If you want to know about best bars to watch world, this guide covers everything you need. This guide is maintained by a Kansas City local. Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend things we’d tell a friend about.
Kansas City has a strong soccer culture thanks to Sporting KC, and the bars that already show MLS, Premier League, and Champions League matches will be the first to go all-in for the World Cup. Beyond the dedicated soccer bars, dozens of sports bars across the metro will be showing every match on their screens.
Here are the best bars to watch World Cup matches in Kansas City, organized by neighborhood. Mastering best bars to watch world takes practice but delivers great results.
Top Soccer Bars: Best Bars To Watch World
No Other Pub
Power and Light District, Downtown KC
This is THE soccer bar in Kansas City. The American Outlaws KC chapter meets here for USMNT matches, and the Sporting KC supporter community gathers for every big match. Big screens, soccer-specific atmosphere, and fans who actually understand the game. Understanding best bars to watch world is key to a great World Cup experience.
- Shows every major match: World Cup, Premier League, Champions League, MLS
- Expect it to be standing room only for popular World Cup matches
- Arrive 1-2 hours before kickoff to get a spot
- Full food and drink menu
Johnny’s Tavern (Multiple Locations)
Johnny’s is a KC chain with locations across the metro. Big TVs, solid food, and a reliable sports bar atmosphere. Every location will be showing World Cup matches.
- Best locations for World Cup: Crossroads (downtown area), Power & Light, and Prairie Village
- Large screen counts (10-20+ TVs per location)
- Good food menu with burgers, wings, and pizza
- Less crowded than the dedicated soccer bars, good for casual fans
Chicken N Pickle (North Kansas City)
1761 Burlington St, North Kansas City, MO 64116 When it comes to best bars to watch world, preparation matters most.
Chicken N Pickle is a unique KC concept: a restaurant/bar/pickleball complex with indoor and outdoor areas, big screens, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The outdoor screens are perfect for summer World Cup viewing.
- Large outdoor viewing area with big screens
- Covered and uncovered seating
- Food: wood-fired rotisserie chicken, burgers, sandwiches
- Yard games: pickleball, bocce, shuffleboard between matches
- Family-friendly. Great option if you have kids.
More Great Bars for World Cup Viewing
Brewer’s Kitchen (Shawnee, KS)
- Craft beer focus with great tap list
- Multiple big TVs throughout the restaurant
- Good food menu
- On the Kansas side, 20 min from downtown
PBR Big Sky (Power and Light)
- Country-themed but shows all sports
- Big screens and a party atmosphere
- Late-night energy on match days
- Right in the heart of the World Cup action downtown
Granfalloon (Country Club Plaza)
- Sports bar on the Plaza
- Multiple screens, good food
- More upscale than a typical sports bar
- Outdoor patio seating in summer
The Peanut (Multiple Locations)
- Classic KC sports bar chain
- Famous for their wings (some of the best in KC)
- Main Street location is the original and has the most character
- Will be showing all World Cup matches
Kelly’s Westport Inn (Westport)
- KC’s oldest bar (since 1947)
- Dive bar atmosphere with TVs
- Cheap beer, great patio
- Walkable to other Westport bars for a pub crawl between matches
Bar-Hopping Strategy for World Cup Day
With multiple matches on most World Cup days, you can create a bar-hopping itinerary:
- Morning match (if applicable): Start at No Other Pub or Johnny’s for the early game. Coffee and a beer.
- Afternoon match: Move to Chicken N Pickle for outdoor viewing with lunch.
- Evening match: Head to Power and Light for the main event. Post-match party at KC Live! or Westport bars.
- Late night: End at Kelly’s Westport Inn or the Crossroads brewery scene.
Tips for Watch Party Bar-Goers
- Call ahead for reservations. Some bars will take reservations for World Cup matches. It is worth asking, especially for large groups.
- Budget $50-$80 per person. A few hours of food and drinks at a KC bar. Tipping is 15-20% on the tab.
- Bring cash for smaller bars. Some bars in Westport and the River Market have card minimums.
- Uber between neighborhoods. Do not drive bar to bar. Rideshare or use the free KC Streetcar downtown.
- Ask the bartender for recommendations. KC bartenders know the best spots. Tell them what you like and they will point you in the right direction.
Planning Links
Further reading: For more information, see FIFA World Cup 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soccer bar to watch World Cup matches in Kansas City?
No Other Pub in the Power and Light District is THE soccer bar in Kansas City for World Cup matches. It’s where the American Outlaws KC chapter and Sporting KC supporters gather, with big screens and a soccer-focused atmosphere, though you should arrive 1-2 hours early as it gets standing room only for popular matches.
Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches if I want a less crowded atmosphere?
Johnny’s Tavern has multiple locations across the Kansas City metro, including in the Crossroads, Power and Light, and Prairie Village areas. These sports bars feature 10-20+ TVs per location and are less crowded than dedicated soccer bars, making them ideal if you prefer a more casual viewing experience.
How early should I arrive at bars to watch World Cup in Kansas City?
You should arrive 1-2 hours before kickoff at popular soccer bars like No Other Pub to secure a spot, especially for highly-anticipated matches. This advance arrival time ensures you get a good viewing position before the bar reaches standing room only capacity.
What are my options for watching World Cup matches beyond dedicated soccer bars?
Beyond soccer-specific bars, dozens of sports bars across the Kansas City metro will show every World Cup match on their screens, including chains like Johnny’s Tavern that have multiple locations throughout the area. These options provide flexibility in choosing a venue that works best for your schedule and preferred atmosphere.