The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here โ and this time, football’s biggest competition has crossed the Atlantic to North America. Hosted across three countries for the very first time, the tournament spans the United States, Canada and Mexico, making it one of the most ambitious World Cups in history.
For fans in Abu Dhabi, there’s just one small catch: the time difference. Unlike 2022, when Qatar was practically on the doorstep, North America sits roughly 8 to 11 hours behind the UAE โ which means plenty of late nights and very early mornings. But if anything, that just makes the atmosphere more electric. This is the World Cup watch party experience as you’ve never had it before.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Key Information
- The 23rd FIFA World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, hosted jointly across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico โ 11 US cities, 3 in Mexico and 2 in Canada.
- For the first time, 48 teams are competing for the trophy, up from 32 in previous tournaments, split into 12 groups of four. The tournament runs across 104 matches over 39 days.
- The opening match takes place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.ย
World Cup Timing in the UAE
Now, the important bit for Abu Dhabi fans โ the kick-off times. Because of the time difference, most games land in the late evening, overnight or early morning.
- Group-stage matches most often fall at 11 pm, 2 am, 5 am or 8 amโ11 am Gulf Standard Time (GST), with some earlier evening kick-offs around 8 pm or 9 pm.
- The good news: the semi-finals and the final fall around 11 pm GST โ a comfortable evening slot for UAE fans.
This means that while the late-night and overnight games present a challenge for licensed venues (many of which cannot legally stay open into the small hours), a number of bars and fan zones will be opening early to catch those 5 am and 8 am kick-offs.
Where to Watch World Cup games in Abu Dhabi
Many sports bars across Abu Dhabi will be screening matches throughout the tournament, though we understand that the high cost of broadcast licensing may prevent some of the usual suspects from showing events live. The late-night slots (11 pm onwards) should be well covered โ it’s the 2 am, 5 am and 8 am kick-offs where you’ll need to do a little homework.
Call ahead to find out which venues are extending or adjusting their hours for specific games, or if they’re indeed correctly licensed. Here are some of the best spots to start with:
The Belgian Beer Cafe
We have to start here as somehow they have achieved the unimaginable – 24-hour licensing throughout the World Cup! If this lively bar and restaurant wasn’t on your radar before, you’ll want to give it a try during this special occasion – your 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. game solution!
Thereโs indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of big screens, so you won’t miss out on any of the action.
- The Belgian Cafe, InterContinental, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi +971 50 723 5441
- Learn more and check their schedule here
Coca-Cola Fan Zone @ McGettigans
A fresh new venue for 2026, and the biggest! This massive 45,000 square foot venue is made for events like this and will also screen all 104 matches. The catch: there is a cover charge here of AED 60, unlike any other venue, but it’s fully redeemable on food and beverages.
- Coca-Cola Fanzone, McGettigansReem Mall, Abu Dhabi –
- See match information advertised on Instagram @mcgettigansabudhabi
McCaffertys
One of our favourite pubs in Abu Dhabi, period. Whether it’s the live music between matches or the ripping atmosphere and pork menu, McCaffs is a bit of an institution, and has value prices to boot!
- McCafferty’s Irish Pub, Hilton Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- See match schedule advertised on Instagram @mccaffertysyas
Crafty Fox
One of the newer kids on the block, found a little hidden away at Yas Links; enjoy the views, the top-quality drinks and award-winning feeds at this small but mighty sports pub. Great for small pub atmosphere – book in your group!
- Crafty Fox, Yas Links, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi +971 404 3077
- Learn more about match scheduling on Instagram @craftyfox.yaslinks
Lock, Stock and Barrel
With licensing until 3 am, this is another top choice for those 11 pm matches. There will be live music between the matches, shown on big screens both indoors and on the outdoor terrace. Live music will keep the party atmosphere buzzing between matches at the weekend.
Some games will fall within happy hour, when you can expect 50% off selected drinks. More special World Cup deals are expected, so look at Lock, Stock and Barrelโs website before you visit their ideally located venue amongst the action of Yas Bay Waterfront.
- Lock, Stock and Barrel, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi +971 4 423 8308
- To find out more, click here.
Stars N Bars
One of the original Abu Dhabi sports bars with burgers, wings and all your favourite American comfort foods on offer, well worth considering
Licensed to 2/3 AM depending on the day of the week, this is one of your better hopes for catching late-night action.
- Stars N Bars Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi +971 50 905 7962
- Follow on Instagram for match announcements
Easy Tiger
An oldie but a goldie on the Corniche, they are advertising extended opening hours to screen every game live. Waiting for news on food and drink deals – they’re normally top value!
- Easy Tiger, Al Ain Palace Hotel
- Keep up to date on their Instagram @easy.tiger.bar
Other Abu Dhabi Sporting Venues to Try
The list above is certainly not exhaustive, but it includes some of our best picks with extended open hours. There will of course be many venues catering to specific fan groups, too numerous for us to list here.
Here are some more venues you could enquire with (though on deeper digging, we beleive they may not all have the TV rights – we’re working on more information!):
- Appaloosa Sports Bar, Marriott AL Forsan
- Bridges Bar, Fairmont
- Coopers, Park Rotana
- Craft by Side Hustle, Galleria
- Hamiltons Gastropub, Saadiyat Rotana
- Murphy’s Sports Bar, Al Ghazal Golf Club
- Nalu, Surf Abu Dhabi
- Offside Gastropub, Jumeirah Hotel & Resort
- Stills, Crowne Plaza
- The Keg Room, Al Zeina
- The Snooty Fox, Dusit Thani
- The Village at Le Meridien
- Victors, Millennium Hotel Al Rawdah
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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