The Best Cities to Watch the World Cup From Abroad

You don't need to be in the US, Mexico, or Canada to have an incredible World Cup experience. Some of the best football atmospheres happen thousands of miles from the stadiums.

The Best Places to Watch

Buenos Aires, Argentina If Argentina is playing, Buenos Aires becomes a single organism. The entire city watches together. Every bar, every restaurant, every living room. When Argentina scores, you hear it echo across neighborhoods. If they win the tournament again, the Obelisco celebration will be legendary.

Medellín, Colombia Colombian football passion is intense. If Colombia qualifies (they did), every fonda, bar, and plaza in Medellín will be packed. The street celebrations after a Colombian win are some of the best parties in South America.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic The DR is a baseball country, but World Cup transcends sports. Every colmado sets up a TV. The Malecón becomes a viewing party. It's a communal experience.

São Paulo, Brazil Brazil lives for football. Even when watching from abroad, the atmosphere in any bar in São Paulo is electric. The disappointment if Brazil loses is equally dramatic.

Barcelona, Spain If Spain plays, the city's plazas fill with screens. The bars along La Rambla and in Gràcia become standing-room-only. Spanish football passion mixed with Catalan culture.

Bangkok, Thailand Despite the time difference, Bangkok's sports bars are packed for big matches. The expat community plus Thai football fans create a uniquely international viewing experience.

The Strategy

Pick a city where football matters culturally. Watch the games with locals, not in your hotel. The collective emotion — the cheering, the agony, the celebration — is what makes the World Cup the World Cup.

Browse Local Friends in football-crazy cities on Roavi. Watch the World Cup the way locals do.