Last Updated on 11 June 2026 by Dave King
The 2026 World Cup is here, running from 11 June to 19 July, and Brighton has some brilliant places to catch the action. From the city’s huge new fan zone at the Amex to seafront sports bars and cosy neighbourhood pubs, there is somewhere to suit every kind of fan. This guide covers where to watch the World Cup in Brighton, the best spots for England’s games, and the practical things worth knowing, like the late kick-off times and why booking ahead is a good idea.
England are in Group L this time, and with the games coming from across the Atlantic, kick-offs are in the evening UK time, perfect for a night out watching the football.
Venues Featured in This Guide
| Venue | Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Terrace, the Amex | Falmer | The big fan-zone experience |
| Central Park | Brighton Beach | A 5,000-capacity beach fanpark |
| Brighton Palace Pier | Seafront | A giant outdoor screen by the sea |
| Bench Bar | Seafront | Big screens by the West Pier |
| Metropole Bar | Seafront | All three England games |
| The King & Queen | Central | The city’s largest sports bar |
| North Laine Brewhouse | Central | A favourite for big matches |
Table of Contents
The Amex Fan Zone
One of the standout places to watch the World Cup in Brighton is The Terrace, the fan zone at Brighton & Hove Albion’s American Express Stadium. Opened in 2025, it is the largest fan zone in the Premier League, with a covered capacity of 1,000 that expands to around 3,000 when the outdoor space is open. For the World Cup it is putting on big-screen screenings of England’s games, with wraparound screens, street food from local kitchens and a proper matchday atmosphere.
It is a short hop out to Falmer on the train (the stadium has its own station), and it is the closest thing Brighton has to being in a stadium crowd without leaving the city. For England’s group games especially, this should be one of the biggest, loudest crowds in the city.
Watching by the Sea
Few cities can offer a World Cup screening right on the beach, but Brighton can. Brighton Palace Pier is showing many of the tournament’s fixtures on a large outdoor screen, with Horatios Bar on the pier also putting games on its screens, so you can watch with the sea on both sides of you. It is right alongside the main Brighton beach, so you can make an evening of it.
The other big seafront option is Central Park on Brighton Beach, a 5,000-capacity open-air fanpark at the Black Rock site run by fanpark specialists 4theFans. It is putting on ticketed screenings of all England’s group games and the World Cup final on a giant screen, with a big sound system, DJs, food and drink and a proper beach-party atmosphere. Match-day sessions open before kick-off, with times varying by fixture, and tickets are best booked in advance.
Along the seafront, Bench Bar, by the West Pier, is a dedicated sports bar with big screens and sea views to go with the football. OHSO Social, on the beach near the pier, has a large heated and covered terrace, making it a good shout whatever the weather. Over in Hove, The Pub at Rockwater shows the standout fixtures and keeps a football page on its website so you can check what is on.
Pubs Showing England’s Games
If you want to be among England fans for the Three Lions’ matches, a few pubs are making a point of showing every game. The Metropole Bar on the seafront is screening all three of England’s group games on a big screen. Up in Hanover, The Hartington is a friendly neighbourhood local with a popular beer garden and matchday drink offers, a great spot to watch with a relaxed crowd away from the busy centre.
Shelter Hall, the seafront food hall, is also showing the tournament, and its Skylark space can be booked for a private matchday setup with its own bar and screen. For something a little out of the centre, The Railway Inn in Portslade is a large community pub doing team-themed food and deals through the World Cup.
Classic Sports Bars
Brighton has plenty of reliable sports bars that show all the big football, and any of them is a solid place to watch the World Cup in Brighton. The King & Queen bills itself as the city’s largest sports bar, with huge projector screens across the venue. North Laine Brewhouse is a longtime favourite for big matches, pairing its own beers with the football. The Font has screens wherever you look and a lively, party feel, while the Lion & Lobster is showing World Cup fixtures on its screens, with booking recommended for England matches. Walkabout, the Australian-style bar, has large HD screens and the full range of sports channels.
England’s World Cup Fixtures
England begin their Group L campaign with three evening kick-offs (all times UK):
- England v Croatia: Wednesday 17 June, 9pm, on ITV1
- England v Ghana: Tuesday 23 June, 9pm, on BBC One
- Panama v England: Saturday 27 June, 10pm, on ITV1
Because the tournament is being played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the games come on later in the evening here, which makes them ideal for heading out to watch. If England progress, the knockout games run into July, with the final on Sunday 19 July.
Tips for Matchday
A few things are worth knowing before you go. For England’s games especially, the best spots fill up fast, so book a table or arrive early if you can. The late kick-offs mean some venues run special late hours during the tournament, but it is worth checking, as not every pub stays open to the final whistle on the latest games. And because which pub is showing which game can change, a quick check of a venue’s website or a call ahead saves disappointment, particularly for the smaller group-stage fixtures that not everywhere will screen.
FAQs
Where is the best place to watch the World Cup in Brighton?
For the biggest fan-zone atmosphere, The Terrace at the Amex and Central Park on Brighton Beach are the two headline options. For something more casual by the sea, Brighton Palace Pier has a large outdoor screen, and seafront sports bars like Bench Bar are excellent too.
Where can I watch England’s games in Brighton?
The Metropole Bar is showing all three of England’s group games, while The Terrace at the Amex and Central Park on Brighton Beach are both screening England matches in a bigger fan-zone setting. Most of the city’s sports pubs, including the King & Queen and North Laine Brewhouse, will have them on as well.
What time are England’s World Cup games?
England play Croatia on 17 June at 9pm, Ghana on 23 June at 9pm, and Panama on 27 June at 10pm, all UK time. The late kick-offs are because the tournament is being held in North America.
Do I need to book to watch the World Cup at a Brighton pub?
For England’s games and the busier fixtures, yes, it is worth booking a table or arriving early, as the best spots get very busy. For quieter group-stage games you can usually walk in.
Is there a fan zone in Brighton for the World Cup?
Yes, two big ones. The Terrace at the Amex Stadium, the largest fan zone in the Premier League, is hosting World Cup screenings with big screens, bars and street food. There is also Central Park on Brighton Beach, a 5,000-capacity open-air beach fanpark showing England’s games and the final on a giant screen.
Final Thoughts
Wherever you want to watch the World Cup in Brighton, the city has it covered, from the giant fan zones at the Amex and Central Park to a screen on the pier, friendly locals and big-screen sports bars. Round up your friends, pick your spot, and enjoy a summer of football by the sea. Just remember to book ahead for the England games.
