[category]
[title]
The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 11 to July 19 across 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada and Mexico – and while the time difference rules out comfortable evening viewing in Japan for most of the tournament, there are still plenty of options to catch the games and find fellow fans across Osaka.
The group stage fixtures are mostly manageable: kick-off times range from 1am to 1pm JST depending on which city the game is in, with Pacific Time evening games – those taking place in Los Angeles, Seattle or Vancouver – the most forgiving, landing at lunchtime or early afternoon in Japan. The knockout rounds, however, will mean some late nights and early alarms, with most games falling between midnight and 7am.
Whether you’re looking to cheer on Japan, are devoted to another of the 48 qualified teams or just want to soak in the atmosphere, head to one of these bars, pubs or movie theatres in Osaka.
Time Out Market Osaka
Time Out Market Osaka brings together the best of the city’s food scene under one roof, and it’s also an excellent place to catch the big matches. The market will screen at least two group stage games – Japan vs Tunisia on Sunday June 21 (doors open at noon, kick-off at 1pm) and Japan vs Sweden on Friday June 26 (doors 7am, kick-off 8am) – but additional dates may be added once the tournament gets going.
Tickets for the viewings go for ¥1,000 per person (plus one food and drink order) and need to be reserved in advance. If you’re going with a group, consider booking a VIP seat for four. These cost ¥5,000 per person, with the price including ¥3,000 in credit for use at the Market’s bars and restaurants. Reservations for June 21 can be made here and for June 26 here.
Address: Grand Green Osaka South Building B1F, 5-54 Ofukacho, Kita
Dublin Bay
An ever-reliable Irish pub tucked off Dotonbori, with Guinness on tap and fish and chips on the menu, the Dublin Bay opens daily from 3pm and often stays open well past its advertised closing time to show games. It’s guaranteed to get busy on big match nights and doesn’t take bookings, so arrive early even if it’s late.
The pub is ad-hoc in its approach to scheduling but will be showing any game falling within its opening hours. For those kicking off or running over its self-reported closing time, check ahead of time – you’ll likely be rewarded for asking nicely.
Address: Zelkova Bldg B1F, 2-1-5 Dotonbori, Chuo
Opening hours: 3pm-2am daily
Coolabah
Australian pub Coolabah is a reliable spot for watching AFL, rugby and international football. It attracts a local expat crowd loyal to its homemade meat pies and sausage rolls and is the natural gathering point for Socceroos fans.
Coolabah will be showing games from its opening at noon on weekends, but check their Instagram ahead of time for exact scheduling. All games will require a minimum order card that can be either pre-booked or paid on the day – this helps the bar stay open for some of the more unforgivingly timed games.
Address: 1F, 2-16-13 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10am-1am, Fri 10am-5am, Sat 12noon-5am, Sun 12noon-1am
The Blarney Stone
A long-running Irish pub mini-chain with three Osaka locations, The Blarney Stone will be showing most of its live games at its café-style pub by Osaka Station. The venue opens at 11am and will be showing all the group stage games kicking off within its opening hours, as well as the two games kicking off at 10am.
Only one match, Czech Republic vs South Africa on June 20 at 1am, will be shown live at the pub’s Umeda and Shinsaibashi locations. However, all three pubs will be repeating all group stage matches at 7pm and 9pm.
Addresses:
- Kitte location: JP Tower B1F UmeYoko Restaurant Floor, 3-2-2 Umeda, Kita
- Umeda location: Sonezaki Center Bldg 6F, 2-10-16 Sonezaki, Kita
- Shinsaibashi location: Kohda Bldg B1F, 2-5-27 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo
Opening hours:
- Kitte: 11am-11pm daily
- Umeda: Sun-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri, Sat 5pm-3am
- Shinsaibashi: Sun, Mon 5pm-1am; Tue, Thu 6pm-2am; Fri, Sat 6pm-3am
T-Joy Umeda
T-Joy in Umeda is your top bet for the biggest screen in the city for Japan's group games. The cinema is showing all three fixtures, broadcasting them live on a full-size screen with surround sound. It’s also rather likely to sell out.
The schedule reads Netherlands on June 15 at 5am, Tunisia on June 21 at 1pm and Sweden on June 26 at 8am. You can book tickets via Kinezo Online or at the box office.
Address: E-MA Bldg 7F, 1-12-6 Umeda, Kita
Hub
The reliable ‘British’ pub chain with 11 Osaka branches across Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nakanoshima, Kyobashi and Abeno, the Hub is running a formal World Cup package for Japan’s matches: ¥4,000 per person, including ¥3,000 in food and drink and a guaranteed seat.
Beyond the Japan fixtures, screenings vary by location, but the more central pubs – like those in Umeda and Namba – are set to open their doors for multiple matches. Check Fansta for exact details at each location.
Opening hours: Vary by location
More from Time Out Osaka
Saga prefecture hosts the world’s first centre to combat marine plastic pollution
Japan opens a new, free Pokémon hot spring footbath in Wakura Onsen
New Ghibli exhibitions coming to Osaka and Kyoto later this year
Enjoy weekday lunch deals under ¥1,500 at Time Out Market Osaka
Paid seats for the 2026 Kyoto Gion Festival processions are now on sale