Madrid is gearing up for a month of goal celebrations and packed outdoor patios: the 2026 World Cup already has its major hotspots scattered throughout the city, from giant outdoor screens to themed bars, sports bars, Irish pubs, and even movie theaters converted into viewing areas. If you want to watch the matches without staying on the couch, these are the main options.
Giant screens on the street: Plaza Selección in Colón
The main official gathering spot will be Plaza de Colón, where the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the City Council are setting up the so-called Plaza Selección. Giant high-definition screens will be installed to watch Spain’s matches and other key World Cup games.
The setup will be active during Spain’s first two group stage matches. The debut will be on June 15 against Cape Verde, at 6:00 p.m. The second match will take place on June 21 against Saudi Arabia, also at 6:00 p.m. In both cases, the venue will be open from noon until nightfall to enjoy the pre-match festivities and the post-match atmosphere.
The third group stage match, against Uruguay, cannot be watched from Colón. The match is scheduled for June 27 at 2:00 a.m., a time slot that rules out the public broadcast planned by the organization.
Sports bars, restaurants, and pubs: the stands are at the bar
Madrid is full of bars that treat every major tournament like a second Christmas. Some of the top recommendations for this World Cup: classics like James Joyce Irish Pub, La Fontana de Oro, The Irish Rover, QW Bar & Pub, or O’Connell St. Pub—regulars for the Champions League, Euros, and World Cups—and more modern spots like Fratina Sport Bar (Chamberí), 87 Millas Sport Bar, or Distrito 7 | Sports & Drinks, featuring multiple screens, great visibility from almost any table, and a menu designed for sharing.
If watching soccer while sitting at a long table, with tacos and margaritas, is your thing, La Lupita has been transformed into La Lupita Cantina and has declared itself the Mexican World Cup headquarters in Madrid. Its four locations (Salamanca, Justicia, Chamberí, and the Corazón de Maíz tortilla shop in Alcalá) are filled with giant screens and “stadium-quality” sound. They’ll broadcast more than 30 matches, and reservations are made on a game-by-game basis through lalupita.es/mundial, with promotions like “free giant margarita” for tables with a minimum purchase.
Watch parties, movie theaters, and special events
In addition to bars and squares, the World Cup will make its way into other, less common venues:
- The Palacio de Vistalegre will host a watch party for Spain’s debut, featuring giant screens and the atmosphere of a massive soccer concert.
- Some movie theaters and venues, such as Cinesa Yelmo, will join in on the big-screen broadcasts of the matches with special packages that include admission and a meal, with prices ranging from €8.30 (for the traditional popcorn and soda combo) to €21.30 for the Luxury menu. The Premium menu (€14.30), the middle option, consists of a small popcorn, a soft drink, and a main course of your choice.
