Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Leeds

Kicking off on 11 June and running to 19 July, the FIFA World Cup is back, and Leeds is getting in on the action as England sets its sights on the prize. Most matches will be screened in the evening due to time differences (this year’s hosts are the USA, Canada and Mexico), with England’s group games kicking off at 9 pm and some later rounds running until 1 am. So, you’ll need to choose your big-screen hangouts wisely if you want to catch the full 90+ minutes.

Whether you want to belt out Three Lions with 1,000 other fans, find a proper pub that happens to have football on, or a wine-based alternative tournament sounds more like your thing, Leeds has an option for every type of supporter. Here’s our guide to the best places to watch the World Cup in Leeds city centre and beyond.

Big atmosphere picks

Transforming into an evening fan zone from 11 June, Leeds’ popular street-food stop, Trinity Kitchen, will feature three super-sized 5m x 3m screens, additional screens throughout the venue and space for up to 1,000 supporters. Trinity Kitchen Fan Zone will also host the first-ever Northern Monk Trinity Tap, with two seven-metre bars across 20 beer taps. DJs and roaming brass bands will bring the hype during England games, and there’ll be tasty bites from 11 street food vendors, including Archie’s, Pho, Pizzaluxe, Rola Wola, and the new Caribbean addition, Jerk Junction. Entry is free, though England game seating can be reserved in advance for £10 a seat. 

O2 Academy Leeds FanPark run by 4TheFans will host a dedicated World Cup fan park at the O2 Academy for the knockout rounds. Expect the biggest anti-glare screens in the UK, stadium-level sound with DJs blasting iconic England anthems and appearances from guest football legends. It’s the next best place to watch the game, after the stadium – and the best place to be if you want to go all in. Tickets start from £9 for general admission.

Classic sports-bar venues

BOX on Infirmary Street is the reliable choice for catching all matches live during opening hours. With 35 HD TVs around the venue and a dedicated sports-bar setup, you’ll have a clear view from anywhere in the room. There’s also shuffleboard, electric darts and karaoke available if you need to burn off the pre-match nerves. BOX is a five-minute walk from Leeds station, making it an easy meeting point for groups arriving from across the city. It’s free, but table bookings require a deposit. They’re recommended for the biggest fixtures. Green Room is a great minutes-from-the-station alternative if you fancy drinks on the terrace ahead of the game.

Another option for 360-degree viewing is Pinnacle Sports and Games. With 20 HD screens, full commentary and a proper matchday atmosphere, fueled by cold pints and sports grub, it’s well worth a booking if you’ve got a large group to cater for. Pinnacle’s Lo and No menu is larger than most, with 0% beers, cocktails and soft drinks – this could be the venue for you if you want to enjoy big-game atmosphere without the booze.

The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes on New Briggate is showing every single match across more than 25 screens, including the 1 am kick-offs. Its late licence runs until 3 am, making it one of the few places in Leeds where you can catch every minute of the action. Live musicians are on for England games, and walk-ins are welcome throughout, though bookings are sensible for the biggest nights.

Get big screen action and big energy at A Nation of Shopkeepers on Cookridge Street, where you can – in their words – sip back and relax with game day drinks and food aplenty. The venue will follow the whole tournament, and while it’s free to enter, it’s wise to book a table for the crunch matches.

O’Neills on Boar Lane has Sky Sports and TNT Sports access, so you can catch every Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Europa League match within opening hours, as well as each unmissable World Cup moment, while enjoying a cold pint, creamy Guinness, or beverage of your choice.. Bookable space is limited, so arrive early to grab a decent spot and soak up the atmosphere.

Rileys Sports Bar is the underrated option: two floors of sports-bar fun, pool tables, snooker, darts and table tennis alongside the football, with multiple screens and a fan-zone-style space. Arrive early for a game before kick-off, and you’ll get a seat with a proper view. Often less crowded than the bigger-name venues for group stage games, Riley’s is a solid walk-in choice.

Best pub atmosphere

A great alternative to the classic sports bars, The Head of Steam on Park Row, will show all fixtures within opening hours, accompanied by a wide choice of Leeds’ finest craft beers. As with most venues, you’ll need to book ahead to guarantee a seat and table service. The bonus? You’ll get a free pint with every pre-game pizza order. 

The Brewery Wharf Tavern is going all out for the World Cup, and you’re invited! The waterside venue promises a view from every seat, so you won’t miss a moment of the action. Secure your spot with a £ 10-per-person card authorisation (it’s not a deposit; no money will be taken unless you don’t show up). It’s a great place to grab a sunny after-work drink before settling in for late-night matches. 

Alternative watch parties

NoNo Wine Bar at Granary Wharf is running its own Wine World Cup — a tournament-themed event for people who’d rather discuss wine varietals than VAR. With four wine flights representing twelve countries (in a blind taste test that sees winners voted by the people) and bao from the kitchen next door (plus 50 additional wines to explore), it’s the best possible option if you’d rather raise a glass to the England team than actually watch the match. NoNo won’t screen the matches. Follow NoNo’s socials for the full Wine World Cup schedule.

The Merrion Centre‘s upper balcony level will host Football in Fabric — a unique, immersive exhibition by superfan Nicol Rorrison exploring football fandom, culture, identity, memory and community through decades of shirts, memorabilia, photography and more. And while you’re there, share your Merrion Centre photos online for a chance to win prizes, including gig tickets at First Direct Arena and food vouchers from the centre’s retailers.

Boom Battle Bar is the best choice if your group wants the night to go into extra time. Watch the football, then challenge your mates at axe throwing, augmented reality darts, beer pong or shuffleboard. BOOM is made for a long evening rather than a single match. Tickets are free for the first three matches, but you’ll still need to book, and it doesn’t guarantee a table. Go for a drinks package to lock in your table 30-minutes before kick-off.

Upgrade your World Cup viewing experience by indulging in a two-hour bottomless party at Manahatta on Greek Street. Delicious mains, unlimited drinks, big screens and a crowd that brings the energy. This one’s best for groups that want the action in the background as they eat, drink and party. A deposit may be required to secure your table and is redeemed against your total bill. Outside tables are non-bookable.

The Black Cat Club will serve up a treat during the World Cup – a 1966 menu, featuring the Geoff Hurst Package (three small plates), Matchday Classics (burgers), four pint Pitcher Deals, and a Play & Eat Offer (pizza and 60 minutes of gaming), all priced at £19.66. Sound tasty? Reserve your seat to get in before the final whistle.

Catch the action further afield

Project House in Armley is showing all of England’s World Cup matches on two giant screens, with food traders, DJs and an atmosphere that’s been described as having more lions than you can shake a stick at. It’s 18+ only, and you’ll need to book in advance (from £2.61); it sold out fast for the Euros.

In Headingley, BOX offers the same 35-screen setup as its city-centre sibling in a slightly more relaxed neighbourhood. The Original Oak on Otley Road is the traditional pub option nearby: a proper Headingley local with a loyal crowd on big match nights.

Meanwood Tavern on Meanwood Road is showing all England games on big screens in both the front and back of the pub, with food from resident kitchen Pizza Loco running throughout. It’s dog- and family-friendly and requires a £ 10-per-person card authorisation for bookings (no money is taken unless you fail to show).

Beck and Call on Stainbeck Road in Meanwood earned its reputation during the Euros, with outdoor tables, a Prove It pizza pop-up at half time and a drinks range that includes local pours from Kirkstall, Northern Monk and more, with most pints below £5. The dedicated Tap Room has a pool table and dartboard alongside the screen, and there’s a children’s play area if you’re bringing the family. 

Hyde Park Book Club and Kirkstall Bridge Inn will show games daily – at the inn,  on a huge outdoor screen, with 250+ seats. The Melbourne in Roundhay is the neighbourhood option for those on the east side of the city, and Brudenell Social Club in Hyde Park has confirmed it will host ticketed World Cup 2026 screening events, outside on the big screen and inside across the venue.