Melbourne’s Best Sports Bars And Pubs To Watch The 2026 World Cup
An ice-cold beer in hand, a basket of wings on the table, and the game playing across giant screens from every angle—there's no better way to catch the action than at a great sports bar.
Whether you're settling in for the AFL Grand Final, staying up late for the Super Bowl, or following the World Cup, Melbourne is packed with venues that know how to bring the atmosphere. Think wall-to-wall screens, game-day food specials, flowing taps and crowds that cheer just as loudly as the fans in the stands.
From iconic pubs and American-style sports bars to waterfront venues and late-night hangouts, we've rounded up the best sports bars in Melbourne for watching the big game.
The Kingston
55 Highett Street, Richmond
Image: The Kingston | Supplied
Nestled in a leafy Richmond street five minutes from the CBD and a short walk from the MCG, The Kingston Hotel has been a neighbourhood institution for over a century, and a recent renovation has given the well-loved local a new lease on life. The beautiful brick pub spans a public bar, dining room, deck, and beer garden, and its menu is built around in-house aged steaks that are prepared on a charcoal grill; but they don’t compromise on the pub classics, don’t worry. Weekly specials and a welcoming atmosphere make The Kingston an easy local for any occasion.
Right now, The Kingston is one of the best spots in Richmond to catch the FIFA World Cup, with watch parties running across the Socceroos matches and beyond. Their live and loud screenings with $25 bar meal lunch specials gives you a very good reason to show up early.
Transport Hotel
Federation Square, Melbourne
Image: Transport Hotel | Supplied
While a cold beer and big screens makes a sports bar great, the best ones can make even a Tuesday night feel like an event. At Federation Square, Transport Hotel is exactly that place: a 600-person venue, right across from Flinders Street Station, that’s long been one of the city’s best destinations for the biggest sporting moments.
Right now, it’s the best seat in town for the FIFA World Cup. Thirteen screens and one mega screen are positioned across the venue, with full sound coverage for every match—all the way through to the Final. The atmosphere here will do the occasion justice, whether the Socceroos are playing or not. And fuelling the entire tournament are ‘Whistle to Whistle’ match specials that include $15 pints of Hahn Super Dry, Guinness, and Furphy, and $15 Casamigos Margaritas that run from kick-off to full time. For early-morning fixtures, grab a breakfast burger or muffin to keep you going. Walk-ins are always welcome, with bookings open for groups of up to 20.
Waterside Hotel
508 Flinders Street, Melbourne
The Espy
11 The Esplanade, St Kilda
St Kilda’s beloved seaside mega-venue, The Espy, throws the big game up on the big screen in the sunroom for eager punters who love a sea view, as well as having their dedicated sports bar for all-day sports coverage. Watch Aussie games and international sports (even baseball), order a few shares of fried chicken, croquettes, some dips and chips and a round of beers, you could lose a whole afternoon here.
For the 2026 World Cup, The Espy is showing selected fixtures featuring Australia, England and Scotland from June 14 to June 26.
The Mona Castle
5-53 Austin Street, Seddon
Image: The Mona Castle | Instagram
The Hicken’s Hotel
127 Russell Street, Melbourne
Named after 19th century boxer Abe Hickens, Hickens Hotel is your newest CBD go-to for live sport. All kinds of fans will find a home here, with games and matches playing across multiple floors with upcoming games advertised online. They’re also home to the Arsenal FC and Manchester United fan base of Melbourne. The team here are showing every World Cup game live and loud on the big screens—even opening early and serving breakfast on early game days.
The Sporting Globe
Various locations
Image: The Sporting Globe | Supplied
A lot of venues show sport, but The Sporting Globe is, as the name suggests, literally built for it. With over 50 screens at each of its locations—including private booths with touchscreen TVs—every seat feels like the best in the house, no matter if you’re solo or with a big group.
The FIFA World Cup is like Christmas at The Sporto, with doors opening for select early-morning fixtures so no fan misses out. The atmosphere inside is characteristically passionate, loud, and communal, and really makes watching from home feel like a poor substitute. Food and drinks run all day across every location, and winter is no obstacle either; The Sporting Globe is toasty and comfy, during the match and after the siren. With 23 venues around the country and multiple Melbourne locations to choose from, you’re sorted.