Somerville's Guide for the 2026 World Cup

Somerville invites local bars, cafes, restaurants, and other businesses to join the festivities by transforming into themed match-day viewing venues. Below, find tips and information on how your business can participate. 

Extend your business hours

Somerville's Licensing Commission has approved extended hours for currently licensed Somerville restaurants and businesses to operate from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m., with alcohol service from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., to accommodate patrons before and after games. Businesses may only serve alcohol if they already hold the required license. 

Submit requests for extended operating hours through our online form with intended dates at least 24 hours prior to the first day of planned extended hours. There is no fee for this change and no limit to the number of dates you can request.

Broadcasting games at your business

Only establishments with active entertainment licenses are allowed to broadcast live sports, movies, and games. All licensed entertainment devices must be inside and facing into your business.

Which streaming services should I use?

In the U.S., businesses must show 2026 World Cup match-day coverage via FOX/FS1, which hold the exclusive English-language rights, and Telemundo/Universo, the official Spanish-language broadcasters—both airing all 104 matches live. Services such as YouTube TV, Fubo, or Peacock Premium may be used, but you must ensure the subscription permits commercial (not just residential) use.

What should I avoid?

Avoid presenting your event or promotion as “official” unless you have formal authorization from FIFA. You cannot use the official FIFA logo or emblems in your marketing. Watch parties must remain free of charge to be considered "public screenings." Ticketed events require explicit permission from FIFA.

Want the City to highlight your public events?

Highlight your business to incoming visitors by listing dining deals, and special offers. You can submit events to be featured on the City social media channels/ websites/ flyering by filling out this form or emailing economicdevelopment@somervillema.gov.

Questions? 

Contact the Economic Development division at economicdevelopment@somervillema.gov or attend their weekly Small Business Virtual Office Hours on Thursdays 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom.

Download a June calendar here.

Thursday, 25 June 2026

• Curaçao v Côte d'Ivoire – Group E - Philadelphia Stadium
• Ecuador v Germany – Group E - New York New Jersey Stadium
• Japan v Sweden – Group F - Dallas Stadium
• Tunisia v Netherlands – Group F - Kansas City Stadium
• Türkiye v USA - Group D – Los Angeles Stadium
• Paraguay v Australia – Group D - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

Friday, 26 June 2026

• Norway v France – Group I - Boston Stadium
• Senegal v Iraq – Group I - Toronto Stadium
• Egypt v IR Iran – Group G - Seattle Stadium
• New Zealand v Belgium – Group G - BC Place Vancouver
• Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia – Group H - Houston Stadium
• Uruguay v Spain – Group H - Guadalajara Stadium

Saturday, 27 June 2026

• Panama v England – Group L - New York New Jersey Stadium
• Croatia v Ghana – Group L - Philadelphia Stadium
• Algeria v Austria – Group J - Kansas City Stadium
• Jordan v Argentina – Group J - Dallas Stadium
• Colombia v Portugal – Group K - Miami Stadium
• Congo DR v Uzbekistan – Group K - Atlanta Stadium

Sunday, 28 June 2026

• Match 73 – Group A runners-up v Group B runners-up - Los Angeles Stadium

Check out the list below for opportunities in Somerville where you can enjoy the World Cup games.

Visit FIFA's official website for all match times and additional information.

Ready to promote your business' extended hours or watch parties? Fill out this form to get started. 

The Somerville Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with local business districts, community partners, and municipal stakeholders, is pleased to present a series of free, family-friendly soccer public viewing parties across Somerville, Massachusetts.

These events will bring together residents, businesses, and visitors to celebrate soccer through inclusive, community-centered programming that supports local economic activity and reflects Somerville’s diverse global communities.

Event Overview

The Somerville Soccer Viewing Party Series will consist of outdoor public viewing events. Each event will feature:

• Large-scale outdoor LED screens for live match viewing
• Multilingual broadcast access, including:                    
  • Portuguese-language radio broadcast (Nossa radio is a Somerville company)
  • English-language televised broadcast
  • Spanish-language televised broadcast for Spanish-speaking matches
• Local food vendors and restaurants
• Family-friendly activities and cultural programming
• Live music and/or DJs featuring local artists

The series is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and culturally responsive, with intentional alignment to the communities represented across Somerville.

Click on the links below for locations and to register to attend: 

• July 7, 3-7 p.m. 
  • Where: Capuano School, Glen Field, 150 Glen St.
• July 9, 3-7 p.m. 
  • Where: 260 Elm. St. 
• July 19, 2-7 p.m.,
  • Where: Union Square Plaza 

Global Grooves: Rhythms of the Game, a celebration of music, culture, and community

The World Cup delivers a once in a lifetime soundtrack: roaring anthems, jubilant cheers, and plenty of music. Inspired by the energy of the ongoing tournament, Somerville invites all to ‘Global Grooves: Rhythms of the Game,’ a celebration of music, culture, and community, on Saturday, July 11, from 12 to 4 p.m., on the City Hall concourse (93 Highland Ave.). Rain date is Sunday, July 12. 

During the event, Somerville's City Hall concourse will transform into a vibrant gathering space for an afternoon of live music, DJs, cultural performances, soccer ball juggling, family-friendly activities, food and beverages, and opportunities for community organizations to engage with attendees. 

Global Grooves is presented by EventThem, with support from the Somerville Arts and Culture Division (formerly the Somerville Arts Council), and funding from the City of Somerville. Local businesses, community organizations, and cultural partners are invited to participate as sponsors, vendors, and collaborators. Interested sponsors and participants can contact EventThem at info@eventthem.com. 

For more information on Global Grooves, visit somervilleartscouncil.org/events/global-grooves. 

SomerCup is a community-wide soccer tournament co-hosted by Somerville Recreation and the Office of Immigrant Affairs. Games will take place in July at Dilboy Stadium (110 Alewife Brook Parkway) and are being planned for community members, including residents, businesses, organizations, and city staff, from children to adults:

• Sunday, July 12, 12 to 5 p.m.: Kindergarten to Grade 4
  • Join us at Dilboy before the tournament for a soccer clinic with the New England Revolution
    • For ages 8 to 13
    • Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
    • Register here.
    • Flyers: English, Espanol
• Monday, July 13, 5 to 10 p.m.: Adults (ages 18 and up)
• Friday, July 17, 1:30 to 5 p.m.: Grades 5 to 8 and 9 to 12

Register individually or as a team (8 to 10 players) now through Monday, July 6 at bit.ly/somercup.