With the United States Men’s National Team having secured Group D and a spot in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even casual fans in Alachua County are starting to take notice.
Team USA will look to move to 3-0 in the month-long tournament when it faces Turkey on June 25 at 10 p.m. at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Looking for a spot to watch the big game? Check out all of this year’s World Cup action at these Gainesville restaurants, bars and breweries:
Cypress and Grove
Details: 1001 NW Fourth St., Gainesville; 352-376-4993
The micro Gainesville brewery has hosted and will continue to host select FIFA World Cup matches, including the USA’s upcoming match with Turkey.
Known for its signature brews like Prairie Pale Ale, the brewery said it will open early and stay open late for featured matches, with rotating food trucks, beers on tap and “the ultimate match-day atmosphere.”
Find the Cypress and Grove calendar here.
Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Details: 5141 SW 91st Way Gainesville; 352-554-4253
While celebrating your favorite team’s victory, Samba Brazilian Kitchen provides authentic Brazilian comfort food in a casual setting.
As it hosted the USA/Australia watch party on June 19, Gainesville residents can grab an exclusive, authentic bite of Brazilian cuisine like moqueca, featuring mahi-mahi or shrimp simmered in coconut milk with onions, peppers and cilantro, served with rice and farofa.
The Queen’s Arms Pub
Details: 5323 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville; 352-378-0966
Without question, The Queen’s Arms Pub in the Haile Village Center serves as one of the best places in Alachua County to watch a soccer match.
Providing a cozy British pub atmosphere with classic fare, this Gainesville staple is a great opportunity to enjoy bangers and mash while seeing if the U.S. can keep its streak going.
Las Margaritas
Details: 4405 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville; 352-374-6699
The authentic Mexican restaurant invites FIFA fanatics to watch the 2026 iteration of the World Cup with several TVs throughout the space.
From fajitas to burritos and enchiladas, soccer fans can also wash it down with a frozen margarita or piña colada.
Patrons can even try a Cheesecake Chimichanga — cheesecake wrapped in a flour tortilla, deep-fried and drizzled with chocolate or strawberry syrup and served with ice cream.
Swamp Head
Details: 3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, 352-505-3035
The Gainesville brewery said in a June 8 post it will show almost every World Cup match at The Wetlands.
Guests can watch matches inside or outside and are encouraged to wear their team’s colors.
With daily events such as open mic nights, karaoke and trivia, along with food trucks, the spacious grounds offer a family-friendly environment.
Las Carretas
Details: 3501 SW Second Ave., Gainesville; 352-331-6337
Continuing its collaboration with Telemundo Gainesville, Las Carretas will host five watch parties.
Telemundo Gainesville said the World Cup is bigger than soccer, representing the growth, passion and influence of the Latino community across North Central Florida.
During matches, patrons can enjoy a variety of create-your-own combo meals and Mexican street tacos while sipping house margaritas.
First Magnitude
Details: 1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville; 352-727-4677
A downtown Gainesville favorite, First Magnitude Brewing Company offers a craft brewery and taproom, along with food trucks near a large outdoor TV screen.
With beers such as 72 American Pale Ale, USRA American Ale and Drift Session Brown Ale, patrons can enjoy craft brews inside or outside during the summer.
Pepper’s Mexican Grill
Details: 3236 SW 35th Blvd, Gainesville; 352-872-5151; 7750 W. Newberry Road. Gainesville; 352-727 4619
In a social media advertisement, Pepper’s Mexican Grill said it is “time for the biggest party in the world” and invited patrons to watch FIFA matches at both locations.
With handcrafted tequila offerings, guests can dig into signature dishes like the Speedy Gonzales, which includes one taco, one enchilada and a choice of Mexican rice or refried beans.
Burrito Factory
Details: 7 SE First Ave., Gainesville; 352-554-4274
Burrito Factory offers an ideal downtown location for those wishing to celebrate their heritage while watching a soccer match.
Featuring dishes such as chicken tortilla soup, carnitas and asada fries, along with BOGO margaritas, patrons can sit on the patio or indoors at tables or the bar to see if their team survives the tournament.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Where to catch USA vs. Turkey in Gainesville
Reporting by Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
