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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be one of the biggest sporting events ever, and Helsinki is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable atmosphere for football fans. Most matches will be shown on Finnish television, split between public broadcaster Yle and commercial channel MTV. But let’s be honest: half the fun of a World Cup is watching it alongside hundreds of fellow supporters rather than alone on a sofa or in a hotel room.
Whether you’re after a giant outdoor screen, a buzzing sports bar or a full-on football festival atmosphere, these are the best places to watch the World Cup in Helsinki.
Fan Zone Finland
If you’re looking for the closest thing to a World Cup host-city atmosphere without flying to North America, start here.
The official FIFA-licensed Fan Zone Finland will take over the square between Helsinki Music Centre and Oodi Central Library for the duration of the tournament. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, the free-entry fan zone can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators and will show matches on giant screens throughout the competition.
But this is much more than a viewing area. Across its 39-day run, visitors can expect live music, outdoor karaoke, film screenings, food stalls and a packed programme of events featuring Finnish artists including Yeboyah, Tuure Boelius and Hassan Maikal. Think football festival rather than sports screening. Located right in the city centre, this is set to become the beating heart of Helsinki’s World Cup celebrations.
Train Factory
The terrace at Train Factory, the new food hall that has just opened in Vallila’s Konepaja district, is a great place to catch the FIFA World Cup. The sun lingers well into the evening, the screen is easy to see (even if it isn’t huge), and there’s a wide range of reasonably priced, even budget-friendly, food to choose from.
Konepaja Biergarten
There are several other terraces tucked between Konepaja’s old red brick warehouses where you can watch the FIFA World Cup, including Konepaja Biergarten. It gets points for its big screen and Berlin-style atmosphere. Less impressive is the door policy: the bouncer may keep you waiting outside even when there are still free tables inside and the match has already kicked off. There can also be a queue at the bar, with staff seeming stretched, and the screen isn’t positioned particularly well, meaning the view is limited from some tables. Still, the effort is there, so despite its flaws, Biergarten is worth giving a chance. Your experience may well be smoother than ours. There’s also affordable pizza on the menu.
Woolshed
A long-time favourite among Helsinki’s international football crowd, Woolshed is likely to be one of the city’s busiest World Cup venues.
The Australian gastropub sits just steps from Helsinki Central Station and has built its reputation on showing major sporting events from around the world. Large screens cover practically every wall, meaning you’ll have a good view of the action no matter where you’re sitting.
Expect packed crowds, plenty of beer and a lively atmosphere whenever the biggest matches kick off.
Fat Tony’s
Having opened just in time for the World Cup, Fat Tony’s is already making a strong case for being Helsinki’s most stylish sports bar. It’s also one of the better places in town to eat while watching the game, with a menu built around burgers, wings and other crowd-pleasing comfort food. And if the match turns out to be a goalless snoozefest, there are dart boards ready and waiting to keep the competitive spirit alive.
Hobo Hotel
For visiting football fans, Hobo Hotel may be Helsinki’s best World Cup base. ocated in the very heart of the city, the stylish hotel will host its own World Cup viewing area in the lobby, allowing guests to watch matches without even leaving the building. It’s a more relaxed option than the city’s packed sports bars and an easy choice for travellers looking to stay close to the action.