The best NYC bars to cheer on your favorite country during the FIFA World Cup if you cant score pricey tickets
It’s around the World in 80 bars.With the FIFA World Cup kicking off on Thursday, June 11, soccer mania has reached a fever pitch.For the first time in three decades, US football fanatics won’t have to travel far to catch the action.America is co-hosting the global tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, with 11 of the 16 venues located stateside — including New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, which will host the final on July 19, 2026.The home team’s quest for FIFA glory begins on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.But most eyes will likely be on tourney favorite Spain, alongside contenders France, England, and Brazil, the latter of whom will play the inaugural match at MetLife when they square off against Morocco on June 13.While the World Cup has arguably never been more accessible to NYers, tickets still start at well over $2,500 a pop.As a service to Tri-state area soccer fans, The Post rounded up some of the primo bars where cash-strapped aficionados can get their football fill sans emptying the bank.No home team, no problem.The Football Factory (6 W.
33rd St.), which caters to 38 different supporter clubs, will be showing every single WC game like a football-focused model UN.“We’re looking forward to hosting people from all over the world,” owner Emmett Keenan told The Post.“If you’re not at MetLife for a game, we’re definitely the next best place.”This might sound like it’d be packed to the rafters, but with over 50 TVs — including three big projectors on the main level and TVs outside for the big event — spread over three levels, the bar is more than ready to accommodate the international scrum.
Other good spots for those with no home team include the Red Lion on Bleecker Street and Houston Hall on Houston Street.It smells like team spirit.While the US is not historically known as a football mecca, there is one dedicated US soccer stronghold where fans can cheer the home team: Rivercrest Bar in Queens (33-15 D...