The biggest venues in Sunderland to watch England take on Panama in the World Cup
Ready to cheer on the lads?
The biggest ever World Cup is well underway, with 48 teams taking part in the Fifa 2026 tournament across three host nations.
UK audiences can enjoy the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, at home with games being shown by major broadcasters like ITV and BBC.
However, if you want to ramp up the atmosphere, pubs and bars across the city, from the Beehive to the Board Inn, Ashbrooke Sports Club and many more, will be screening the tournament for free.
And here’s some of the bigger venues to take in the action from across the pond on home turf:
The Fire Station World Cup Fanzone
The Fire Station has set up a World Cup fanzone in its FireSide marquee where you can enjoy matches including England’s group game against Croatia live on the giant screen with full commentary.
Frankie Francis, the voice of Sunderland AFC, will be the host and DJ for each fanzone, bringing you non-stop tunes and a carnival atmosphere. There will also be giveaways and prizes.
Tickets are £8 here: https://www.thefirestation.org.uk
Another of the biggest fanzones will be at Sunderland Live, formerly Rainton Arena.
It will be screening the big England games, with doors open until late.
It’s proving very popular, but any remaining tickets, priced from £6, are available here: https://www.rmarena.co.uk/
Stack Seaburn World Cup Takeover
It kicked off with the opening ceremony, and Stack Seaburn’s World Cup takeover will see some global additions throughout the tournament.
As well as screening the big games, the venue is offering a unique cocktail menu which pays tribute to the competing nations – but which will only be available as long as the country is in the running.
Once they’re knocked out the cocktail will also be removed from the list, until only the last few remain.
Attendees will also be able to get into the competitive spirits with an interactive football quiz , where visitors will be able to identify all 48 World Cup nations’ flags.
Every entrant will win a free drinks voucher which can be redeemed throughout July and August, with the overall winner receiving a £200 STACK gift card.
Entry is free.
Also on the seafront, These Things Happen in Roker will have all the action on the big screens, with extended hours throughout the tournament.
Roker Hotel will also be screening the match on the big screen in Poetic License.
The Saltgrass World Cup Marquee
The Saltgrass team has installed a large marquee in the pub grounds in Deptford as a weather-proof fan zone for screening World Cup matches.
There, you can watch : Wednesday 17 June - England v Croatia: Tuesday 23 June -- England v Ghana and Saturday 27 June -- England v Panama, all with a food pop up from Mexico 70 available.
There’s also a host of music and DJ sets taking place in the marquee across the summer.
Free entry and free parking.
World Cup Party, Sheepfolds Stables
Make the most of the big screen at Sheepfolds Stables which will be screening all the England games in the courtyard, as well as in The Taproom.
The party starts three hours before each kick off with host Rory Fallow, live entertainment from Pek and Wanley, interactive games, competitions and plenty of prizes.
Entry is free.
City centre bars
A host of city centre pubs will be screening the games
Sister sites Port of Call and Gatsby are two of the biggest bars in the city centre and both will be celebrating the World Cup.
Gatsby will be screening the big games and staying open later afterwards with live DJ sets.
Over the road, Port of Call is also running a special World Cup-themed menu including Mexican beef tacos.
In Vine Place, Ttonic will be screening every England group game live on the big screens with match-day drink offers.
And in Stockton Road, head to Chaplins for limited edition English ales including Three Hogs Golden Ale The Showboater Pale Ale.
Another of the big pubs popular for sports is The Canny Lad in Green Terrace and they’re encouraging people to get down early for the best seats for the big games.
Sports bar Streetbar in Low Row is another good spot for all the sporting action, from darts and F1 to the World Cup.
You can also head to The 3 Stories in High Street West to watch the England games. They’re running an offer for a free jug of Carling if you pre-book a table for £10.