UK Public Screenings Going All Out for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Late night but full throttle – The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and football enthusiasts across the UK are preparing for an immersive experience beyond traditional settings. As the tournament kicks off on 17 June, fans are expected to gather in unconventional locations to watch the matches, blending history with modern excitement. From the grandeur of Victorian architecture to the rustic charm of Scottish landscapes, the country is embracing a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation to celebrate the global event.

The Victoria Baths: A Storied Venue

One such venue is the iconic Victoria Baths in Manchester, where the past and present collide. Once a bustling public pool enjoyed by locals for nearly a century, the space now features a massive screen and booming speakers, transforming it into a vibrant hub for World Cup action. The sloping floor ensures visibility for all attendees, while the adjacent bar and food trucks in the car park promise a lively atmosphere. The stained-glass windows, which once bathed the pool in light, now frame the spectacle of modern football, creating an unexpected yet fitting backdrop.

“We don’t have the experience but we have the enthusiasm,” says Jack Nunes, the event’s organizer. His vision for the venue came after a casual conversation with a friend who played 11-a-side. The plan, however, involves more than just a screen—it’s about creating an environment where fans can fully engage with the matches.

Jack’s team has already begun preparing for the challenge. A massive carpet was installed to protect the 170m² space, ensuring that spilled beer doesn’t turn the venue into an ice rink. “If Tommy Tuchel’s team scores seven against Brazil, you’ll see some wild celebrations,” he jokes. “But if the game gets too intense, we’ll need to keep the drinks flowing to avoid chaos.” The event’s success hinges on meticulous planning, from securing deals with local breweries to arranging food trucks for late-night snacks.

Mark Graham’s Fan Parks: A National Network

Meanwhile, Mark Graham, a seasoned event planner with over two decades of experience, is scaling his efforts to match the World Cup’s global scale. His company, 4TheFans, has expanded from music festivals to football fan parks, now operating 15 venues across England and Scotland. These include iconic spots like Hastings Pier and Aberdeen’s historic locations, each designed to provide an unforgettable viewing experience.

“It’s a big room experience and we have everything—massive screens, large audiences, and super energy,” Graham explains. “Every fan has a great view, and it’s, sort of, organized chaos.”

Graham’s approach emphasizes accessibility and community spirit. With ticket prices starting at £10 for general admission, his events aim to attract a broad audience. Group discounts further lower the cost, making it easier for fans to gather. The company’s success with Euro 2021, including a 12,000-ticket event at Hastings Pier, has laid the groundwork for this ambitious World Cup project. Now, they’re expecting up to 75,000 visitors across their locations, ensuring a nationwide buzz.

One of the standout features of Graham’s events is the adaptive soundtrack. Depending on the game’s outcome, DJs switch between upbeat anthems and more subdued tracks to match the mood. “If England are two-nil up, we might just go full throttle with England songs and enjoy ourselves,” he notes. This dynamic element adds to the excitement, making each screening a shared emotional journey.

The Tartan Army’s Return: A Scottish Spotlight

While the majority of UK screenings are concentrated in England, Scotland is also hosting its own unique events. In the outskirts of Edinburgh, a barn repurposed for weddings will become a temporary hub for the Tartan Army, the legendary group of Scottish football fans. The venue, nestled among fields near Duntarvie Castle’s ruins, will be illuminated in blue to mark the occasion.

“I love football, I love hospitality. For me to be able to combine two of my favorite things and give other people a great space to watch the World Cup—is fantastic,” says Kieran White, who manages the venue. The castle, currently under renovation, will serve as a visual anchor for the event, symbolizing a blend of tradition and modern festivity.

Kieran, a professional chef, has designed a menu that reflects Scottish heritage and football fervor. Diners will be treated to haggis pizza with whisky mayo, haggis fries drizzled with whisky gravy, and Balmoral chicken pies made with haggis and whisky at halftime. To keep energy high before the match, he’s even set up goals in the lush grounds surrounding the castle, offering a playful pre-game activity.

The Scottish event, which kicks off on 2am on 14 June, will require fans to stay up late for their first game against Haiti. With only 150 guests expected to make it through the night, the focus is on creating a memorable, intimate atmosphere. Unlike the larger fan parks, this gathering is a smaller, community-driven celebration, highlighting the deep-rooted passion of Scottish supporters.

Logistics and Legacy: The Art of Hosting

Organizing these events demands a mix of creativity and logistical precision. For Jack Nunes, the challenge of fitting 500 people into the Victorian building has required careful attention to detail. From sourcing the right carpet to ensuring adequate seating, every step is crucial to maintaining a balance between comfort and excitement.

Mark Graham’s experience with music festivals and fan parks has provided a framework for success. However, the World Cup’s scale presents new opportunities. His team has leveraged the country’s rich sporting history to craft immersive experiences, turning heritage sites into modern arenas. This blend of past and present not only enhances the viewing experience but also fosters a sense of connection to the event’s legacy.

As the countdown to the tournament continues, these unique venues are becoming symbols of football’s enduring appeal. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Victoria Baths or the cozy charm of a Scottish barn, fans are finding new ways to celebrate the game. The World Cup’s arrival promises to bring communities together, creating memories that will be cherished long after the final whistle.

A Shared Passion Across Borders

From the bustling bars of Manchester to the quiet fields near Edinburgh, the UK is showcasing its diversity in how football is experienced. Each location, with its own character and history, contributes to a tapestry of excitement. The challenge for organizers is not just to provide a place to watch the matches but to create an environment that reflects the enthusiasm of the fans.

As the tournament approaches, the blend of innovation and tradition is becoming a hallmark of these events. Whether through adaptive music, historic venues, or community-driven initiatives, the UK is proving that football is more than just a game—it’s a unifying force that brings people together in unexpected ways. With 75,000 visitors anticipated, the World Cup’s impact on public screenings is set to be both significant and celebratory.