The World Cup is back, and you don’t need a ticket to North America’s biggest football party. The Glebe has you covered.
Introduction
Every four years, the world stops. Offices empty out mid-afternoon, strangers become best friends over a last-minute goal, and the beautiful game takes over every screen in sight. This summer, it’s happening right here in our backyard.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. This marks the third time ever that Canada will be participating. With matches kicking off all summer long, The Glebe is shaping up to be one of Ottawa’s best places to soak it all in.
Whether you’re a lifelong football fanatic or someone who discovers a deep passion for the sport every four years (no judgment), this guide is your go-to for finding the perfect spot in The Glebe to catch the action.
Quick World Cup Primer
Not totally caught up on the tournament? Here’s what you need to know before you pull up a barstool.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament ever played, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 stadiums spread between three host nations. Meaning more drama, more upsets and more excuses to be at your favourite pub on a Wednesday morning.
Canada is in Group B and will open against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto, before travelling west to Vancouver for their remaining fixtures.
One thing to keep in mind: because the tournament is hosted across North American time zones, many group stage matches will kick off in the morning or early afternoon Eastern Time. That means breakfast pints, early lunch spreads and midday crowds are all very much part of the 2026 World Cup experience. Plan accordingly!
The Spots: Bars and Pubs in The Glebe
Glebe Central Pub | 779 Bank Street
The Glebe Central Pub is the official Ottawa home for England’s Viewing Parties during the FIFA World Cup! Come by on June 17, 2026, to watch England’s kick off in Group L at 4 pm. Cheer on some of your favourite players, like Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Marcus Rashford.
Vibe: Neighbourhood Pub, known affectionately as “Ottawa’s Temple of Football”. Best for the Big-Game Atmosphere!
Atmosphere: Cozy, lived-in, locals-and-supporters-club energy
Screen Setup: Multiple TVs throughout the pub (and on the patio) with sound up for marquee fixtures
Food & Drink Highlights: Pub classics, brunch menu (handy for morning kickoffs), and a deep craft beer/whisky list. Patio open 11am to 2am daily.
Reservation Policy: Walk-in for most matches; for official England Viewing Parties and Canada games, call ahead or arrive early.
Jack Astor’s Lansdowne | 425 Marché Way, Unit 101
Jack Astor’s Lansdowne is going all-in on the World Cup. With 40 beers on tap and Ottawa memorabilia on the walls, the Lansdowne flagship is positioning itself as a full-on sports destination for the tournament within restaurant activations, exclusive merch, swag giveaways, and a Michelob-fuelled tournament program. They will also be launching their new summer food and drink menu. 8 new dishes and 10 new drinks!
Vibe: Loud, fun, family –welcome. Best for Mixed Groups!
Atmosphere: High-energy and well-suited to mixed groups (the football fanatic, the reluctant partner, the kid who just wants nachos)
Screen Setup: TVs throughout the dining room and bar; main game on the big screens with sound for marquee fixtures.
Food & Drink Highlights: Brand-new summer Food Feature menu with eight new dishes, plus a new summer drinks menu featuring ten new pours. Pick up an exclusive Soccer Boot beer glass with the purchase of any Michelob product (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Keep an eye out for the in-restaurant draw! Jack’s is giving away two tickets to a Toronto World Cup match (see in restaurant for details).
Reservation Policy: Reservations recommended for Canada matches and weekends.
Local Public Eatery | 826 Exhibition Way, Unit 107
LOCAL is here to make the World Cup extra fun! The Lansdowne pub will show every single match of the tournament with Team Canada games getting top priority, kicking the whole thing off with a World Cup Launch Party on May 24, the same day the FIFA Trophy rolls into Lansdowne Park. Patio open, indoor-outdoor flow at its best, and reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. Diners can also scan an in-restaurant QR code to enter to win a trip for two to a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage match.
Vibe: Neighbourhood public house with a patio-first personality. Best for a relaxed watch!
Atmosphere: Lively but not overwhelming; great for casual viewers, big groups, and post-match hangouts. Bocce and cornhole on the patio, shuffleboard inside.
Screen Setup: TVs across the bar and patio area
Food & Drink Highlights: LOCAL has partnered with Michelob for the full tournament, so expect Michelob to be the featured beer all summer long.
Reservation Policy: First-come, first-served, both indoor and outdoor. Make sure to get there early for the May 24 Launch Party!
The Senate Tavern on Bank | 640 Bank Street
If your World Cup viewing requires a big screen, lots of seating, and a big appetite, The Senate is built for the job. The sports tavern has multiple TV’s, comfortable seating and great food.
Vibe: Sports bar with a neighbourhood friendliness. Best for catching every detail!
Atmosphere: Lots of seating, sound on for the main game (even pumped into the washrooms, so you never miss a goal)
Screen Setup: Lots of TVs inside at every angle
Food & Drink Highlights: Elevated pub menu. Their burgers and the Senate Caesar are the local picks. Plus a strong craft beer selection and rotating specials.
Reservation Policy: Reservations available but walk-ins welcome
Craft Beer Market | 975 Bank Street
With over 100 beers on tap and capacity for around 500 guests, CRAFT is built for big-event days. The room is dramatic, with floor-to-ceiling windows, warm wood accents and the menu is designed to pair with beer (fried chicken, eggs benedict for morning kickoffs, wood-fired pizzas).
Vibe: Lively destination restaurant and craft-beer hall steps from Lansdowne. Best for large groups!
Atmosphere: Buzzy, group-friendly, and well-suited to big crowds without feeling chaotic.
Screen Setup: Multiple screens throughout the dining room and bar
Food & Drink Highlights: Over 100 taps, plus a brunch menu for early kickoffs and Happy Hour daily 2–5 pm and 9 pm to close.
Reservation Policy: Reservations strongly recommended.
Practical Tips for World Cup Viewing in The Glebe
A little preparation goes a long way, especially when half of Ottawa has the same idea as you.
Get there early. For high-profile matches (anything involving Canada) expect venues to fill up well before kickoff. Showing up 30 to 45 minutes ahead is a safe bet. For the bigger knockout rounds, an hour early isn’t overkill.
Know the kick-off times. The schedule spans morning, afternoon, and evening slots. Some of the most exciting group stage matches may air as early as 9 or 10 AM ET. Check the FIFA match schedule ahead of the week and plan your mornings around it.
Reserve when you can. If a venue takes reservations, you should do so! For walk-in-only spots, arriving early really does matter.
Getting there. The Glebe is easily accessible by OC Transpo along Bank Street, and there are bike lanes throughout the neighbourhood if you’re coming from nearby. If you’re driving, be aware that street parking can get tight on busy match days, instead opt to park at the Second Avenue Garage or at Lansdowne Park’s underground parking. Both options also offer all day parking passes.
Dress the part. There’s no better excuse to break out the Canadian jersey, not just the official Fifa Team. Some shops to get your Canadian gear at: Sporting Life, The Jungle, and Bad Dog Co for those vintage jerseys. Also, stop by The Flag Shop to grab your teams’ flags and pins. Wearing your colours adds to the atmosphere and may just help your team.
Closing
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just another tournament. It’s the largest in the history of the sport, it’s happening in our corner of the world, and Canada is playing in it. That combination doesn’t come around often, and it certainly won’t feel the same watching it alone on your couch.
The Glebe has everything you need to make this summer’s football a proper occasion: good bars, great patios, and the kind of neighbourhood energy that makes a shared goal feel like a street party. Get your spots scoped out early, save this guide, and we’ll see you on Bank Street when Canada scores.
