Greater Fort Lauderdale is ready to embrace FIFA World Cup 2026 fever. Are you? From kickoff celebrations and watch parties to fan zones, here's what's happening before and during the global soccer tournament, which runs from Thursday, June 11, to Sunday, July 19.
Free Official Watch Parties, Courtesy of the Florida Panthers
The ultimate act of sportsmanship, our hometown Florida Panthers have partnered with Broward County to host four free, family-friendly watch parties at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise during the global soccer tournament. The response has been overwhelming, with all four watch parties officially sold out through SeatGeek reservations.
The scheduled matches include USA vs. Paraguay on Friday, June 12, at 9 p.m.; Colombia vs. Portugal on Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m.; the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11, at 5 p.m.; and the final on Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m.
If you already have tickets, plan to arrive early. Gates open two hours before each match, and the arena opens one hour before kickoff. Broward County Transit is also offering special Park & Ride transportation services, available free or for $2 each way depending on location, making getting to and from the watch parties easy.
Omni Fort Lauderdale: the Ultimate Tournament Hub
From the start of FIFA World Cup 2026 to the final match, Omni Fort Lauderdale will host a lineup of soccer-themed events and activations. On Thursday, June 11, an Opening Day Celebration at Fair Ketch, the hotel's primary viewing hub, kicks off the festivities and includes signature Stella Artois chalices.
On Friday, June 12, during the United States match, the Golden Goal Giveaway invites guests to take their shot in the Topgolf Swing Suite for a chance to win two match tickets in Miami, a one-night stay at Omni Fort Lauderdale and a $200 food and beverage credit.
On Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, the Coastline Fan Zone will take over the outdoor lawn with soccer-themed activations, food and beverage specials, and product sampling.
Watch Parties and Horse Racing at Carousel Club
Transforming into a world-class soccer destination throughout the tournament, Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park is partnering with Michelob ULTRA, Stella Artois and NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer to host a series of outdoor watch parties. Along with food from Pubbelly Sushi and Sergio's on select match days, guests can enjoy specialty drinks, entertainment and giveaways, plus live horse racing.
A large LED screen will broadcast matches live, with additional TVs throughout the venue so fans never miss a goal. On select watch party dates, attendees can enter to win tickets to see a match in person. View the watch party schedule, reserve your spot or upgrade to a table for your favorite matchup.
Unleash Your Argentine Passion at Baires Grill
Calling itself Greater Fort Lauderdale's World Cup headquarters, Baires Grill Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, is celebrating the tournament with watch parties, food and drink specials, and an atmosphere inspired by Argentina's passion for soccer. Located on Las Olas Boulevard, the restaurant will feature large-screen match viewing, live music, and plenty of fan energy.
Guests can also take advantage of happy hour specials, including 50% off drinks, from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, visitors can shop for official Argentine merchandise. Baires Grill is the official restaurant of the Argentine National Team.
City of Lauderdale's Broward Welcomes the World Kickoff
Get fired up for the tournament with two days of free programming in the City of Lauderhill during "Broward Welcomes the World."
On Saturday, June 6, at Laudehill Sports Park, the World Cup Kickoff begins at 3 p.m. and features local food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music by Jahshii and Laa Lee, and soccer viewing beginning at 6 p.m.
On Sunday, June 7, the Signature Kickoff Event moves to Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium. The event includes a youth soccer clinic, activities for all ages, food and beverages available for purchase, and live performances by Wayne Wonder and Spragga Benz. Soccer matches begin at 5 p.m.
Soccer Bar Party Series at American Social
American Social Fort Lauderdale is making it easy to follow every moment of FIFA World Cup 2026, streaming all 104 matches on 100 big screens with high-quality sound. Expect game-day food and drink specials from Jim Beam and Tito's Handmade Vodka, along with Hard Rock Bet's Spin to Win promotion. Reserve a game day table in advance.
Summer of Soccer Watch Parties at LauderAle Brewery
Catch every match at LauderAle Brewery, where big-screen soccer viewing, drink specials and rotating food trucks keep the energy going all tournament long. The brewery's Opening Ceremony celebration on Thursday, June 11, is expected to draw a crowd, so arrive early for the best seats. Plus, the event is dog-friendly, meaning your four-legged fan can join in on the fun. Early bird tickets are currently free while supplies last.
Join the City of Hollywood Fan Zone
If you're looking for a break between matches, head to Hollywood Boulevard on Saturday, June 27, for a soccer-themed celebration. Beginning at 4 p.m., a fan zone will take over the area between 19th and 21st avenues, featuring large video walls and viewing screens. Soccer viewing begins at 5 p.m.
The event will also feature local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment by Los Wizzards and AleMor. The City of Hollywood is offering a $10 flat parking rate at several parking garages.
A Rooftop Escape at Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Escape Rooftop Bar at the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach is turning its poolside lounge into a watch party destination throughout the tournament, with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Espolòn Tequila, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Aperol and Casamigos will host rotating brand activations, while executive chef Michael Mayar will offer food specials designed to pair with the featured beverages.
Check Into the Ultimate Soccer Fan Stay
Take your tournament experience to the next level with the Ultimate Soccer-Themed Room Experience at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport at Dania Pointe. Available throughout FIFA World Cup 2026, the package features soccer-themed décor and fan-inspired touches.
Wherever you land, there’s a big screen, a match day food and drink special, an excited crowd, and plenty of swag to make this monumental moment a memorable one in Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida.