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The FIFA World Cup is about to take over the summer, and Philly has six games at “Philadelphia Stadium” — which most of us will still call the Linc — with a Fourth of July matchup capping things off.
Local businesses and organizations are already getting hyped up for the summer of soccer and there’s going to be plenty of places where you can catch the games and enjoy the global soccer celebration besides at the stadium or at the free Fan Festival site at Lemon Hill.
Here’s our list, which we’ll try to keep updated throughout the summer. We also have details about the games and the official FIFA Fan Fest.
Watch
If you want to cheer on the U.S. team with the American Outlaws, the national team’s supporters group, you need to go to the Top Tomato Bar in Center City. home of the Outlaws’ Philly chapter.
Kensington’s Lost Time Brewing has $6 lagers during the U.S. games, and recently had Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho stop by.
Yards Brewing off of Spring Garden Street is also a USMNT venue, as well as showing all the games. While you’re there you can try out the “Team BLU.S.A.” blue raspberry slushy or “The Equalizer” Keller Helles Lager that they’ve concocted for the tournament.
Yards will also be showing Mexico’s round of 32 clash against Ecuador on Tuesday at 8 p.m.
El Mezcal Cantina in Point Breeze is also showing that game.
Taqueria Cresta in East Falls will have watch parties for every U.S. and Mexico game.
Tamalex Bar and Grill in Society Hill is showing all the knockout round games.
Chinatown’s Lion Bar will be a good spot to catch any of the World Cup action, with its 35 screens, usually volume up. During the tournament, it will still have walk-ins and standing room available, but it will also partner with nearby Yamitsuki Ramen to offer guaranteed seating packages with open bar and buffet included.
Passyunk Square’s Superette will have most of the games on and will have food and drink specials for every France game. They will also hold raffles to help raise money for Youth soccer coaching group Safe-Hub Philadelphia.
Germany are out of the tournament after a shock loss to Paraguay, but Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street will still be playing every other game of the tournament.
Many of the bars that were regular spots for English Premier League games and supporters groups this past season will be safe bets to find screens and crowds during the World Cup as well.
Pride House Philadelphia has has a watch party lined up at Other Half Brewing in Fishtown for the July 4 round of 16 game.
Mini golf bar and restaurant Libertee Grounds is hosting watch parties and airing the games. They’ve added a twist to the viewing with “Pitch Passports” that earn you rewards the more nations you see there.
Local recreational soccer league CASA is holding watch parties throughout the city.
Headhouse Plaza off of South Street is having a “Soccer on South” watch party on July 3.
Bok Bar in South Philly has watch parties for the local games and beyond.
Not a fan of crowds but still want to see the game on the big screen? AMC in Center City’s Fashion District has tickets for games, playing Telemundo’s Spanish-language broadcast.
Play
CASA also cohosts the annual Icarus Cup in Philly, which runs from July 10 to 11 this summer.
Safehub Philly also has a lineup of open play sessions for certain ages, and watch parties open to all this week.
Enjoy
For those who might be more interested in the vibrant and diverse cultures coming to Philly this summer than watching or playing soccer, Fairmount’s Records Forever is celebrating the music of the visiting nations and Philly with five free nights of top-tier DJs spinning tunes and genres from around the globe.
Want to enjoy soccer while on the Delaware River? Fans Owned Travel, Philly PR Girl and City Cruises are offering four trips aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, with a live DJ, food and drink, and rooftop deck views of Philadelphia’s skyline. The cruises are scheduled for the days before four of the Philly games and limited tickets are available on Fans Owned Travel’s site.
For the World Cup, Le Cat Café in Fairmount is a “Fur Cup,” accepting brackets right before the tournament’s knockout rounds, with bonus points for adopting one of the café’s feline friends.
The Museum of the American Revolution has made a guide of the items and exhibits that are related to their home nations.
If you want to learn about Philly’s soccer history, there’s a walking tour run by Andrew Baggaley on June 28.
Want a new tattoo to commemorate the World Cup in Philly? Olde City Tattoo and Eastern Pass Tattoo Co. are offering to help with the design.
