The FIFA World Cup 2026 is bringing unmatched energy to the Lower Hudson Valley thanks to its 104 matches (featuring 48 nations) across the U.S. Canada, and Mexico. And since most people won’t be able to attend in person, a host of Westchester and Rockland spots have amped up the volume to offer fans the next best thing: spirited watch parties, global menus, packed bars and an electric game-day atmosphere.
At The Barley House in Thornwood, a countdown clock to the first game is already in play with souvenir glassware at the ready come the first game. The American gastropub also created a new 40-seat grassy alfresco area complete with two all-weather TV’s and an outdoor bar. And, they gave away two tickets to the June 13 Brazil vs. Morocco game.
In White Plains, soccer fever is in full drive with a citywide free celebration featuring three large-scale live match watch parties on June 14, June 27, and July 11. There will even be a June 11 kick-off complete with opening ceremonies and a vibrant Parade of Flags.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The following Westchester and Rockland spots should be where you head for prime World Cup viewing.
The Barley House, Thornwood
Want to enjoy a beer decorated with a soccer ball? Win a World Cup scarf or T-shirt? Or take home a limited-edition mini tequila World Cup collectible bottle? There’s so much going on at The Barley House it’s hard to keep up. Along with globally inspired eats — to go with the nationalities of various teams — there’s souvenir soccer ball glassware, canned seltzer giveaway buckets and 17 TV’s for watching the action.
There’s also the aforementioned newly designed outdoor area with a bar (for beer), two all-weather 86-inch TVs and an assortment of games (i.e. foosball, corn hole). The restaurant, which has sister properties in Rye (The Barley Beach House) and Tarrytown (Barley on the Hudson), will also be doing their own watch parties; check their websites for more info. 665 Commerce St., 914-495-3333, thebarleyhouseny.com.
The Ambleside Pub, Mount Kisco
This classic British pub, popular for its traditional cask ales and showings of the Premier League and International Rugby games on its six TVs, is expanding beyond its borders to a tent behind Mount Kisco’s Village Hall for most England and USA games. Bar and food to be provided by Locali. 23 E Main St., 914-733-6008, theamblesidepub.com.
Game Day Grille, Yorktown Heights
Seventeen large screen TVs (with surround sound) and a variety of drink specials with World Cup sponsored draft beers (i.e. Michelob Ultra Draft and Corona Light Draft) are on the menu along with $1 wings. Choose from the restaurant’s 34 wing flavors featuring 21 sauces, 12 dry rubs and sautéed jerk wings. This place isn’t called Game Day for nothing. 1927 Commerce St., 914-302-6390, gamedaygrilleyorktown.com.
Kanopi, White Plains
For something elevated and out of the ordinary, book a meal at Beefsteak, a first-of-its-kind World Cup dining experience from James Beard Award-recognized Chef Anthony Gonçalves and legendary butcher Pat LaFrieda. Set in the restaurant’s dramatic 40th-floor dining room of The Opus Westchester, a first-class dinner is set against the backdrop of 20 4K televisions (meaning top tier resolution of over 4,000 pixels wide), ensuring every guest has a direct view of the match.
The feast for your eyes also includes a feast for your tastebuds with unlimited premium cuts such as T-Bone and cast iron skirt steak, along with a wedge salad with thick cut bacon lardons and Roquefort bleu cheese dressing. Nostalgic sides such as Lyonnaise potatoes and pineapple upside down cake round out the menu, as does unlimited beer. Tickets are $145 per person, per match, and includes all food and drink. Guests can also purchase a “Member Pass” for $355, unlocking access to all match tickets at a preferred rate of $75. 1 Renaissance Square, 914-761-4242, kanopitherestaurant.com.
The Brazen Fox, White Plains
Themed specials by country and imported draft beers are part of The Brazen Fox’s World Cup celebrations. The bar, which has been a regular setting on Apple+ TV’s “Your Friends & Neighbors” also did a World Cup ticket giveaway with Michelob for the June 22 Norway vs. Senegal game. To prepare for fans, they’ve also upgraded their back patio to 75-inch TVs (from 55-inch prior) and will be adding to the four TVs already outside. DJs are also on the agenda to add to the lively atmosphere. And there will be food stands on Mamaroneck Ave. as part of the city’s Soccer Fest celebrations and possibly on their back patio featuring quick service food options. 175 Mamaroneck Ave., 914-358-5911, thebrazenfox.com.
Smokehouse Tailgate, Mamaroneck & New Rochelle
Fire up the barbecue. Both locations, with its assortment of smoked meats, have partnered with The American Outlaws, the official supporters club for U.S. national soccer teams, to showcase all World Cup games with game audio and bucket specials for Sloop Classic American Pilsner cans. There are also $5 draft specials, $12 Rolling Rock buckets, $15 Narragansett pitchers and $30 High Noon and Sun Cruiser buckets. 320 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck, 914-341-1655; 587 North Ave., New Rochelle, 914-813-8686, shtailgate.com.
Rocco’s Family Restaurant, New City
It’s possible the new side of Rocco’s will be ready by game day— but even if not, there’s a special Rocco’s World Cup Passport meaning for every game you join the restaurant for, you earn a stamp on your passport. Five stamps entitle you to one free large cheese pie at the bar; 10 stamps to one free appetizer at the bar; 15 to a free entree with 20 offering free VIP access to the final game which will include a hot buffet featuring their signature dishes. 170 S Main St., 845-638-1375, roccos.com.
NoCo Joe’s, Piermont
Nineteen TVs and a host of food and drink specials make this your sports headquarters for the soccer action.
You’ve also gotta love the Rockland pride with an array of local sports memorabilia. 5 Roundhouse Road, 845-445-7332, nococatering.com.
Reilly’s Public House, Piermont
All games are being shown at the bar at Reilly’s where you’ll also find a host of food and drink specials such as Match Day BBQ Riblets (with boom boom slaw, paired with a house draft for $15), Penalty Boxes of Fries (with bacon bits, scallion, cheddar cheese, served with chipotle-ranch dipping sauce and paired with draft Stella, Michelob, Heineken or Nutri-can for $14) and Striker wings (Cajun dusted, paired with house draft for $15). The Irish pub is also running a Happy Hour with various drink buckets selling five for $30. 457 Piermont Ave., 845-680-0014, reillyspublichouse.com.
White Plains goes all out
White Plains Soccer Fest 2026, a citywide free celebration inspired by the FIFA World Cup 2026, is a mixture of watch parties (June 14, June 27 and July 11) with giant outdoor screens, live performances, contests and interactive experiences, with programming from partners 107.1 The Peak and WHUD.
There will also be hands-on soccer activities including human foosball, soccer darts, pop-up goals, and the “Guess Your Kick Speed” challenge. Families can also enjoy face painting, games, crafts, and a variety of other activities geared to keep young ones engaged. Additional programming includes an outdoor movie night at Library Plaza, a soccer gaming tournament for teens, and themed block parties. Details at WPSoccerFest.com.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Best bars to watch the FIFA Men’s World Cup in Westchester, Rockland
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News | USA TODAY Network
