World Cup Ultimate Fan Guide: TV schedule, South Florida Watch Parties, Top Players
The 2022 World Cup is finally here, and it will be like no other.
For one thing, it is being held in November and December to avoid the scorching summer heat of Qatar. So, in addition to the NFL, NBA, NHL and college football and basketball, you will be able to spend the next month watching the best 32 soccer teams in the world.
When you wake up in the morning, matches will already be on TV. Group-stage games will be broadcast at 5 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Fox, FS1 and Telemundo. Team USA plays its first game Monday at 2 p.m. against Wales. An estimated audience of 5 billion people is expected to tune in around the world.
The tournament is loaded with compelling story lines: Will Argentine legend Lionel Messi finally win a World Cup trophy? Will Brazil win its sixth World Cup? Can France repeat as champion? Is the young, inexperienced USA squad good enough to advance to the knockout stage? Will a stacked England team win it all?
We are about to find out.
This also is the first World Cup being held in the Middle East, and in a conservative Muslim country, which has presented challenges for an event that thrives on its rowdy party atmosphere and alcohol consumption.
For fans watching in South Florida, that will not be a problem. There may be no better World Cup party atmosphere in the United States than right here in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The area’s diversity is especially on display every four years during the World Cup, when fans proudly strut around town in their native country’s jerseys.
To get you prepared, here is the 2022 WORLD CUP ULTIMATE FAN GUIDE, which includes the full TV schedule, Groups, Star Players, and local Watch Parties.
When: Nov. 20–Dec. 18
Where: Doha, Qatar
Opening Game: Qatar vs. Ecuador, Sun. Nov. 20, 11 a.m. (FS1, Telemundo)
No. of Teams: 32
Past five champions:
2018: France (runner-up Croatia)
2014: Germany (runner-up Argentina)
2010: Spain (runner-up Netherlands)
2006: Italy (runner-up France)
2002: Brazil (runner-up Germany)
TV: Fox Sports, FS1, Telemundo (Full Day-By-Day Schedule below)
GROUPS:
A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
B: England, Iran, USA, Wales
C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
FAVORITES: Brazil, Argentina, England, France, Germany, Spain
OTHER DANGEROUS TEAMS: Denmark, Uruguay, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal (though loss of injured Sadio Mane is massive).
STAR PLAYERS: Lionel Messi (Argentina); Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal); Neymar (Brazil); (Eden Hazard (Belgium); Luis Suarez (Uruguay); Edinson Cavani (Uruguay); Harry Kane (England); Kylian Mbappe (France); Christian Pulisic (USA); Robert Lewandowski (Poland); Luka Modric (Croatia); Romelu Lukaku (Belgium); Virgil Van Dijk (Netherlands).
YOUNG GUNS: Pedri and Gavi (Spain); Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden (England); Jamal Musiala (Germany); Eduardo Camavinga (France).
SOUTH FLORIDA WATCH PARTIES
Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW 2nd Ave., Nov. 25-27: Peacock network is hosting a three-day festival with a larger-than-life responsive soccer ball. For each goal, the 33-foot-tall ball will light up in the team colors of the country that scored, accompanied by audio of Telemundo’s Andres Cantor’s legendary “Goool” call. Televisions will be set up for fans to watch the 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. matches, including USA v. England Nov. 25 and Argentina v. Mexico Nov. 26.
Dade County Fairgrounds, 10901 Coral Way, Nov. 25, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.: The fairgrounds will be transformed into a World Cup Fan Fest that will include interactive activities, vendors, food and drinks, VIP area. Famous local Freestylers will perform incredible tricks. DJ Laz and DJ Ill-Set will play music as Netherlands vs. Ecuador (11 a.m.) and USA vs. England (2 p.m.) matches will be shown on massive LED jumbotrons. Admission starts at $20. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-cup-miami-watch-event-2022-tickets-432987345807 for more info.
Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables: This Bavarian restaurant/bar has been an international soccer hot spot for decades. Many large screen TVs and lively crowds no matter who’s playing.
John Martin’s Irish Pub, 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables: The iconic Irish pub reopened its doors last week after 30 years and the revamped venue is throwing the ultimate World Cup watch party to celebrate its first week back in business! The pub will be broadcasting games all week long. Root for your favorite team while enjoying a cold beer and delicious Irish food. There are multiple flat screens and an extensive menu featuring Irish and American cuisine like the famous fish & chips, baby back ribs, over 300 types of Whiskey and beer, and cocktails.
Mickey Burkes British pub, 1265 Washington Ave., Miami Beach: Watch parties on 15 flat-screen TVs. The bar will open early for most games, including at 5 a.m. for Japan-Costa Rica on Nov. 27. Saturday and Sunday brunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekday games, $1 off select draft beers and $2 off game day-themed food specials. VIP table available for big games.
Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 1921 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood: The official bar for the Team USA American Outlaws’ Fort Lauderdale chapter. During USA games, Mickey Byrne’s will have extra TVs and bars outside.
The Pub Pembroke Pines, 237 SW 145th Ter., Pembroke Pines: Good spot for all matches, especially England.
Playwright Irish Pub, Miami Beach: Always a great spot for international soccer.
Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach: The hotel’s Bleau Bar (8 a.m.) and Arkadia Grill (10 a.m., 2 p.m.) will broadcast the World Cup matches live and offer country-themed special food and cocktails.
Veza Sur, Wynwood brewery: Broadcasting every game from a giant projector on the patio. Fans can enjoy $2 Brazilian Chopps during matches.
Shoma Bazaar, 9420 NW 41 St, Doral: Doral’s trendy food hall is bringing the World Cup to fans with a 20-foot by 12-foot big screen, and country-themed food and drink specials.
Batch Gastropub, 30 SW 12th St., Miami: Billed as the official “Brickell Budweiser Home for World Cup.” It will show all games that start at 10 a.m. or later on 16 screens and three 150-inch projectors.
Novecento Miami, 1414 Brickell Ave., Miami: If you want to watch the World Cup with Argentine fans, this is the place. They are taking reservations for special viewing parties and will have game-day menus.
The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub & Kitchen, 91 NW First St., Miami: This is where you will find England fans. Auld Dubliner will be serving classic Irish menu offerings, including Irish breakfast, and Guinness beer will be flowing.
Gramps, 76 NW 24th St., Wynwood: Another good spot for diehard English soccer fans.
Kush at Clevelander Sports Bar, 1020 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach: Twenty TVs. Fans wearing their team’s jersey will get a free shot for every goal scored. Those who order a beer or frozen cocktail during any game will be entered in the Golazo Sweepstakes.
Marina 84 Sports Bar, 2440 W. State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale: Three large projectors, drink specials for 2 p.m. weekday games.
305 Sports Bar, 919 Brickell Ave., Miami: Always a festive atmosphere for soccer viewing, especially when Spain plays.
Española Way, Between 14th and 15th streets, Miami Beach: Nightly street watch parties during the entire World Cup.
American Social, 690 SW 1st Ct, Miami: Country-themed drink specials during matches.
Bottled Blonde, 2838 NW 2 Ave., Bldg 2, Miami: 49 TVs, two 24-foot projector walls, and two 15-foot LED walls, Perfect spot for World Cup viewing.
Oasis Wynwood: Showing matches on big screens in the courtyard, many food options and drink specials.
DOM’s Brickell: Drink specials during USA matches.
La Santa Taqueria, 201 NE 82 St, Little Haiti: If you want a fun spot to watch Mexico matches, this is it. Food and drink specials for all Mexican games and other high-profile games
FULL TV SCHEDULE
Sunday, Nov. 20
Qatar vs. Ecuador, 11 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Monday, Nov. 21
England vs. Iran, 8 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Senegal vs. Netherlands, 11 a.m. ET on FOX
United States vs. Wales, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia, 5 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Denmark vs. Tunisia, 8 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Mexico vs. Poland, 11 a.m. ET on FOX
France vs. Australia, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Wednesday, Nov. 23
Morocco vs. Croatia, 5 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Germany vs. Japan, 8 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Spain vs. Costa Rica, 11 a.m. ET on FOX
Belgium vs. Canada, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Thursday, Nov. 24
Switzerland vs. Cameroon, 5 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Uruguay vs. South Korea, 8 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Portugal vs. Ghana, 11 a.m. ET on FOX
Brazil vs. Serbia, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Friday, Nov. 25
Wales vs. Iran, 5 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Qatar vs. Senegal, 8 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Netherlands vs. Ecuador, 11 a.m. ET on FOX
England vs. United States, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Saturday, Nov. 26
Tunisia vs. Australia, 5 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Poland vs. Saudi Arabia, 8 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
France vs. Denmark, 11 a.m. ET on FS1
Argentina vs. Mexico, 2 p.m. ET on FS1
Sunday, Nov. 27
Japan vs. Costa Rica, 5 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Belgium vs. Morocco, 8 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Croatia vs. Canada, 11 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Spain vs. Germany, 2 p.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Monday, Nov. 28
Cameroon vs. Serbia, 5 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
South Korea vs. Ghana, 8 a.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Brazil vs. Switzerland, 11 a.m. ET on FOX
Portugal vs. Uruguay, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Tuesday, Nov. 29
Netherlands vs. Qatar, 10 a.m. ET on *FOX
Ecuador vs. Senegal, 10 a.m. ET on *FS1, Telemundo
Wales vs. England, 2 p.m. ET on FS1, Telemundo
Iran vs. United States, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Wednesday, Nov. 30
Tunisia vs. France, 10 a.m. ET on *FOX
Australia vs. Denmark, 10 a.m. ET on *FS1, Telemundo
Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico, 2 p.m. ET on *FS1, Telemundo
Poland vs. Argentina, 2 p.m. ET on *FOX
Thursday, Dec. 1
Croatia vs. Belgium, 10 a.m. ET on *FOX
Canada vs. Morocco, 10 a.m. ET on *FS1, Telemundo
Japan vs. Spain, 2 p.m. ET on *FOX
Costa Rica vs. Germany, 2 p.m. ET on *FS1, Telemundo
Friday, Dec. 2
South Korea vs. Portugal, 10 a.m. ET on *FOX
Ghana vs. Uruguay, 10 a.m. ET on *FS1, Telemundo
Serbia vs. Switzerland, 2 p.m. ET on *FS1, Telemundo
Cameroon vs. Brazil, 2 p.m. ET on *FOX
ROUND OF 16
Saturday, Dec. 3
1A vs. 2B, 10 a.m. ET on FOX
1C vs. 2D, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Sunday, Dec. 4
1D vs. 2C, 10 a.m. ET on FOX
1B vs. 2A, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Monday, Dec. 5
1E vs. 2F, 10 a.m. ET on FOX
1G vs. 2H, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Tuesday, Dec. 6
1F vs. 2E, 10 a.m. ET on FOX
1H vs. 2G, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
QUARTERFINALS
Friday, Dec. 9
W53 vs. W54, 10 a.m. ET on FOX
W49 vs. W50, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Saturday, Dec. 10
W55 vs. W56, 10 a.m. ET on FOX
W51 vs. W52, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
SEMIFINALS
Tuesday, Dec. 13
W57 vs. W58, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
Wednesday, Dec. 14
W59 vs. W60, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
THIRD-PLACE MATCH
Saturday, Dec. 17
RU61 vs. RU62, 10 a.m. ET on FOX
FINAL
Sunday, Dec. 18
W61 vs. W62, 10 a.m. ET on FOX
