25 Best Sports Bars for the World Cup in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory (2026 Edition)
Introduction
The best sports bars for the World Cup across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory fall into three groups. First are the soccer-first venues that take international football seriously every week and are open for live matches (usually English pubs). Second are the major sports bars and casino venues that are not soccer-first but reliably carry the English Premier League and the other big leagues, and will be showing the World Cup (some open 24/7). Third are the culturally strong clubs and community venues that turn into World Cup rooms for the tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 12 June to 20 July (AEST) across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 48 teams and 104 matches, and every one of them is live and free on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.
Because the matches kick off on North American time, the windows range from early-morning starts to afternoon and late-night slots. Western Australia runs two hours behind AEST this time of year, which pushes several morning kick-offs even earlier locally but lands the Socceroos opener in a comfortable Sunday midday slot in Perth. US vs Australia is way too early for AU TV planning (5am AEST). The Northern Territory runs 30 minutes behind AEST. That makes the early-opening rooms and the casino sports bars especially useful for the matches that fall outside normal pub hours. I’ll be reporting from the Gold Coast and Sydney for June and then the States in July.
This guide profiles 25 verified venues across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns, Perth and Darwin. Each one is confirmed as a World Cup or live-sport venue through its own official tournament page, live-sport listing or published programming, and operating status and websites were checked directly. Casino venues are 18 and over, and a few community clubs open later in the morning, so the earliest kick-offs suit the early-opening rooms.
We are still building our methodology and this is an initial list, so please drop a comment to help us improve these recommendations and share any spots we missed.
At a Glance: World Cup Bars in This Guide
- Brisbane: Finn McCool’s Brisbane, The Boundary Hotel, Everton Park Hotel, The Star Brisbane Sports Bar, Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside, Pig ‘N’ Whistle West End
- Gold Coast: Burleigh Finn McCool’s Gold Coast, The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines Surfers Paradise, Currumbin RSL, North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club, The Star Gold Coast Sports Bar, Tallebudgera SLSC, Town Hotel, Broadbeach Tavern, The Beach Hotel Broadbeach, Pig ‘N’ Whistle Broadbeach
- Cairns: Bourbon St. Sports Bar, P.J. O’Brien’s Cairns
- Perth: The Globe, Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub, Victoria Park Hotel, The Royal on the Waterfront, BrewDog Perth, Patriots Sports Bar, Crown Perth Sports Bar
- Darwin: Shenannigans Darwin
Brisbane
A Fortitude Valley Irish pub built for World Cup and other football crowds.
A Fortitude Valley Irish pub built for World Cup and other football crowds.
A West End venue with rooftop, pub and live-music spaces, suited to groups who want more than a single screen and seat.
A West End venue with rooftop, pub and live-music spaces, suited to groups who want more than a single screen and seat.
A northside Brisbane pub with a dedicated Sports Bar, big screens and games space, built to suit mixed groups of die-hard and casual fans.
A northside Brisbane pub with a dedicated Sports Bar, big screens and games space, built to suit mixed groups of die-hard and casual fans.
A purpose-built sports bar on Level 5 of The Star Brisbane at Queen’s Wharf, set high above the river behind floor-to-ceiling glass, with two 12m-plus mega LED screens and stadium-grade sound. It is a regular venue for weekly English Premier League and is themed for major events including the FIFA World Cup.
A purpose-built sports bar on Level 5 of The Star Brisbane at Queen’s Wharf, set high above the river behind floor-to-ceiling glass, with two 12m-plus mega LED screens and stadium-grade sound. It is a regular venue for weekly English Premier League and is themed for major events including the FIFA World Cup.
The best known of Brisbane’s Pig ‘N’ Whistle British pubs, on the Brisbane River in the CBD, and a long-standing expat football hub that bills itself as the city’s home of football. Matches play across giant screens, with big crowds for the England games.
The best known of Brisbane’s Pig ‘N’ Whistle British pubs, on the Brisbane River in the CBD, and a long-standing expat football hub that bills itself as the city’s home of football. Matches play across giant screens, with big crowds for the England games.
Gold Coast
The British pub brand's first Gold Coast venue, which was the former Lucky Squire brewhouse on Oracle Boulevard. It joins the Brisbane Pig 'N' Whistle pubs, whose Riverside flagship bills itself as Brisbane's home of football, and opened in time for the World Cup with British pub classics, cold tap beers and live sport across a large two-storey space. Big, open space that is adding more TVs just in time for the World Cup.
The British pub brand's first Gold Coast venue, which was the former Lucky Squire brewhouse on Oracle Boulevard. It joins the Brisbane Pig 'N' Whistle pubs, whose Riverside flagship bills itself as Brisbane's home of football, and opened in time for the World Cup with British pub classics, cold tap beers and live sport across a large two-storey space. Big, open space that is adding more TVs just in time for the World Cup.
Voted Best Sporting Entertainment venue in the QHA Awards for Excellence for the last two years, and home to one of the largest screens in the southern hemisphere. Great for locals as it’s a bit out of non-driving access. (not tourists)
Voted Best Sporting Entertainment venue in the QHA Awards for Excellence for the last two years, and home to one of the largest screens in the southern hemisphere. Great for locals as it’s a bit out of non-driving access. (not tourists)
A Surfers Paradise Irish pub built for loud match days, pairing Guinness (as always) and comfort food with a crowd that meets a good level during the World Cup.
A Surfers Paradise Irish pub built for loud match days, pairing Guinness (as always) and comfort food with a crowd that meets a good level during the World Cup.
A 1,000-capacity sports bar on the most prominent corner in Surfers Paradise, on the former Hard Rock Cafe site, with more than 60 HD screens including multiple 5m² big screens and a working 4 Pines brewery on the ground floor.
A 1,000-capacity sports bar on the most prominent corner in Surfers Paradise, on the former Hard Rock Cafe site, with more than 60 HD screens including multiple 5m² big screens and a working 4 Pines brewery on the ground floor.
A multi-award-winning club on Currumbin Creek with a large Sports Bar carrying more than 40 HD TVs, plus an upstairs sports lounge known as the Sporting Den. It screens major international events, including a live Super Bowl broadcast in 2026, and opens seven days from 10:00am.
A multi-award-winning club on Currumbin Creek with a large Sports Bar carrying more than 40 HD TVs, plus an upstairs sports lounge known as the Sporting Den. It screens major international events, including a live Super Bowl broadcast in 2026, and opens seven days from 10:00am.
A beachfront supporters club at the northern end of Burleigh Heads beach, with a sports bar and the renovated Champions Bar showing live sport on big screens. It has screened the World Cup, NBA Playoffs, Super Bowl, the AFL Grand Final, the NRL finals and State of Origin. (Like all TAB partners, it always has lots of horse racing)
A beachfront supporters club at the northern end of Burleigh Heads beach, with a sports bar and the renovated Champions Bar showing live sport on big screens. It has screened the World Cup, NBA Playoffs, Super Bowl, the AFL Grand Final, the NRL finals and State of Origin. (Like all TAB partners, it always has lots of horse racing)
A sports bar on the main gaming floor at The Star Gold Coast in Broadbeach, with HUGE screens & sound, VIP booths, an outdoor terrace and a 10.5m mega-screen. It screens the world’s biggest sporting events and opens early enough for morning kick-offs.
A sports bar on the main gaming floor at The Star Gold Coast in Broadbeach, with HUGE screens & sound, VIP booths, an outdoor terrace and a 10.5m mega-screen. It screens the world’s biggest sporting events and opens early enough for morning kick-offs.
A 12 million dollar refurbished surf club on Tallebudgera Beach at the north end of the Palm Beach strip, with a dedicated Sports Bar built around a 7m big screen and a posted live-sport schedule, plus ocean-view dining and a beachfront deck.
A 12 million dollar refurbished surf club on Tallebudgera Beach at the north end of the Palm Beach strip, with a dedicated Sports Bar built around a 7m big screen and a posted live-sport schedule, plus ocean-view dining and a beachfront deck.
A Broadbeach local on Old Burleigh Road across from Kurrawa Surf Club, with a dedicated Sports Bar that screens the AFL, NRL, rugby, cricket, NBA and soccer on big screens, plus a large deck and a family bistro. It bills itself as a home of UFC and shows every pay-per-view.
A Broadbeach local on Old Burleigh Road across from Kurrawa Surf Club, with a dedicated Sports Bar that screens the AFL, NRL, rugby, cricket, NBA and soccer on big screens, plus a large deck and a family bistro. It bills itself as a home of UFC and shows every pay-per-view.
A Broadbeach pub (not beachside but central) on the site once home to Fat Freddy’s, reworked with a Public Bar of wall-to-wall TVs and a big screen, streaming local and international sport all day, every day, with screens inside and out on the deck.
A Broadbeach pub (not beachside but central) on the site once home to Fat Freddy’s, reworked with a Public Bar of wall-to-wall TVs and a big screen, streaming local and international sport all day, every day, with screens inside and out on the deck.
Cairns
Perth
Set inside one of Perth’s oldest remaining pubs, the modern Globe pairs heritage CBD charm with a large beer garden built for big-sport crowds.
Set inside one of Perth’s oldest remaining pubs, the modern Globe pairs heritage CBD charm with a large beer garden built for big-sport crowds.
An American-themed sports bar built into the heritage Brass Monkey Hotel in Northbridge, with 22 dedicated screens, three big screens and two private booths. The venue scours sporting schedules worldwide each week to stream global events, soccer included, and shows sport seven days. As a Bostonian, I found this name funny and it was named during the Pats run. They have no ownership connection to Boston, but all good as Boston has some great Sports Bars (Biased). One of the most American sports bars in Australia and connected to a GREAT Australia sports bar in the Brass Monkey. Highly recommended!!
An American-themed sports bar built into the heritage Brass Monkey Hotel in Northbridge, with 22 dedicated screens, three big screens and two private booths. The venue scours sporting schedules worldwide each week to stream global events, soccer included, and shows sport seven days. As a Bostonian, I found this name funny and it was named during the Pats run. They have no ownership connection to Boston, but all good as Boston has some great Sports Bars (Biased). One of the most American sports bars in Australia and connected to a GREAT Australia sports bar in the Brass Monkey. Highly recommended!!
Perth’s first authentic Irish pub, designed and built in Ireland, then disassembled and transported to Shafto Lane in the CBD.
Perth’s first authentic Irish pub, designed and built in Ireland, then disassembled and transported to Shafto Lane in the CBD.
An Albany Highway pub standing since 1927, with a dedicated Sports Bar showing the action across many screens.
An Albany Highway pub standing since 1927, with a dedicated Sports Bar showing the action across many screens.
A boardwalk bar and bistro on Claisebrook Cove in East Perth, combining waterfront views with a cool Sports Bar setup near Optus Stadium.
A boardwalk bar and bistro on Claisebrook Cove in East Perth, combining waterfront views with a cool Sports Bar setup near Optus Stadium.
A West Perth craft beer venue built in a former coffee roastery, with two bars, a beer garden and a stage, set up for live sport.
A West Perth craft beer venue built in a former coffee roastery, with two bars, a beer garden and a stage, set up for live sport.
A sports bar at Crown Perth in Burswood showing live English Premier League, AFL, UFC and NBA on big screens, with a VIP option called The Box seating up to 18. It runs non-stop sport across the casino’s trading hours.
A sports bar at Crown Perth in Burswood showing live English Premier League, AFL, UFC and NBA on big screens, with a VIP option called The Box seating up to 18. It runs non-stop sport across the casino’s trading hours.
Darwin
Additional Bars
More verified World Cup and live-sport venues across the same region, each showing select 2026 fixtures. Check each venue’s page for which matches it is screening.
Brisbane
Mansfield Tavern (Mansfield, Brisbane QLD). A southside local with a fresh Sports Bar, beer garden and bistro. mansfieldbrisbane.com.au
Waterloo Hotel (Fortitude Valley, Brisbane QLD). An Art Deco corner landmark in the Valley with live-sport viewing. waterloohotel.com.au
Gold Coast
The Sporting Globe Robina (Robina Town Centre, Gold Coast QLD). The Sporting Globe’s second Gold Coast venue, with 50-plus HD screens and Touch Booth TVs for fans further south. www.sportingglobe.com.au
The Cavill Hotel (Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast QLD). On Cavill Avenue, built for sport, music and late-night energy, with one of the biggest screens in Surfers. thecavillhotel.com.au
Hope Island Tavern (Hope Island, Gold Coast QLD). A roomy beer garden, wood-fired pizzas and a big-screen setup. hopeislandtavern.com.au
Perth
The Claremont Hotel (Claremont, Perth WA). A western-suburbs institution since 1886, with FIFA 26 food-and-drink group packages from $250. theclaremont.com.au
Raffles Hotel (Applecross, Perth WA). An art-deco Swan River icon with an alfresco beer garden and live sport. rafflesperth.com.au
The Bassendean Hotel (Bassendean, Perth WA). Serving since 1930, with a state-of-the-art sports bar and family courtyards. thebassendeanhotel.com.au
Paddington Ale House (Mount Hawthorn, Perth WA). A Mount Hawthorn pub since 1932 covering football and all the codes. paddo.com.au
The Galway Hooker (Scarborough, Perth WA). A beachside Irish pub built and shipped from Ireland, with a wide live-sport range. thegalwayhooker.com.au
Conclusion
The best sports bars for the World Cup across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory share the same basics: confirmed fixtures, screens with the sound on, and room for a crowd. In Perth the two-hour time difference puts the Socceroos opener in a Sunday midday slot, while Queensland, venues get afternoon and lunchtime windows for the group games. With SBS showing every match live and free, the main decision is where to book.
What did we get right, and which spots did we miss? Drop a comment with your local World Cup pub and we will look at adding it.
Bibliography
• The Pass, Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Brisbane and the Gold Coast thepassapp.com.au/articles/where-to-watch-the-fifa-world-cup-2026-in-brisbane-or-the-gold-coast/
• The Pass, Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Perth thepassapp.com.au/articles/where-to-watch-the-fifa-world-cup-2026-in-perth/
• SBS, How to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 live and free www.sbs.com.au/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/how-to-watch
• Socceroos, How To Watch: Australia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 socceroos.com.au/news/how-watch-australia-fifa-world-cup-2026tm
• FIFA, World Cup 2026 official site www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canada-mexico-usa-2026
• Inside Gold Coast, 12 of the best Sports Bars on the Coast www.insidegoldcoast.com.au/sports-bars-gold-coast
• Urban List, Perth’s Best Sports Bars www.theurbanlist.com/perth/a-list/perths-best-sports-bars
• Perth is OK, Perth’s Best Sports Bars perthisok.com/eat-drink/perths-best-sports-bars/
• Visit Perth, Cheer on your team at one of Perth’s best sports bars visitperth.com/blog/cheer-on-your-team-at-one-of-perths-best-sports-bars
• Fanzo, Australia live-sport bar finder www.fanzo.com/en-au
Frequently Asked Questions
Every one of the 104 matches is live and free on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand. For a public viewing, pubs and sports bars across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns, Perth and Darwin are showing select fixtures. The venues in this guide all list World Cup or live-sport viewing through their official pages.
Australia is in Group D. The fixtures are Australia versus Türkiye on Sunday 14 June at 2:00pm AEST (Vancouver), USA versus Australia on Saturday 20 June at 5:00am AEST (Seattle), and Paraguay versus Australia on Friday 26 June at 12:00pm AEST (Santa Clara). Western Australia is two hours behind AEST, so in Perth the Türkiye opener is a Sunday midday session.
Two of the three Socceroos group games land in pub-friendly windows. The Türkiye opener is a Sunday afternoon and the Paraguay game is a Friday lunchtime in AEST, which both shift two hours earlier in Perth. The USA game is an early-morning start. Across the whole tournament, SBS has said about 69 per cent of live matches fall between 6:00am and 4:30pm AEST.
No. SBS holds exclusive Australian rights and is broadcasting all 104 matches free-to-air on SBS and SBS VICELAND, with free streaming on SBS On Demand. An SBS On Demand account is free but required for live streaming and replays.
For big groups, the Everton Park Hotel in Brisbane has a large Sports Bar and games room, The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines in Surfers Paradise holds about 1,000 with 60-plus screens, and the casino sports bars at The Star Brisbane and Crown Perth are built for large crowds with mega screens. Booking ahead is recommended for the Socceroos fixtures.
They fall into three groups. First are soccer-first venues that take international football seriously every week. Second are major sports bars and casino venues that are not soccer-first but reliably carry the Premier League and other leagues and will be showing the World Cup, including the casino sports bars at The Star and Crown. Third are culturally strong clubs and community venues, such as Currumbin RSL and North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club, that turn into World Cup rooms during the tournament. Every venue was checked for current operating status and correct website details.
On the Gold Coast, The Star Sports Bar in Broadbeach opens at 6:00am most days and trades 24 hours on Friday and Saturday, which suits the early starts, while Currumbin RSL opens from 10:00am and suits the afternoon and evening windows. In Perth, the two-hour time difference pushes several morning AEST kick-offs even earlier locally, so check each venue’s opening times for the fixture you want.
The casino sports bars at The Star Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast, and Crown Perth, are 18 and over. For family viewing earlier in the day, the pubs, taverns and surf clubs in this guide are the better fit.
Yes, especially for the Socceroos games. Most of the venues in this guide run a dedicated World Cup or live-sport booking page, and tables fill quickly for the Australia fixtures. Check each venue’s page for which games it is screening, since pubs show select fixtures rather than every match.