Time for some World Cup action. If your knowledge of soccer begins and ends with Bend it like Beckham (or just Beckham himself and not even near a field), it’s time for a refresher. Here’s the lowdown on the 2018 FIFA World Cup and where to watch it in Vancouver – and, ’cause we’re usually more of a foodie town than footy town, some places to grab a bite pre/during/post-game. But toss out a few of the names below and you’ll blend in seamlessly with even the most hardcore fans.
FIFA World Cup 2018
Let’s warm up by going over how this works. Hosted by Russia this year, 32 teams will compete over five weeks for the Championship. Teams are separated into eight groups of four teams each. Each team plays three games, round-robin style. The top two teams in each group proceed to the second round of 16 teams; then quarter-finals, semi-finals, and championship. From the second round on, it’s win or go home.
Group A
The party kicks off June 14th when Russia takes on Saudi Arabia (Green Falcons). Pull up a chair at Russian Community Centre in Kitsilano as our top pick. Egypt (The Pharoahs) will go as far as their star Mo Salah’s goals can take them; he set records playing for Liverpool this season. Uruguay is led by always hungry Luis Suarez who has a habit of – literally – biting his opponents.
Group B
The action really gets going here. European heavyweights Spain (La Furia Roja) and Portugal (The Navigators) headline a tough group. Visit the Portuguese Club of Vancouver, or anywhere along soccer hotbed Commercial Drive, before and after Portugal plays. For Spain – always a contender – pop into The Sardine Can for post-game tapas. If Iran makes an unlikely run in the tournament, you’ll want to be in North Vancouver; enjoy great Persian food at the popular Cazba or Zeitoon. Morocco (Lions of Atlas) rounds out the group. Visit Moltaqa in Gastown for couscous, pastillas, and delicious north African cuisine.
Group C
No matter who you cheer for here, there’s somewhere awesome to celebrate. Tourney-fave France (Les Bleus) provides a number of delicious choices; we’re partial to a knockout steak frites at Au Comptoir or Le Faux Bourgeois. Sip craft brews at Andina or grab small plates and catch the game at Chicha if you’re a fan of Peru (The Incas). Australia’s Socceroos qualified for their fourth straight tournament; you’ll find Aussie expats at the Anza Club in Mount Pleasant.
Group D
One of the most intriguing groups in the tournament. Inconsistent yet potent Argentina (La Albiceleste) boasts the best player in the world, Lionel Messi. They’ll be challenged by Croatia (check Croatian Cultural Centre for viewing options) and always entertaining Nigeria (The Super Eagles). Keep your eyes on Iceland, the smallest nation to ever qualify; pray they win just one game so you can practice the epic Viking ‘Thunderclap’.
Group E
Brazil – the heart of any World Cup. After being drubbed in the 2014 semi-finals 7-1 by Germany, they’re always considered a favourite. Catch the Selecao anywhere on the Drive come game day. Costa Rica (La Marea Roja) and Serbia (The Eagles) will both have their local supporters. Finally, Switzerland, the underdog in a tough group. Luckily, early morning kick-offs call for artisanal bread and pastries (maybe a cruffin or two?) from Swiss Bakery.
Group F
Bank on plenty of chances to enjoy a tasty Bavarian breakfast while cheering on heavy favourite Germany at the Vancouver Alpen Club. Die Mannschaft are a lock for the semi-finals. If it’s Mexico (El Tri) you want to cheer for, head to our post of Vancouver’s best tacos! South Korea made a run to the semi-finals when they co-hosted the 2002 World Cup; celebrate down on Robson at Sura, Damso, or Ma Dang Goul should they find success this year.
Group G
Two European giants going in opposite directions should at least make it safely through the first round. Belgium (The Red Devils) have a wealth of talented players entering their prime: it’s do or die time. Catch us cheering them on at Chambar, crushing Belgian beer at Biercraft, or with grab-and-go waffles from Patisserie Lebeau. England will be one of the most popular teams to support before they inevitably lose on penalties. Until then, catch the Three Lions at the Butcher and Bullock, Red Card, or the Lamplighter Public House. Don’t expect too much from Tunisia or Panama (La Marea Roja).
Group H
This might be the toughest group of all. Japan (Blue Samurai) is always an entertaining team and of course we’ll pair this with sushi. Our pick: Lobster Foods for sushi, lobster rolls, multiple screens and English Bay views in between. Senegal (Les Lions) and Poland are both challenging teams, but we like Colombia who boasts the talented James Rodriguez; Los Cafeteros will go as far as he can take them.
Sports Bars & Pubs Streaming FIFA 2018
- The Blackbird 905 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
- The Charles Bar 136 West Cordova, Vancouver
- Library Square 300 W Georgia St, Vancouver
- The London Pub 700 Main St, Vancouver
- Mahony & Sons 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
- The New Oxford 1144 Homer St, Vancouver
- Red Card Sports Bar 560 Smithe Street, Vancouver
- Score on Davie 1262 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC
- The Shark Club 180 W Georgia St, Vancouver
- The Sportsbar LIVE! At Rogers Arena 99 W Georgia St, Vancouver
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