The US is welcoming footballers from across the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Austin has caught the FIFA fever along with the rest of the country! While Austin isn’t an official match venue, the city is very much in the middle of the World Cup experience in several unique ways, and here’s how you and your family can be part of the action, too!
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Saudi Arabia’s Official World Cup Base Camp
Austin FC Facilities & Q2 Stadium
Saudi Arabia selected Austin as its official base camp, training at Austin FC’s facilities and Q2 Stadium between its group stage matches against Uruguay (June 15 in Miami), Spain (June 21 in Atlanta), and Cape Verde (June 26 in Houston). The squad is reportedly staying at the Four Seasons, and fans have already been able to see the team training around the city. This is the closest thing to a World Cup team in residence Austin has — and kids who are soccer fans may spot players around the city through late June.
Austin FC Soccer Celebration: Opening Weekend Watch Party
Auditorium Shores
June 11–12 | Auditorium Shores | Free (Registration Required)
Austin FC alongside Siete, Frost, YETI and H-E-B will transform Auditorium Shores into a free, premier fan destination hosting live viewings of the tournament’s four opening matches on large-scale video screens, with food and beverage offerings, a Michelob Ultra Beer Garden, and a family-friendly Little Legend Zone presented by P&G and H-E-B. The event begins at 12 PM CT each day.
Match schedule:
- June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa (2 PM CT), South Korea vs. Czechia (9 PM CT)
- June 12: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (2 PM CT), USA vs. Paraguay (8 PM CT)
Admission is free with registration required, subject to venue capacity of 5,000 on a first-come, first-served basis. Note: advance registration has already reached capacity, but walk-up entry may still be possible.
37-Day Official World Cup Hub
Casa Verde at Inn Cahoots
June 13–July 19
Beginning June 13, Austin FC transforms Inn Cahoots into a free, 37-day soccer hub showing every single FIFA World Cup 2026 match through the Final on July 19 — 100 matches, every day — with daily programming, live viewings, food and beverage offerings, and the full backing of Austin FC and FOX 7 Austin, the city’s official FIFA World Cup broadcaster.
ATX Fanfest
Domain NORTHSIDE
Saturday, June 20
Austin FC players Dani Pereira and Owen Wolff will be on-site for ATX Fan Fest at Domain NORTHSIDE for a meet-and-greet, along with photo ops, art installations, and a DJ. A great family outing — kids can meet actual Austin FC players during the height of World Cup excitement.
Day Trips to Texas Host Cities
The two closest official World Cup venues are both very drivable from Austin, for your superfans who can’t stand to miss out on the action!
Houston – NRG Stadium: — Houston hosts multiple group stage matches and bracket play. Houston also has a free, open-every-match-day FIFA Fan Festival at East Downtown.
Dallas (Arlington) – AT&T Stadium: The Jerrydome hosts nine matches: five group stage games (June 14, 17, 22, 25, 27), two Round of 32 matches (June 30, July 3), a Round of 16 match (July 6), and a semifinal on July 14. Marquee matchups include Netherlands vs. Japan (June 14), England vs. Croatia (June 17), Argentina vs. Austria (June 22), and Jordan vs. Argentina (June 27).
Watch Parties at Austin Bars & Breweries
- Parley will show all games with rotating $3.65 drink specials inspired by the countries playing.
- The Quill Room is hosting dedicated watch parties for USA vs. Paraguay on June 12 and USA vs. Turkey on June 25, each with craft cocktails and a live DJ set after the match.
- Haymaker is soccer bar year-round — not just during the World Cup — so you’ll be surrounded by passionate fans for every match. They’ll be kicking things off with a full day of FIFA fun on Friday, June 12, with a pre-party from 12:00-5 with local vendors and giveaways, followed by the Canada world cup match at 2 and the US world cup match at 5.
- Scholz Garden has a solid month of all-ages watch parties from June 11 – July 19 with food and drink specials.
- Mister Tramp’s Sports Bar & Cafe wants to be your home for all Fifa World Cup Games! Come enjoy food & drink specials all tournament long!
Austin may not be a host city, but between the Saudi team training at Q2, 39 days of free watch parties all over the city, ATX Fanfest with player appearances, and easy day trips to Dallas and Houston, Austin families have a genuinely world-class World Cup experience right in their backyard all summer!
