As the World Cup fever marches on, soccer fans continue to be geared up for upcoming matches.

For the uninitiated, its the first time the World Cup soccer tournament is jointly hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico. And it’s the first time since 1994 that the men’s FIFA World Cup tournament will be played in U.S. cities.

As die-hard soccer fans get ready up for World Cup matches, so are metro Detroit bars, restaurants and other venues with front row seats and big screens.  

Fans can expect venues ready with walls of TVs for game watching plus special watch parties or events to cheer on the teams and places that promise to show all the matches and food and drink options to match. 

Known sports watching places like Twin Peaks locations will have food and drinks specials and giveaways for the soccer tournament. And don't forget your local bar, pub or restaurants, which will likely air the games.

It’s an international sport and a big deal because right now the FIFA World Cup is considered the biggest sporting event in the world. As an international sport, you will find bars and restaurants in some of metro Detroit multicultural cities like Dearborn and southwest Detroit with added tournament watching plans. 

More: 2026 World Cup: Odds on which team could win the championship

Here’s a sampling of special events around metro Detroit. 

Candela Detroit

Watch parties for Mexico matches and other countries at this live entertainment venue in southwest Detroit. Candela Detroit is in the former Lithuanian Hall. Times, days and countries playing vary. Entry is free. There will be food and drink specials throughout the night, a halftime show, free giveaways and contests.

Candela Detroit, 3564 W. Vernor Highway, Detroit. 313-356-4601; candeladetroit.com

Conor O’Neill’s

This Ann Arbor pub boasts itself as a traditional Irish pub. They will show all the FIFA World Cup games. Its menu features shareable Dublin Brie Dublin Brie and Irish Poutine. You’ll find fish and chips, a variety of pub pies including shepherd’s and chicken or fisherman’s pies. 

Conor O’Neill’s, 318 South Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-665-2968; conoroneills.com

Detroit City Football Club

The Detroit City Football Club watch parties will stream U.S. and Mexico FIFA World Cup matches at various locations. Each watch party event begins 60 minutes before kickoff times with activities for fans. While watch parties are free to enter and for all ages, limited spots are available. Area restaurants are steps from Campus Martius and there will be food trucks across the street at Cadillac Square as part of the Downtown Detroit Partnership's Downtown Street Eats program. 

Fans can also view tournament matches at City Clubhouse, inside the Detroit City Fieldhouse, 3401 E. Lafayette St., Detroit.

• U.S. games at Campus Martius: Watch the U.S. matches on the park’s large outdoors screen is 3 p.m. June 19. On June 25, the watch party takes place at Detroit City Clubhouse for the 10 p.m. match. 
• Mexico games at Los Galanes: This southwest Detroit Mexican restaurant watch party will feature the Mexico matches 9 p.m. June 24. The watch party will be outdoors in the Los Galenes lot with big screen TV’s with giveaways. Food and drink for purchase will be available inside and on the patio. Los Galanes, 3362 Bagley St. Detroit. 313-554-4444; losgalanesrestaurant.com

El Nacimiento Mexican Restaurant

In southwest Detroit, El Nacimiento is open daily 8 a.m. to midnight. Its watch parties are promising big screens, surround sound, food and drink. Here, the authentic Mexican food is inspired by the owner and founder's home town of El Nacimiento. Its menu offerings are vast from botanas to tacos and tostadas to quesabirria and pozole to plenty of main dishes.  

El Nacimiento Mexican Restaurant, 7400 Vernor Highway., Detroit. nacimientorestaurant.com

Gilly’s Clubhouse 

1550 Woodward, Detroit

This sports bar on Woodward Avenue is in memory of Nick Gilbert, who died in 2023 and is the son of Rocket Mortgage founder Dan Gilbert. A multi-level spot, Gilly’s has sports viewing on a 120-square-foot television wall that fans can view from every seat. There’s an array of starters, sandwiches and main dish clubhouse specialties like fish and chips.

Gilly’s Clubhouse, 1550 Woodward, Detroit. gillysdetroit.com

Harry’s Detroit

This downtown Detroit venue is a popular spot for watching sports. Harry’s Detroit is touting it at your “FIFA World Cup 2026 Headquarters.” There is no cover charge during the games and plans to air every match. Harry’s Detroit full menu that includes appetizers, entrees, burgers, sandwiches and salads will be available. The restaurant is known for its burgers, with beef ground in-house.

Harry’s Detroit, 2482 Clifford St., Detroit. harrysdetroit.com

Firebird Tavern

Detroit and Troy

Watch parties are happening at both locations with sound on. The Detroit location partnered with Michelob Ultra, a sponsor of the tournament, for giveaways. Stella Artois is an official a sponsor of the FIFA World Cup and Firebird Tavern owners boast they are one of the few bars to have the Stella Gooseneck tap handle. Firebird Tavern’s menu include classic burgers, wings, big pretzels, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees. 

Firebird Tavern, 419 Monroe St., Detroit and 4845 Rochester Road., Troy; firebirdtavern.com

Lava Java Cafe and Hookah Lounge

This Dearborn spot boasts a light remodel that includes having the largest TV screens in the city. In its 3,000 square foot hookah lounge area are two wall TV’s, owner Wally Samad said, that are 24-feet-by-7-feet. About two dozen TVs are throughout the lounge and outdoor patio area. 

There’s a full menu from Samad’s next door cafe where people can order from and take into the lounge. The menu includes items like mixed kabobs, pizza, burgers, wings, subs, pastas, smoothies and fresh juices. Guests can also bring in outside food. Hookah and food specials are planned throughout the whole tournament. 

 Lava Java Cafe and Hookah Lounge, 4656 Greenfield Road, Dearborn. 313-945-1500; lavajava.cafe

Mangos on the Hill

Here there’s indoor seating with plenty of TV’s and outdoor, patio seating. Along with its hookah menu, Mangoes offers a wide variety of cuisine from Middle Eastern favorites to Japanese sushi. There’s also juices, smoothies and desserts. 

Mangoes on the Hill, 14927 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn. 313- 584-5544; mangosonthehill.com

McShane's Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar

In the heart of historic Corktown this longtime pub is on the corner of Michigan Avenue at Trumbull. For the FIFA World Cup McShane’s is hosting American Outlaws watch parties on Friday, June 19 and 25. The American Outlaws are a non-profit soccer supporters' group of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s soccer teams, the largest in the nation. McShane’s menu features a selection of bar foods like wings and Irish egg rolls filled with corned beef, salads, soups, burgers, and sandwiches. Watch parties are free to attend, but RSVP is requested.

• U.S. vs. Australia: 3 p.m. June 19
• U.S. vs. Turkiye:10 p.m. June 25

McShane’s, 1460 Michigan Ave.; mcshanespub.com

Mezcal Mexican Restaurant

In Detroit's Midtown, there will be specials when the Mexico team plays including turning the beer verde (green). On tap there will be $3 green beers and 15% off food. The next game is June 24.

Mezcal Mexican Restaurant, 51 W. Forest, Detroit. 313-974-7441 or mezcaldetroit.com.

Sidecar Slider Bar 

The Ferndale location of this local chain of bars known for their sliders, has a special first game watch party. Doors open at 8:15 p.m. for the 9 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are $30 and include entry to the event and full buffet. There’s also big screens and reserved viewing. Seating is first come, first serve.   

Sidecar Slider Bar, 241 W Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-607-3261; sidecarsliderbar.com

The Brakeman 

This downtown spot is hosting FIFA World Cup viewing events and celebrations throughout the tournament. The Brakeman will screen matches daily and have extended hours, opening early and having late hours for select games. For every drink purchased throughout the tournament earns guests a ticket they can enter for their winning team. After each match, winners will be drawn and receive a round of beer, Brakeman Slammers and chicken, biscuits and sides from Penny Red’s. 

The Brakeman, 22 John R, Detroit. thebrakemandetroit.com

The Regal Eagle

Sound on at this sports bar in southwest Detroit's Mexicantown. Every World Cup game will be broadcast live. According to its website, there will be guest food vendors from the neighborhood including Sicily's Pizza and food trucks. Fans can watch games on its big screen projector in outdoor beer garden.

The Regal Eagle, 3537 W. Vernor, Detroit. 313-228-5447; theregaleagledetroit.com.

Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar

At this Eastern Market sports pub barbecue food will be available from Delroy’s Barbecue Pit and is planned for every U.S. World Cup game, owner Erik Olson told the Detroit Free Press. Businesses around Olson’s, he said, will be open and also celebrating the FIFA World Cup. Olson said the party will be an indoor/outdoor party and they’ll serve Bourbon peach sweet tea as a U.S. team special. Thomas Magee’s is known for their Irish coffees and loaded Bloody Mary’s. Men in Blazers media company named the Eastern Market spot as one of its Top 100 soccer watching spots. 

Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar, 1408 E. Fisher Freeway, Detroit. 313-263-4342; thomasmagees.com

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SusanMariecooks. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for insider scoops on food and dining in metro Detroit.`++

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Where to watch World Cup in metro Detroit: Bars, events, watch parties

The U.S. started the 2026 FIFA World Cup strong on June 12, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in its first group play match.

Team U.S.A. is looking to continue its dominant performance when it faces Australia today at 2 p.m., and for fans looking to watch, there are plenty of restaurants and bars around the Pensacola area showing this game and many others during the month-long competition.

The 48-team event kicked off on June 11 with two matches, and there are 104 total matches before a champion is crowned July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The U.S. team competes in group play on June 12, June 19 and June 25.

Here’s our guide on where you can watch the games in the Pensacola area throughout the entirety of the tournament, and maybe even score a drink special.

Mark your calendar: Palafox Market adds Wednesday Summer Pop-Ups series in July

10 Pensacola bars and restaurants broadcasting the World Cup

Azalea Cocktail Lounge

810 N. Davis Highway

Pensacola’s famed dive bar, the Z, will be showing "every single 2026 FIFA World Cup match," the bar shared in a social media post.

"Keep your eyes peeled for drink specials all tournament long," Azalea's statement continued. "So bring your crew and settle in for non-stop action, cold drinks, and plenty of chaos in the best way possible."

Seville Quarter

130 E. Government St.

Seville Quarter will be broadcasting all the World Cup games, with games, specials, and giveaways offered along the way.

O’Riley’s Irish Pub

321 S. Palafox St.

O’Riley’s will have every World Cup match on its big screens, as well as watch parties for each of the three USA games on June 12, June 19 and June 25.

"Catch every match on 18 big screens, enjoy featured drink specials, and cheer on your team at O'Riley's Irish Pub all summer long!⁠" O'Riley's shared in a social media post. World Cup drink specials include the following:

• Messi Business – spicy, fruity, and ready to make plays⁠
• Rum to Victory – tropical vacation meets match day⁠
• Golden Goal – simple, crisp, and clutch⁠
• Midfield Manhattan – smooth, classic, and built for the long game⁠

Bavaria Pensacola

10 S. Palafox St.

Downtown Pensacola's German-themed restaurant, Bavaria, will be broadcasting all World Cup matches with cold beer, hot food and a lively atmosphere.

“From the first whistle to the final match, Bavaria is your World Cup headquarters!” Bavaria shared in a statement. “Gather your crew, grab a stein, and experience every big moment surrounded by fellow fans, authentic German food, and an atmosphere built for game day. Whether you’re cheering for Germany, USA, or your home country, we’ve got your seat ready. “

Sir Richard’s Public House

2719 E. Cervantes St.

East Pensacola Heights dive bar Sir Richard's will offer "cold drinks, great food and a crowd full of soccer fans" to watch the World Cup's matches through July 19.

“Whether you're cheering for Team USA, your home country, or just here for the love of the game, we've got a seat waiting for you!⁠ World Cup-themed cocktails⁠, matches on the big screens, Every match, all tournament long," Sir Richard’s shared in a social media statement.

Sammy Barker’s

875 E. Nine Mile Road

Sammy Barker's will be broadcasting World Cup games all season long, and will offer special discounts for large groups getting together to watch the matches.

"THE WORLD'S BIGGEST SOCCER TOURNAMENT IS COMING! The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off June 11th and Sammy Barker's is your headquarters for every match, every goal, and every unforgettable moment!” Sammy Barker’s shared in a statement. “Watch all the action with fellow soccer fans in a fun, energetic atmosphere. Great food, cold drinks, and plenty of excitement for every match!”

Intermission

214 S. Palafox St.

“IT’S WORLD CUP TIME, PENSACOLA. The biggest tournament in the world is here, and there’s no better place to watch than Intermission!” Intermission shared in a social media statement.

Intermission has 20 TVs throughout the bar, with game audio on for all USA games. Some of the drink specials available during all World Cup matches include $8.50 Casamigos margaritas and $5 Jim Beam.

Odd Colony Brewing Co.

260 N. Palafox St.

Odd Colony will be broadcasting all World Cup matches, even opening the taproom early some days for afternoon matches. The games pair perfectly with Pensacola-brewed beer and food from the Globetrotter Street Food food truck. Follow Odd Colony on social media to see their full match airing schedule.

200 South

200 S. Palafox St.

200 South is looking to be a World Cup headquarters in Pensacola, with a variety of drink specials throughout the event. Follow them on social media at 200 South for updates.

"World Cup Mode: UNLOCKED. From kickoff to the final whistle, we’re serving up cold drinks, delicious food, & great vibes," 200 South shared in a social media statement.

Badlands Roadside Bar

23 Palafox Place

Badlands will bring the World Cup to downtown Pensacola, broadcasting every game and offering various drink specials.

Wisteria Tavern

3808 N. 12th Ave.

Wisteria Tavern, located at 3808 N. 12th Ave. in Pensacola, will be showing all World Cup games throughout the tournament. Guests can enjoy drink specials, food service and a lively soccer atmosphere for every match.

For the USA vs. Australia match on Friday, June 19, we will be opening early and extending Happy Hour to accommodate fans for the 2:00 PM kickoff.

We welcome soccer fans from across Pensacola to join us for the matches and cheer on Team USA.

Team USA group play schedule:

• June 12: Paraguay, 8 p.m. (SoFi Stadium; Inglewood California). The U.S.A. defeated Paraguay 4-1.
• June 19: Australia, 2 p.m. (Lumen Field, Seattle)
• June 25: Turkey, 9 p.m. (SoFi Stadium)

Hungry for more? Stay updated on the latest restaurant news by subscribing to our free Pensacola Eats newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up for the newsletter at profile.pnj.com/newsletters/Pensacola-eats/.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola bars showing 2026 World Cup matches US v Australia

When it comes to the Savannah Bananas, a team that prides itself on making baseball fun, regular baseball rules are thrown out the window.

Unlike a normal nine-inning baseball game, the Bananas play Banana Ball, which is wildly different from regular baseball.

The Bananas return to Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, and if you've never been to one of their games, here's how Banana Ball is played.

When do the Savannah Bananas play in Cincinnati?

The Savannah Bananas visit Great American Ball Park for a three-night stint June 19-21. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. June 19-20. The Bananas' final game has an early start time of 3 p.m. June 21.

The Savannah Bananas, currently on their Banana Ball World Tour, which consists of 81 games across 45 states, will play three games at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. The season began in February and runs until late September.

What are the Savannah Bananas' rules? Banana Ball explained

Banana Ball is baseball but with nine rule changes designed to speed up the game and create a more entertaining experience for fans. Bananas games have a two-hour time limit.

Fans attending a Bananas game should expect a wide variety of antics, such as dancing umpires, players wearing kilts and more. Here are some of the rules of Banana Ball:

• Fans can make outs: If a spectator in the crowd catches a foul ball, it's an out.
• Batters can steal first base: If a pitcher throws a wild pitch, or if there is a passed ball, a batter can take first.
• No walks: On ball four, the batter runs to first and can advance to as many bases as possible while the catcher has to throw the ball to every position player before the batter can be tagged out.
• Each inning is worth one point: Whichever team wins the inning gets that point until the final inning.
• Two-hour time limit: No inning can start after one hour and 50 minutes unless the game is tied.
• No stepping out: If a batter steps out of the batter's box, it's a strike. 
• Showdown tiebreaker: If the game is tied after nine innings or two hours, a tiebreaker showdown takes place with only the pitcher, batter and one fielder. 
• No mound visits: Pitchers are left to their own devices to dig themselves out of a hole. No mound visits are allowed from the coach, catcher or any other player during the game.
• No bunting ... ever: Batters who bunt are immediately ejected from the game.
• Challenges: The coach of each team holding onto a challenge prop can throw or shoot it onto the field before the next pitch. Each team only gets one challenge unless the play in question is overturned by the umpiring crew, in which case the challenge is retained.
• Golden batter rule: Either team can send any hitter in the lineup to bat in any spot once a game, including toward the end when the game is on the line.

What is Banana Ball? Savannah Bananas' twist on baseball rules

Banana Ball is essentially baseball's quirky cousin and comparable to the Harlem Globetrotters, the entertaining traveling basketball team. The sporting event is also a spectacle of choreographed dances that go viral, outreagous costumes and tons of fan involvement. The game itself is nearly identical to regular baseball but with a few rule changes, such as playing on a two-hour time limit.

The game is scored with teams tallying points for innings won instead of runs scored. According to the Bananas' website, if you win the inning, you get the point. Other rules include prohibiting mound visits, as well as bunting and stepping out of the batter's box between pitches.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What are the rules to Savannah Bananas games? Banana Ball explained

When it comes to the Savannah Bananas, a team that prides itself on making baseball fun, regular baseball rules are thrown out the window.

Unlike a normal nine-inning baseball game, the Bananas play Banana Ball, which is wildly different from regular baseball.

The Bananas return to Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, and if you've never been to one of their games, here's how Banana Ball is played.

When do the Savannah Bananas play in Cincinnati?

The Savannah Bananas visit Great American Ball Park for a three-night stint June 19-21. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. June 19-20. The Bananas' final game has an early start time of 3 p.m. June 21.

The Savannah Bananas, currently on their Banana Ball World Tour, which consists of 81 games across 45 states, will play three games at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. The season began in February and runs until late September.

What are the Savannah Bananas' rules? Banana Ball explained

Banana Ball is baseball but with nine rule changes designed to speed up the game and create a more entertaining experience for fans. Bananas games have a two-hour time limit.

Fans attending a Bananas game should expect a wide variety of antics, such as dancing umpires, players wearing kilts and more. Here are some of the rules of Banana Ball:

• Fans can make outs: If a spectator in the crowd catches a foul ball, it's an out.
• Batters can steal first base: If a pitcher throws a wild pitch, or if there is a passed ball, a batter can take first.
• No walks: On ball four, the batter runs to first and can advance to as many bases as possible while the catcher has to throw the ball to every position player before the batter can be tagged out.
• Each inning is worth one point: Whichever team wins the inning gets that point until the final inning.
• Two-hour time limit: No inning can start after one hour and 50 minutes unless the game is tied.
• No stepping out: If a batter steps out of the batter's box, it's a strike. 
• Showdown tiebreaker: If the game is tied after nine innings or two hours, a tiebreaker showdown takes place with only the pitcher, batter and one fielder. 
• No mound visits: Pitchers are left to their own devices to dig themselves out of a hole. No mound visits are allowed from the coach, catcher or any other player during the game.
• No bunting ... ever: Batters who bunt are immediately ejected from the game.
• Challenges: The coach of each team holding onto a challenge prop can throw or shoot it onto the field before the next pitch. Each team only gets one challenge unless the play in question is overturned by the umpiring crew, in which case the challenge is retained.
• Golden batter rule: Either team can send any hitter in the lineup to bat in any spot once a game, including toward the end when the game is on the line.

What is Banana Ball? Savannah Bananas' twist on baseball rules

Banana Ball is essentially baseball's quirky cousin and comparable to the Harlem Globetrotters, the entertaining traveling basketball team. The sporting event is also a spectacle of choreographed dances that go viral, outreagous costumes and tons of fan involvement. The game itself is nearly identical to regular baseball but with a few rule changes, such as playing on a two-hour time limit.

The game is scored with teams tallying points for innings won instead of runs scored. According to the Bananas' website, if you win the inning, you get the point. Other rules include prohibiting mound visits, as well as bunting and stepping out of the batter's box between pitches.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What are the rules to Savannah Bananas games? Banana Ball explained

Viewership numbers for last weekend's UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House fell far short of what its supporters were predicting, according to Nielsen and Adobe Analytics data shared by Paramount+.

"We’re expecting Super Bowl-type numbers for this fight,’’ UFC CEO Dana White said earlier this month. The 2026 Super Bowl averaged 125.6 million viewers. 

Likewise, Secretary of State Marco Rubio envisioned a fight in which a billion people tuned in.

But Paramount+ reported just 17 million viewers across the U.S. and Latin America during UFC Freedom 250, meaning White was short by about 108 million viewers, and Rubio by approximately 980 million.

It’s also worth noting that Paramount, which exclusively streamed UFC Freedom 250, only has about 80 million subscribers.

Still, the event, which President Donald Trump dubbed “one of the most exciting days in the History of our fabled White House,” did break a January UFC record of five million average viewers for UFC 324.

Political Updates

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• California Billionaire Tax Proposal To Appear On November Ballot, Official Says
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• This Painfully Awkward Photo Of Donald Trump With World Leaders Is Going Viral, And I Cannot Look Away

Ok, how many are there now? https://t.co/TSIeMHReOz

— Joshua Gresham • “Gresh” (@ItsGresh) June 17, 2026