Best Irish Pubs in NYC for the World Cup 2026

From Woodside Queens to Midtown Manhattan -- the Irish pub is where New York watches the World Cup

Best Irish Pubs in NYC for the 2026 World Cup

Ireland didn't qualify for the 2026 World Cup. It doesn't matter. Irish pubs across New York City will show every match of the tournament from the opening ceremony on June 11 through the Final on July 19, and the Irish pub is the fundamental institution of soccer watching in this city. The Irish-American community in New York adopted soccer watching culture decades before it was mainstream -- these bars open at 7am for Champions League games, they open at 5am for important Euro matches. For the World Cup, they're at full capacity for anything remotely significant.

Woodside, Queens -- The Most Irish Neighborhood in NYC

Woodside is sometimes called "Ireland's 33rd County" -- a tight-knit Irish-American neighborhood in Queens that has maintained its character for generations. The pubs along Woodside Avenue and 61st Street are old-school Irish establishments where the Guinness is poured properly and the crowd has opinions about every match. Take the 7 train to 61st Street--Woodside. For any England, Scotland, or Ireland-adjacent match, the Woodside pubs will have the most authentic Irish pub soccer atmosphere in the city.

Midtown and Hell's Kitchen -- Convenient for Visitors

The cluster of Irish pubs around Midtown and Hell's Kitchen (Ninth and Tenth Avenues between 40th and 55th Streets) is the most convenient option for visitors staying in Midtown hotels. These pubs -- Kennedy's, Molly Pitcher's, and others -- open early for morning kickoffs and run sports across multiple screens. They're particularly good for England matches (when the English expat crowd mixes with the Irish) and for USA games when the whole city watches together.

The Guinness Standard

A proper Guinness is poured in two steps -- a 45-degree pour to three-quarters full, then a rest of 90 seconds to 2 minutes, then a top-up to just below the rim. The result should be a thick, creamy head that settles perfectly. Any Irish pub in Woodside does this correctly as a matter of pride. In Midtown, it varies. Order your Guinness, watch it settle, and respect the process. It makes a difference.

World Cup Pub Strategy

Irish pubs are the best option for matches where you don't have a strong team preference -- England vs France, Brazil vs Argentina, any semifinal. The crowd is knowledgeable, the commentary is good, and the atmosphere builds even without a tribal allegiance. For the Final on July 19, every Irish pub in the city will be at capacity hours before kickoff. If you don't have a stadium ticket and want the best free pub atmosphere for the biggest match of the year, get to your chosen pub by noon for a 3pm kickoff.