The World Cup is on home soil, but with 16 host cities spread across three countries, plenty of American fans won't be anywhere near a live match. That doesn't mean you have to watch alone on your couch. These five non-host US cities have the fan infrastructure, bar culture, and passionate supporter communities to make watching the USMNT an unforgettable experience.
1. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago isn't a host city (a genuine snub, many would argue), but it might have the best watch-party culture in America. The American Outlaws chapter here is enormous and organises events for every USMNT match, typically taking over entire bars and beer gardens.
Where to watch:
- The Globe Pub (North Center) — The unofficial headquarters of US Soccer fandom in Chicago. Every wall is covered in scarves and memorabilia. During World Cup matches, they open early, set up multiple screens, and the place is standing-room-only. Arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff for USMNT games.
- AJ Hudson's Public House (West Loop) — A massive British-style pub with excellent food. They'll run every match of the tournament on dozens of screens.
- Millennium Park / Grant Park — The city will almost certainly set up official outdoor screening events. Chicago hosted FIFA Fan Fest viewing events during previous World Cups and the atmosphere along the lakefront is fantastic.
Why Chicago: The combination of a huge, diverse fanbase (Mexican-American, Polish, Nigerian, and more communities all bring their own energy), world-class beer gardens, and a proper four-season sports-obsessed culture makes Chicago arguably the best place in America to watch the World Cup without attending.
2. Portland, Oregon
Portland's soccer culture punches absurdly above its weight. The Timbers Army, one of the most intense supporter groups in MLS, creates a crossover fan community that treats international football with the same devotion. Portland bars go all-in for World Cup tournaments.
Where to watch:
- Toffee Club (Division Street) — A dedicated football bar modelled after English pubs. Every match, every tournament, impeccable atmosphere. Small and gets packed, so arrive early.
- The Civic Taproom — Large screens, good beer selection, and a knowledgeable crowd that actually watches rather than talking over the match.
- Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub — In the Pearl District, Kells sets up outdoor screens and creates a festival atmosphere for major matches.
Why Portland: The city genuinely cares about football. Not in a "we'll put on the game if you ask" way, but in a "we've been planning our World Cup viewing schedule for months" way. The supporter culture from the Timbers and Thorns bleeds into international football seamlessly.
3. Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital has a passionate football community fed by the international diplomatic corps, a large immigrant population, and a growing domestic fanbase around D.C. United. Multiple American Outlaws chapters operate in the DMV area.
Where to watch:
- Lucky Bar (Dupont Circle) — D.C.'s most famous football bar. It's been the go-to for World Cup viewing since 2006. Multiple rooms, multiple screens, and a crowd that ranges from embassy staffers to college students. Gets absolutely rammed for USA matches.
- The Dubliner (Capitol Hill) — A classic Irish pub that transforms into a football cathedral during major tournaments. Steps from Union Station.
- National Mall viewing events — Past World Cups have seen large-scale outdoor screenings on the Mall. The federal government gets into the spirit — don't be surprised to see watch parties organised on the steps of various monuments.
Why D.C.: The international community means you'll find passionate fans of nearly every team in the tournament. Walk into Lucky Bar for a Brazil match and you'll hear Portuguese. Come for a Nigeria match and the energy shifts entirely. It's a genuinely global city.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville's inclusion might surprise some, but the city's football culture has exploded since Nashville SC joined MLS. The supporter community is young, enthusiastic, and growing fast. The city's bar and entertainment infrastructure is second to none.
Where to watch:
- The George Jones (Broadway) — A massive multi-level bar with rooftop views. They'll dedicate screens to every match.
- Nashville SC watch parties — The club typically organises official viewing events at their stadium or nearby venues. Expect food trucks, DJs, and a party atmosphere.
- 12South Taproom — A neighbourhood favourite with a passionate football crowd. Less chaotic than Broadway, better for actually watching the match.
Why Nashville: The enthusiasm is genuine if newer. Nashville is a city that goes all-in on events, and the World Cup being in the US means the energy will be amplified. Plus, the food and music scene means your non-football hours are covered.
5. Denver, Colorado
Denver is close enough to a host city (Kansas City is a 9-hour drive) that some fans will road-trip, but for those staying put, the city has a strong football culture rooted in the Colorado Rapids fanbase and a significant Mexican-American community.
Where to watch:
- The British Bulldog (Capitol Hill) — Denver's original football pub. English ownership, proper pints, and screens dedicated to the beautiful game year-round.
- Three Lions Pub (multiple locations) — Named after the England national team anthem, but welcoming to all. Their LoDo location has a huge patio.
- Civic Center Park — Denver will likely host outdoor screenings. The park has hosted large-scale events before and the mountain backdrop is hard to beat.
Why Denver: The craft beer scene, outdoor lifestyle, and genuine enthusiasm for the sport make it a great choice. The altitude (5,280 feet — Denver is higher than Mexico City in some neighbourhoods) means visitors should hydrate, but locals are acclimatised and ready to party.
Should you road-trip to a host city?
If you're within driving distance of a host city, seriously consider it — even without match tickets. The fan zones and FIFA Fan Festivals are free, massive, and create an atmosphere that rivals being inside the stadium. Cities like Kansas City, Dallas, and Houston are drivable from much of the central US, and the watch-party atmosphere in a host city is on another level.
Carpooling with fellow supporters turns the drive into part of the experience. American Outlaws chapters often organise bus caravans to host cities for major USMNT matches.
How to find your local chapter
The American Outlaws have over 200 chapters across the country. Visit their website and search by city to find your nearest group. Even if your city isn't listed above, there's likely an organised group watching every match at a designated bar. The community aspect — chanting, singing, high-fiving strangers — is what separates a World Cup watch party from watching at home.
For fans of other nations: most communities in major US cities organise watch events through social media, consulate networks, and cultural associations. Search Facebook and Instagram for "[Country] fans in [Your City]" and you'll find your people.