Football is by far the world’s most popular sport, and there’s no more exhilarating time to enjoy “the beautiful game” than during the glory, passion, and unique energy of the biggest stage in global football.
Even if you can’t make it to one of the host stadiums in person in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the action with fellow fans. In cities around the globe, parks become grandstands, beaches become stadiums, and plazas pulse with chants in every corner of the globe. Fan events are a key destination for local communities and global fans. These buzzy environments serve up the best in music, culture, food, and of course, football.
Every supporter is desperate to see their nation lift the ultimate football trophy come July 19, but you don’t need a ticket to feel the magic. Whether you’re cheering in historic squares in Europe, besides sun-kissed beachfronts in South America, or at flawlessly organized gatherings across Asia-Pacific, the fan celebrations abound.
These destinations will all ensure once-in-a-generation memories where football and travel meet in thrilling unison and where, just maybe, you’ll catch your country’s moment of ultimate sporting glory.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Latin America
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In Rio and across Brazil, football is, simply, life. By far the most successful team to have ever played the game internationally, the Brazil team channels the joyful energy of its devoted fan base, which makes watching matches with those fans on the team’s home turf an unrivaled football carnival. Copacabana Beach is home to one of the planet’s most iconic football settings, with hundreds of casual pickup games taking place against a backdrop of oceans and mountains, and JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro is just steps away from its golden sands. Meanwhile, Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort offers sweeping ocean views and easy access to exuberant, samba-filled districts, such as Ipanema.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Another country that lives and breathes football is Brazil’s archrival, Argentina. Catching a game in the capital is an unmissable national ritual, full of fans decked out in blue and white. In Buenos Aires, Plaza San Martín and neighborhood parks host public screenings. Palermo’s bars erupt with chants, and car horns mark every goal and victory. Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buenos Aires promises refined five-star comfort within easy reach of El Centro’s most animated bars and clubs, while Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center in the elegant Palermo district ensures that guests are immersed in the thrill and passion of matches from kickoff until late into the night.
Africa and the Middle East
Doha, Qatar
As the most recent host of the games in 2022, Qatar knows exactly what it takes to put on an epic football-watching party. The nation has redefined the modern fan experience with purpose-built sites and expansive waterfront parks featuring live entertainment and street-food markets. The atmosphere blends high-energy celebration with family-friendly organization, while Doha’s famously efficient public transportation ensures that hotels like The St. Regis Doha and Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel are seamlessly connected to the action. Fans can truly soak in the skyline and sunset views at this crossroads of global football.
Marrakech, Morocco
In the spectacularly beautiful city of Marrakech, football is framed by ancient culture and history. It’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric place to soak it all in than at the city’s famous lantern-lit central square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. Amid the bustling food stalls and entertainers, multigenerational crowds discuss every minute of every can’t-miss match. Le Méridien N’Fis offers a resort-style escape, while the elegant AnaYela, Marrakesh, a Member of Design Hotels is housed in a stunningly transformed 300-year-old palace. Both hotels are within easy walking distance of cafés and other spots where passionate, knowledgeable fans congregate.
Europe
London, England
In one of football’s most historic homes, the games feel like a six-week holiday that happens every four years. Fans can stay right in the heart of the action at London Marriott Hotel County Hall, within easy walking distance of iconic Trafalgar Square, where fans from all nations congregate before matches kick off. Alternatively, St. Pancras London, Autograph Collection promises easy access via London’s Tube to historic pubs across the city where crowds spill into cobbled streets. The party here continues long after the final whistle as locals join visitors in celebrating their love of football.
Madrid, Spain
Football runs deep in Spanish blood. Guaranteed warm summer afternoons and evenings will ensure incredible viewing parties beneath centuries-old facades across Madrid. JW Marriott Hotel Madrid is perfectly located amid historic landmarks. It’s also within easy walking distance of family-friendly viewing spots where a sea of red-and-gold shirts and scarves await, especially at Spain’s matches but also throughout the tournament. Aloft Madrid Gran Via offers its own rooftop bar and is right in the city center, placing you in the thick of the action and excitement.
Asia-Pacific
Tokyo, Japan
In the endlessly inspiring, brightly lit, urban wonderland of Tokyo, seamlessly organized watching parties are effortlessly enjoyable, especially when paired with stellar eats from local street food stalls or smoky izakaya grills. Whether in public parks or neon-soaked streets, the energy among passionate fans is electric, and the vibe is always defined by courtesy and respect. Tokyo Marriott Hotel in Shinagawa offers a calm base with quick rail access across the capital, while The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection enjoys a serene Japanese garden setting and easy connectivity for match-day updates.
Sydney, Australia
Few cities can match Sydney for a dramatic backdrop to the action, with the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge framing some of the vibrant spots where fans congregate. Multicultural crowds and open-air terraces make for a brilliant combination, while lively local pubs in districts like the Rocks extend match day well into the evening. Football fever is also in the air at Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection, with a terrace boasting stunning views, while Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay is perfectly located just steps from the waterside where many of the matches will be shown.
North America
New York City, U.S.
The city that never sleeps is home to one of the world’s most multicultural populations, which means you can expect to find fans of every nationality cheering on their teams. And this year’s games are sure to ignite football fever. In official fan zones, at locations including Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, supporters from every continent will gather and turn each match into an unforgettable sporting party; plus, subway access makes it easy to move between viewing parties. New York Marriott Marquis places fans in the heart of Times Square, while The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park offers refined comfort just steps from Manhattan’s iconic greenspace where countless pickup games are played.
Miami, U.S.
As one of the host countries, the United States will guarantee an unmatched atmosphere both inside and outside of the stadiums. Miami knows how to party like few other cities. Fans can get into the spirit of things in the Little Havana neighborhood, which pulses with Latin American pride, or at outdoor spaces in Bayfront Park, home to the city’s official fan event. Visitors and locals alike can expect music, street food, and a cosmopolitan crowd celebrating among the palm trees. The sophisticated JW Marriott Marquis Miami offers perfect prematch dining at Boulud Sud, while W South Beach promises easy access to oceanfront cafés, bars, and restaurants and lots of warm Florida sun.
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