The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin, and hype for local watch parties and events has reached a fever pitch.

Match play begins on June 11, with the United States facing off against Paraguay on June 12. This will be the first match for Team USA. in the group stage as they jockey for position heading into the knockout stage. 

Whether you’re cheering for your home country, gathering with fellow supporters, or simply soaking in the electric atmosphere, these World Cup events are the place to be. 

2026 FIFA World Cup watch parties and events

Raleigh: 

The Official World Cup Watch Party: USA vs. Australia

DATE: June 19

VENUE: The Rialto Theatre

ADDRESS: 1620 Glenwood Ave,
Raleigh NC 27608

TIME: 2-5 p.m.

ADMISSION: FREE

Soccer Square Fan Fest

DATES: Thursday, June 11 – Sunday, June 14

VENUE: Moore Square Park

TIME: Varies – Check Daily Schedule 

ADMISSION: Free, food and drink available for
purchase
No registration required.

The event will feature live match screenings on a large outdoor screen, food
trucks, a beer garden, lawn games and interactive soccer-themed activities each day. 

North
Carolina Courage: World Cup Watch Party

DATE:
June 19

VENUE:
WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Dr, Cary 27511

TIME: 2 p.m.

ADMISSION:
Free (Ticket required. Once capacity is reached registration will
close )

NC
State World Cup Watch Party at Hunt Library

DATE:
July 14, 2026

VENUE:
James B. Hunt Jr Library Auditorium 1070 Panthers Way, Raleigh NC 27695

TIME:
3 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

Durham: 

The Official World Cup Watch Party: USA Vs. Paraguay

DATE: June 12 

VENUE: The Lawn at American
Tobacco Campus, 300 Blackwell St, Durham
NC 27701

TIME: 8-11 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

Boxcar Bar & Arcade Watch Parties

 Boxcar is hosting all-day watch parties for all the tournament action,
including a specific matchday watch party for USA vs. Australia on June 19.

Address: 621 Foster St, Durham, NC

Local bars and venues

If you can’t make it to any of the major watch parties in the area, here are other local bars and venues that will be holding World Cup events. 

The Raleigh Times 2026 FIFA World
Cup Games: June 11-July 19 

The Brass Tap 2026 FIFA World Cup
Events: June 11- June 17 

The Winchester Pub & Bottle shop: Your home for the World Cup.

Sports & Social: World Soccer HQ

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster: FIFA World Cup 2026 watch parties