The 2018 World Cup taking place in Russia this time around. And we’ve rounded up some the best places to watch the big games to get you into the soccer (I mean Football), spirit.

I have to admit, the World Cup isn’t going to be the same here in Toronto without Italy. Luckily though, we do have a cultural abundance of other raving and rambunctious fans looking to cheer on their fellow countrymen. All in hopes to make it to the top of the tournament. Hopefully, the Italians can put their sorrows behind and still get into the spirit. I’m an underdog guy myself so I’d like to see teams like Morocco, Iran, Croatia, Serbia, Egypt or Nigeria go far.

The tournament kicks off Thursday, June 14th at 11 am. For the next four weeks, expect long lunch breaks and random yelling outbreaks throughout the city as we kick off the 2018 FIFA World Cup match-ups. Bars will be opening early for the World Cup and some will be licensed to serve to start at 9 am. So let the games begin!

HERE ARE THE BEST PLACES IN TORONTO TO WATCH THE 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP.

Northern Maverick

Where: 115 Bathurst Street

Vibe: Expansive brewpub with a large patio serving a locally sourced menu of upscale comfort food. Just for the World Cup, Northern Maverick is offering $5 lagers and $5 shots of Tullamore Dew whiskey!

Café Diplimatico

Where: 594 College Street

Vibe: Authentic hardcore soccer fans gather here and has been a staple in the city for decades. Large patio to take in this beautiful June weather while you cheer on your favourite team. PS. don’t mention anything about team Italy. (it’s still a sore spot)

The Dog and Bear

Where: 1100 Queen Street West

Vibe: Traditional British tavern with beers on tap, classic British pub fare & good visibility for on all their TVs. Beware the rowdy English fans.

Real Sports Bar

Where: 15 York Street

Vibe: One of the best places to watch any and all sports games – A boisterous sports bar with over 200 TVs, 100+ beer taps & elevated pub fare with all your favourites.

The Duke of Gloucester

Where: 649 Yonge Street

Vibe: A 2nd-floor footy pub with lotsa’ beers & hearty pub grub. You’ll find some varying food and drink specials during the world cup games.

Irish Embassy

Where: 49 Yonge Street 

Vibe: A more upscale Irish pub with marble floors & cathedral ceilings featuring your staple bar food and lots of beers & whiskies.

Hemingway’s

Where: 142 Cumberland Street

Vibe: Lively New Zealand-style pub with an all-year rooftop patio, 24 draft beers & pub eats. Located in the heart of Yorkville, usually draws a healthy level of rowdiness.

Scallywag’s

Where: 11 St Clair Ave West

Vibe: Pub dedicated to showing international sports, with American eats & a 2nd bar on the roof patio.

The Dizzy

Where: 305 Roncesvalles Avenue

Vibe: Casual hangout for beer, whiskey & Canadian pub fare. A good ol’ neighborhood sports bar.

Copacobana Steakhouse

Where: 150 Eglinton Avenue East

Vibe: This Brazilian steakhouse offering all-you-can-eat meat buffet & harvest table will definitely attract your neighbourhood football fans. Brazil games expected to be flocking with their loyal and diverse fans.

The Football Factory

Where: 164 Bathurst Street 

Vibe: These guys live and breathe football – don’t be calling it soccer at this place. No frills and purely about the sport, it’s guaranteed to be packed for every single game.

The Citizen

Where:  522 King Street West

Vibe: Canadian comfort food & craft cocktails in this leather-&-wood 1930s-inspired eatery. With plenty of TVs, an oversized bar and patio in the heart of King West, it’s guaranteed to be a good time.

Rally Sports Bar

Where: 1660 O’Connor Drive 

Vibe: Casual & airy spot for watching the game on 40+ TVs, featuring draft beer & wood-smoked BBQ fare.

Hunter’s Landing

Where: 82 Fort York Boulevard

Vibe: Roomy sports bar with over-sized patio & mezzanine seating creating a great harmony of indoor/outdoor serving a menu of hearty Canadian fare and plenty of TVs to cheer on your fellow countrymen.

P.S.  If you haven’t heard yet, Canada will be hosting the tournament in 2026 alongside the US and Mexico and we couldn’t be more excited!