World Cup 2026 is kicking off, and soccer magic is in the air. Alas, Iowa isn’t hosting any World Cup games; the closest host city is Kansas City, about three-and-a-half hours away. Don’t despair, however. There are still several ways to enjoy pro soccer during this tournament (and beyond).
From breweries hosting block parties to opportunities to enjoy matches live in person, here are nine places to check out professional soccer across Iowa.
Confluence Brewing Company
The first match of the tournament is on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa. Confluence Brewing Company, in partnership with the Latino Trade Network and UFA, is kicking off the event with a wonderful watch party. Free, family-friendly, and with plenty of food and drink available onsite to keep you fed and hydrated during the match. Pre-game and halftime music will keep the lively entertainment going, and a lucky winner will take home two tickets to a World Cup match in Kansas City.
1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
The Royal Mile
Few experiences can rival watching a football match at a rowdy British pub. Before you start booking a flight across the pond, simply head to downtown Des Moines. The Royal Mile is a British pub filled with English dishes and beers, as well as a hefty scotch list. And naturally, it’s an excellent destination for watching World Cup matches. Order a hearty Guinness Stew or Scotch Egg, grab a pint of your favorite ale, and settle in for a slew of thrilling matches. The Royal Mile tends to get crowded, so arrive early to get a good view of the action.
210 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
With locations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Des Moines, and Solon, you’ll always find a seat at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom. Big Grove is the official craft brewery of the Iowa Hawkeyes, but during the World Cup, it’s transforming into soccer central. Each location is hosting World Cup watch parties with unique giveaways and vendors. For example, in Des Moines, the brewery is shutting down the street for a block party on June 12 (USA’s first game), putting up a massive LED screen, bringing out a mobile beer bar and grill, and handing out FIFA scarves to the first 50 guests. Head over to your nearest Big Grove, learn a new soccer chant or two, and have a blast.
Multiple locations
Fong’s Pizza
Want to enjoy some ‘za with your ‘cer? (Sorry, that’s a terrible way to abbreviate soccer.) There’s no better spot than Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines’ East Village. The pizza menu alone is super unique, with Asian-inspired options including General Tso’s Chicken, Crab Rangoon, and Korean Beef. For the World Cup, Fong’s is kicking it up a notch, hosting watch parties for Team USA’s matchups during group play. In addition to tasty food and drink specials, Fong’s is showing the game on a 20-foot big screen, hosting yard games, and playing rounds of soccer bingo throughout the day. Now that’s how you kick it in style.
317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
The False 9 Social Club
The False 9 Social Club has only been open since March, though there’s plenty of history to the Valley Junction space. False 9 is the creation of the former Mitzi’s team and Simon Heer, who was born in in England before making his way to Des Moines. The goal of the social club is an “experience built around thoughtful food, creative drinks, and the shared excitement of live sport.” And with a British-leaning vibe, soccer is the most exciting of those live sports. The club routinely shows matches throughout the year, and they’ll make sure you catch the key moments of the World Cup, paired with a welcoming environment and mouth-watering bites.
206 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Salty Dog Bar and Grill
Plenty of Iowa bars are hosting watch parties for Team USA’s matchup, but there are 47 other countries participating in the World Cup. If you can’t catch enough soccer, Salty Dog in Council Bluffs is airing all 104 matches of the tournament. There’s not a bad seat in the house, with TVs and big screens providing clear views and full-match sounds from all angles, plus game-day food and drink deals. In addition to regular single-match tickets, Salty Dog also sells VIP and group packages, offering reserved seating and drink specials for guests.
2411 S 24th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Vine Tavern & Eatery
Vine Tavern & Eatery is another place to catch every minute of World Cup action, with locations in both Coralville and Iowa City. There are tons of classic pub fare to enjoy here, with the Cajun Tater Tots and Southern Jo burger making for a terrific pairing. With a robust happy hour from 2-6 p.m. every weekday, you can enjoy discounted drinks and eats during the entirety of afternoon matches. And if you’re feeling particularly rambunctious, order a round of Jello or Apple Pie Shots every time a team scores a goal.
Multiple locations
Evolution Soccer Club Training Center
Let’s be brutally honest with ourselves: We’re never going to play in an actual World Cup match—unless you happen to be a soccer prodigy or are already a professional soccer player; in that case, I wish you nothing but luck. Luckily, Evolution Soccer Club is throwing a watch party that’s almost like being right in the middle of the action. Evolution’s training center is putting up an enormous 20-foot big screen, serving treats from Kona Ice and Villa’s Patio food truck, and providing family-friendly games and activities. There’s also a silent auction with prizes like 1-on-1 training sessions with Evolution coaches. Maybe that World Cup dream isn’t quite dead yet!
2510 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Catch a match live in person
The Iowa Demon Hawks, based in Des Moines, offer three different clubs to watch on the pitch. The men’s outdoor team plays in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), and men’s and women’s indoor teams play in Major Arena Soccer League 2 (MASL2) and Major Arena Soccer League Women (MASL-W), respectively.
There’s been a lot of recent success among the clubs, as well. The women’s Demon Hawks team and men’s indoor teams are both coming off undefeated regular seasons. While the men finished as runners-up in MASL2, the women’s club led the league in goals scored and capped off its magical run with a championship. This year, both the women and a mixed team, the Perluche Hawks, won a combined $2 million in prize money from The Soccer Tournament, one of the nation’s most prestigious soccer events.
“We brought Iowa talent to a national stage and proved they belong there,” Demon Hawks owner Darwin Salas said after the tournament. “Now we have an opportunity to take these winnings and create even more opportunities for young players across our state.”
And don’t worry; it’s not too late to hop on the bandwagon. The Hawks Legion Squad is always welcoming more fans into the mix. Just start working on your “Cukuuuuuuu!” chants.
There will also be new teams to cheer on. The Pro Iowa initiative, which is looking to bring men’s and women’s United Soccer League (USL) teams to Des Moines. Pro Iowa has already secured enough funding to build a stadium and global plaza, which will host pro soccer teams, regional, and national events.
It’s an exciting time to be a soccer fan—or to get introduced to the beautiful sport. Enjoy all the World Cup adventures!
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
