Watching the 2026 World Cup in Amsterdam – these are the places to be
The FIFA World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada, with the final on July 19, is about to kick off (on June 11). The matches will be played in 16 stadiums spread across 16 cities in North America. The opening match takes place in Mexico City and the final in New Jersey. Of course, you don't have to fly all the way there to watch a game, oh no! You can do that comfortably in one of the pubs and cafes in Amsterdam listed below. All the party, none of the mess. Oh, and get ready... Due to the distance, there is naturally a significant time difference. This World Cup will result in a number of late nights, long nights, and early mornings, but hopefully also plenty of fun (and a trophy – a bit optimistic, I suppose).
Sooooo... Where are we going to look?
- With the new Café Restaurant De Baanderij On the IJ in North Amsterdam, you can watch all of the Dutch national team's matches on large indoor screens, with cold beer and burgers. Reservations aren't necessary; just pop in. There's plenty of room. Want a good spot? Then you need to arrive on time. Tip: first, relax on the huge terrace.
- At Bar Botanique Watch Tunisia – Netherlands on June 25th. To make it even more fun, you and your mates can get a pitcher of beer + burger for €30! Go Holland Go!
- Also Hannekes Boom is participating in the World Cup. Just drop by with your friends (no reservation needed), pull up a chair, watch the match together (everything involving the Dutch team is broadcast), and let those pitchers of beer flow.
- Also with Bar Billie Our Orange team's matches are broadcast on big screens. Expect cold beer, Aperol, and a healthy dose of fun here.
- Where would we go look ourselves, you might ask? Probably at the VondeltuinDuring the World Cup, it transforms into an Orange Garden where you can watch the matches. A slightly friendlier place that screams BEER a little less. Reservations are not possible, but arriving on time is.
- plek broadcasts all Dutch matches, and regardless of the result, the semi-finals and the final as well. All on a big screen by the water. There is plenty of space (as we have come to expect from Noord) and a DJ spins the tunes throughout the match. Oh, and the best part? Admission is free.
- At Bar Botanique en Bar Bukowski (owned by the same owner) all matches of the Dutch national team are also broadcast here. Delicious bites and a very nice atmosphere here too. Want to be sure you have a spot? Then make a reservation.
- Café Thijssen is perhaps the finest traditional pub we know. Perhaps because the drinks menu is an absolute treat. Here you can watch all of the Dutch national team's afternoon and evening matches.
- The Willem Shows all of the Dutch national team's matches indoors on a big screen. Here you watch the matches with oysters and scallops.
- Netherlands-Sweden Looking for a view at one of the most beautiful spots in Amsterdam, right in the middle of Vondelpark? Off to Café Vertigo.
- And at The Great Milk House, You can also watch Netherlands-Sweden with the whole family in Vondelpark. There is plenty of room for the kids, who might get bored after a while, to run around and entertain themselves.
- At Café Nieuw Amsterdam It is time for beer, burgers, and plenty of cheering (hoping it takes the Oranges to the final). When the weather is nice, the terrace or the courtyard (a favorite) is a fantastic place to sit, but otherwise, it is very cozy inside as well. You can simply watch all of our Lions' matches here.
- At The Beer Garden Time to cheer and drink pitchers. Pitchers of lager from €17.50 and pitchers of craft beer from €20!
- During the World Cup, broadcasts We Are EDN (right next to Central Station) all matches that fall within the opening hours (from 12 to 23 hours). In addition, there are special World Cup promotions: pitchers of beer, burgers with an orange bun (yes, really) and World Cup-headbands to get completely into the mood.
- At Rust You not only watch all of the Dutch national team's matches, but you are also treated to an appetizer inspired by the Netherlands' opponent during every match.
- Also with The Green Elephant all matches of our Lions are watched on a big screen (at least indoors, and also outdoors depending on the weather and the time).
- When Hans Brinker Hostel Watch the World Cup alongside travelers and football fans from all over the world. All of the Dutch national team's matches are broadcast on big screens with sound, cold beer, and a nice, lively atmosphere. Extra fun: there are matching snacks for every opponent. And if the Netherlands scores? Then the bitterballen go around.
- Rain or shine, sooner or later: at Arie Watch all of our Dutch national team's matches on the big screen, both indoors and outdoors, right in the middle of De Pijp.
- IJver is going big again this year. With plenty of indoor and outdoor space, seating and standing areas, and large screens, of course. You do have tickets necessary, but then your (alcohol-free) beer is included. Win.
- At Bathhouse You can see the Dutch team shine on a big screen. And on the 20th and 26th, you can also dance for the rest of the evening, because cool DJs will be playing.
- At Café de Youth All Dutch matches will also be broadcast. And we have heard that enthusiastic shouting is allowed.
- On to Caravan before and after, all eyes on Orange. You can watch all of our Lions' matches here.
- At Kiebêrt five big screens, beer, bitterballen and a great atmosphere. Arriving on time is the way to go for the best spot!
- Tapmarin broadcasts all major matches, including of course the Dutch national team, until 3 AM. Nice extra: you can rent your own beer tap here.
- Also Whale is from the Orange party. Here you can enjoy a lovely look inside with burgers.
If you happen to have a flight during a match, there is no need to worry: orange-lovers Rightly so: Schiphol, Nike, the KNVB, and Enticon are opening a World Cup pop-up at the airport. The official Oranje pop-up is located in Lounge 2. With the World Cup approaching, the pop-up store is the place to be for fans, according to Schiphol. Supporters traveling to the World Cup can already get into the mood here. The store features the complete Nike collection for the Dutch national team, from official home and away shirts to tracksuits, pre-match wear, balls, and caps. The collection is available for fans of all ages, from the very youngest to adults. The Oranje pop-up store is located in Lounge 2, behind security control. For intercontinental travelers, Lounge 2 and Lounge 3 are closely connected; those who have seen all the shops and food and beverage outlets in one lounge can easily walk to the other lounge via the Holland Boulevard.
So, we think this is a really great initiative: a watch party entirely by women, organized by Estavana Polman in collaboration with Heinz. The reason? Many women don't always identify with traditional football culture, where the emphasis often lies on analysis, statistics, and the match itself. For many women, a match is also about the experience surrounding it: watching together, enjoying good food, and having a fun evening with girlfriends. That is why she is calling on women to watch matches together this summer. Completely. Agree. And so, on June 20, Estavana is organizing a watch parties especially for women during Netherlands – Sweden in Amsterdam.
Actually, the Japanese person isBy far the most fitting place to watch Netherlands vs. Japan on June 14. The match will be broadcast on a big screen at all three locations (De Pijp, West, and South). It will be football watching with Ebi Frys, cold drinks, sake, and a cozy mix of Dutch and Japanese atmosphere. Tip: enjoy a delicious meal first and then hang around for the match.
You make a reservation here.
East Beach (on the roof of Orchid House, overlooking Oosterpark) is the place for sunny Amsterdam summer evenings. As soon as the sun comes out, this rooftop terrace (with room for 400 people!) transforms into a city beach, where you can fully get that holiday feeling after work or on your day off… Without having to leave the city. Even though Strand van Oost is brand new, they are immediately pulling out all the stops for the World Cup. On a big screen, while enjoying delicious bites and ice-cold drinks, you watch the Dutch matches at this World Cup with your feet in the sand. And the best part? After the matches (which the Netherlands is going to win, of course), you keep the party going.
For 11 euros you buy here a ticket.
This summer, watch all of the Dutch national team's matches live at cellarsNo overcrowded pubs, no pushing at the bar, but simply from your own table with friends with a view of the big screen. And the best part: you don't even have to get up for a cold beer. The staff will simply keep circulating during the match to refill your glasses. Especially for the World Cup, there is also a Cantine bar menu featuring snacks, sweets, shrimp croquettes, magnums of champagne, and an extensive wine selection. Those who want to start the evening on a more substantial note can join us for dinner beforehand, featuring, for example, bavette with peppercorn sauce (€24,50). A ticket costs 10 euros and includes a table seat as standard.
You get tickets here.
Happen to be near Rotterdam during the World Cup? And a big World Cup fan (even outside of our Oranje)? Then you simply have to check out Rotterdam's biggest World Cup pub. From Thursday, June 11, Villa Kakelbont Completely dedicated to the World Cup. During the tournament, the living room café broadcasts not only the Dutch national team's matches, but every match that falls within opening hours. With at least three large screens, match pools, stamp cards, and halftime entertainment, Villa Kakelbont aims to become the World Cup headquarters of Rotterdam. Admission is free, reservations are not required, and those who predict smartly can even win something. Maybe swap Amsterdam for Rotterdam this World Cup after all? Wink.
Of course, we faithfully follow every match of the Dutch national team. But where we do that varies from time to time. We don't always feel like going to a massive party for which you have to buy tickets well in advance. Sometimes staying at home on the couch is just fine. Or simply in a café or pub with a TV, where you can get something to eat and drink for a reasonable price and which isn't necessarily hip or fancy. That's why we've created this list of great places in Amsterdam to watch the Dutch team:
- Aran Irish Pub (all matches of the Dutch national team)
- Rokin 85 Gastropub (all World Cup matches until 12 o'clock)
- O'Reilly's Irish Pub (all matches of the Dutch national team)
- Tapmarin (all major matches, including the Dutch national team)
- O'Donnell's Amsterdam (all World Cup matches)
- The Papist Island (all matches of the Dutch national team)
Beach South was quick off the mark again and is organizing Strandoranje once more. A huge orange party by the water where the matches are broadcast on a big screen, the beer is served nice and cold, and fun DJs come to spin the best tunes. You couldn't see our Lions shine in a more festive atmosphere. Oh, and there will be dancing too, so don't worry. So, even for the 'not-so-big football fan', it's a huge party. Ticket sales for the first two matches have already started. A ticket costs only 15 euros. Be quick, because once they're gone, they're gone!
Buying here your ticket(s).
Okay, okay, watching the Netherlands in the pub might indeed sound cozier, but secretly, it is more unique, isn't it? And don't underestimate it. With a room full of Orange fans, top-quality on the screen, and clear sound from all angles, you almost get the feeling that you are sitting in the stadium. Pathe has been broadcasting the Netherlands at major tournaments on their big screens for years and by now even dares to call it a tradition. And with Curaçao's remarkable qualification this year, that match could not be missing from the program either. After all, they made history by qualifying for the World Cup under Dick Advocaat as the smallest country ever. Oh, and Pathé Arena is not the only one faithfully participating in this tradition again. Pathé Amsterdam Noord is also showing a number of matches, and various Pathés in other cities are participating as well.
Heineken ensures you watch this World Cup in style with 'The Pilsjama': The official get-out-of-bed outfit. With this, you'll look great as a football fan. Or is it night? Because the World Cup is being held in Canada, the US, and Mexico this year, the matches will sometimes be in the late hours. Still, we have to say that the Pilsjama is also absolutely fun enough for the pub or an Orange Square. How would we style it? The Pilsjama open and a summery top underneath. For everyone who wants to watch the match together, there are also Pilsjama parties throughout the country in Heineken cafés and pubs. The first Pilsjama party is during the farewell match on June 3rd at De Kuip.
The Heineken Pilsjama is temporarily available from June 1st in an 8-pack of Heineken Original and an 8-pack of Heineken 0.0 at Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Poiesz, Spar, Dirk, Deka, Hoogvliet, Vomar, Plus, and Boon. While stocks last!
Top 10 most searched destinations in the United States among Dutch travelers during the World Cup period
1. New York (-45% YoY: Year-over-Year)
2. Los Angeles (-28% YoY)
3. Miami (-25% YoY)
4. Las Vegas (-32% YoY)
5. Houston (+748% YoY)
6. Orlando (-41% YoY)
7. Miami Beach (-22% YoY)
8. San Francisco (-41% YoY)
9. Dallas (+846% YoY)
10. Kansas City (+3500% YoY)
All the host cities where the Dutch national team plays during the group stage are in the top 10 most searched destinations in the US: Houston, Dallas, and Kansas City. Remarkably, these are also the only cities on the list showing a strong year-on-year increase in search queries from Dutch travelers.
More tips
-
Vin Fou: new French spot on JP Heijestraat, Amsterdam (opening September 2026)
-
The holiday season has started again: these are the ultimate Schiphol hacks from team Barts Boekje
-
The best beach holiday of this summer is simply the Netherlands, specifically on the beach of North Holland.
-
New restaurants in Amsterdam: This is the Barts Boekje list
-
WILS Café Amsterdam: new establishment by Joris Bijdendijk on the Weesperzijde
-
Rotate Amsterdam: eating and dancing (almost) on Leidseplein
-
Vermut Amsterdam, the new drinks hangout in Amsterdam West
-
Het Broeker Huis (Broek in Waterland, North Holland) is that cool, no-nonsense place you were looking for.
-
The best addresses for a day in the Hanseatic city of Deventer
-
Weekend tips: July 3 to 5 (and more)