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Overview
Before football's most-watched tournament officially kicks off this June, seasoned fans know there are two important things to lock in early: your allegiance and a proper viewing venue for you and your mates. We're talking giant live screens, packed beer gardens and crowds ready to erupt at every goal, save and controversial VAR call. Whether you're committing to the screen for the full 90 or simply looking to catch the roar after a last-minute goal, these venues around Brisbane (plus two in Gold Coast) have your game plan sorted.
Pig N Whistle Riverside
There's arguably no better place to watch a match than at Pig N Whistle Riverside, Brisbane's unofficial Home of Football. The British gastropub guarantees an electric atmosphere, with fired-up crowds – particularly when the Three Lions are playing – and matches airing live and loud across giant screens. Pints, pies, puddings and other British staples can be ordered straight to the table, so there's no risk of getting stuck at the bar and missing a goal. If you work in the financial district, it's an easy spot to catch a match after knocking off – or even to squeeze a cheeky one in before the office.
Regatta Hotel
There's something distinctly Queensland about watching a penalty shootout with the sun setting on the Brisbane River just beyond the balcony. That's exactly the viewing experience you'll get at the Regatta Hotel, a century-old community hub perched right on the riverfront. Heritage charm blends into a convivial match-day atmosphere, bolstered by an impressive tap line-up of 33 draught beers, three ciders and a spirit. Toss in an award-winning pub menu starring dry-aged steaks, and you've got a very Aussie way of enjoying the World Game.
Burleigh Town Hotel
Fresh off back-to-back QHA Awards wins for the Best Sporting Entertainment Venue, Burleigh Town Hotel takes match-day viewing seriously with one of the biggest screens in the Southern Hemisphere – and it's equipped with a kiss cam. The mega-screen lives in the sports bar, which also serves dedicated game-day snacks like hot dogs, loaded tater tots and rissoles.
From TAB visits to playground pit stops before kickoff, all pre-game rituals are covered in here. Screens are spread across the bistro and outdoor decks for more casual spectators, too, though the energy of Gold Coast at its loudest and liveliest will buzz throughout the venue.
The Lord Alfred
If you enjoy watching high-stakes sports surrounded by people emotionally overreacting in unison, this is your spot. Known as fan zones for Dolphins and Boston Celtics supporters, The Lord Alfred already knows how to handle a passionate crowd. At the heart of the Brissy local is a dedicated sports bar with a huge LED screen capable of playing multiple matches at once – a handy feature for when matches across the US, Mexico City and Canada overlap.
Pig N Whistle West End
Straddling the artsy hubs of the South Bank and West End, Pig N Whistle West End is primo for some Socceroos action in between exploring galleries and theatres. Two sleek 70-inch screens in the main bar are ideal for tucking in for a marathon, while the crowd's cheers from the cascading foliage in the garden bar will pull you in mid-match to catch up with the score. Plus, football will also be served alongside brunch staples – think smoked salmon bagels and croque monsieurs – from 7 am daily.
The Boundary
Not many pubs can claim they've been hosting Brisbane crowds since 1864, but The Boundary Hotel can. Home to regular trivia nights, live DJ sets and all manner of West End gatherings, the beloved institution is a natural pick if you're looking for camaraderie and craft beers throughout the tournament. The storied space houses an assortment of sports-viewing spots suited for any match-day mood, including idyllic picnic tables, a buzzy backyard and a rooftop that's perfect for sunset games.
Cavill Hotel
You don't have to spend the entire season in sports-bar bunkers. Over in Surfer's Paradise, watching the game at The Cavill Hotel comes with decompressing seaside walks or victory parties spilling over onto the vibrant nightlife strip. Sports lovers filter into the coastal pub straight from the beach all day long, whether it's for breakfast smoothies and coffees or $18 lunch specials like chicken schnitzel and beer-battered fish and chips. Trust us, soccer marathons feel better in thongs.
Finn McCool's Irish Bar
Finn McCool's is always good craic, and that's something you can count on rain, shine or football season. Faithfuls in Fortitude Valley are invited to team up with a proper Guinness and grab a seat among the rustic barrels of the Irish pub. With television screens circling the walls and the bar, you can easily keep one eye on the game and another on your mates. Don't leave without ordering an iconic Irish spice bag – a glorious combo of fried chicken and chips topped with peppers, onions and curry sauce.
Pig N Whistle Indro
Sports fans in Brisbane's south-east will be acquainted with Pig N Whistle Indooroopilly. Nestled in one of the city's biggest malls, the local sports bar brings national and international live sport broadcasts – UFC, AFL, rugby, you name it – into function rooms dressed in heritage-style wallpapers and a beer garden along Station Road. It's usually packed with shoppers rooting for their favourite teams and University of Queensland students who have crossed the river for a match or two, and the world's biggest football tournament will be no exception.
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