Every four years, it’s a massive, international sporting event.
Soccer’s World Cup is internationally recognized for its global cultural, social and economic impact, with 5 billion to 6 billion total viewers and a final match audience exceeding 1.5 billion.
And for the second time in its 96-year history, the world’s most elite players will be heading to the United States for soccer’s showdown. Along with the U.S. ― which hosted the games in 1994 ― Canada and Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 World Cup being held this summer from June 11 to July 19 in stadiums across the three countries.
In the U.S., 11 stadiums will host matches, with the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami the only one in Florida. Those stadiums will host 78 out of the total of 104 World Cup matches.
As host nations, the U.S., Mexican and Canadian national teams automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
As of early May, the average single-game ticket across all matches is currently $1,603 – hardly pocket change for most fans. But fear not: Across Polk County, there will be plenty of places to catch the action on TV, the next-best and cheapest way to watch the world’s best “footballers” go toe-to-toe.
Here are a selection of some top places to catch matches live on the tube in Polk County.
Twin Peaks Lakeland
Where: 3901 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, 863-315-8663. twinpeaksrestaurant.com/locations/Lakeland
Located off U.S. 98, there are more than 50 large TVs throughout the restaurant and on the open-air patio.
Miller’s Ale House Lakeland North
Where: 901 Lakeland Park Center Drive, Lakeland. 352-254-8598. www.millersalehouse.com/locations/lakeland-north.
More than 60 TVs are available for matches.
Miller’s Ale House Davenport-Haines City
Where: 40220 US 27, Davenport. 863-320-1838. www.millersalehouse.com/locations/davenport-haines-city.
There are 58 TVs available, with some World Cup food and drinks specials probable.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
Where: 3772 US 98 N, Lakeland. 863-345-2500. www.locate.walk-ons.com/fl/lakeland/restaurants-429.html.
A high-energy Louisiana-inspired sports bar with 88 TVs to watch.
Somewhere Sports Bar and Grill
Where: 5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. 863-324-7524. Facebook: Somewhere Sports Bar and Grill
There are between 12 and 20 TVs with a variety of sports packages to show matches.
Winners Circle Sportsbar & Grill
Where: 4215 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland. 863-644-9464. www.winnerscirclesportsbar.com.
Of the pub’s 30 to 35 TVs, two 120-inch screen TVs are available to broadcast matches.
Paddy Wagon Irish Pub
Where: 5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven. 863-875-5708. www.paddywagonirishpub.com/locations/paddywagon-irish-pub/winter-haven.
There are 16 TVs available.
The Brass Tap
Where: 1515 Town Center Drive, G-102, Lakeland. 863-680-9994. www.brasstapbeerbar.com.
The bar has 16 TVs available.
The End Zone Family Restaurant and Sports Bar
6206 US 98 N, Lakeland. 863-858-7226. www.theendzonelakeland.com.
The family-friendly pub-restaurant has at least 12 TVs available.
All Star Grill
2019 State Road 60, Lake Wales. 863-679-9689. www.allstargrillfl.com.
The family-owned restaurant and pub have 20 TVs available. World Cup specials are possible.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Got World Cup fever? Some top places to watch with a crowd in Polk