub.
Booking is advised as seats will fill up fast, especially for key matches.
Fully booked for England v Croatia
33 Bedford Rd, Greater, London SW4 7SQ, www.thefalconclapham.co.uk
The Ship
Proof that bigger is better - the Ship will be screening the World Cup across 13 screens, including its cinema screen outside.
Decking seats are walk-in only, but will be in high demand as footy fans race to catch the first goal.
No tickets required for England v Croatia
41 Jews Row, London SW18 1TB www.theship.co.uk
Market Halls
If variety is the spice of life then look no further than Market Halls. There are four locations to choose from, a wicked variety of tickets and match day passes, and an abundance of food vendors to complete your game day experience.
Some branches are even offering private screenings and whole venue hires, as well as a bottomless option for £70.
Tickets still available for England v Croatia
Various locations, markethalls.co.uk
