Recently, Rednote (Xiaohongshu) has announced that it is one of the official licensed broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning you can now watch all 104 games at the tournament for free on the social media platform, all from the comfort of your home.

But as we all know, whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, the best way to really enjoy a game is to watch it live with fellow football fans, where we can cheer, laugh, jeer, cry and enjoy good games of football together as a community.

For an even more authentic experience, it is paramount to have a brew of ice-cold beer to go alongside the rowdy atmosphere. That's right, a sports bar is perfect for this. Here are eight sports bars you can consider visiting in Shanghai to watch the games live and cheer your favorite team on at the World Cup.

1) Cages

One of the mainstay premier sports bars in Shanghai, Cages is an entertainment mega-complex (batting cages, squash courts, massive multi-game screens), making it the ultimate spot for global events like the World Cup.

Opening hours:

Mondays to Fridays: 11am-2am

Saturdays and Sundays: 9am-2am

Address: 2/F, 325 Changhua Rd 昌化路325号2楼

2) Parlay – Restaurant and Sports Bar

Another popular sports bar in Jing'an District, Parlay is a happening place attracting many people from all walks of life, from all across the globe. With DJs spinning the decks, enjoy the smoky barbecue meats and watch the World Cup with an international crowd.

Opening hours: 11am-2am

Address: 358 Kangding Rd 康定路358号

3) Big Bamboo

A long-standing staple in the expat community, Big Bamboo has been around for more than 20 years and is highly favored for its sports coverage. With a consistent level of stability serving good food, beer, and music with reasonable prices, Big Bamboo is committed to serving as a safe haven for expats in Shanghai to feel a little at home. And where else would you want to support your country at the World Cup but in the comfort of familiar sights and sounds?

Opening hours:

Mondays to Thursdays: 11am to 2am

Fridays: 11am to 3am

Saturdays: 10am to 3am

Sundays: 10am to 2am

Address: 381 Hongfeng Rd 红枫路381号

Another Big Bamboo option is in the Minhang District

Address: No. 20 Laowaijie, Lane 3338, Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3338弄老外街20号

4) Guinness Social

The cozy British pub with wood-furnished interiors and ample outdoor seating located in Tianzifang is another fantastic choice for football fans to hang out and watch the games live. England fans, this might just be the place for you to see if your team can convert its strength into a trophy this year.

Opening hours:

Mondays to Thursdays: 10:30am to midnight

Fridays to Sundays: 10am to midnight

Address: Rm 7, Bldg 7, Tianzifang, Lane 210, Taikang Rd 泰康路210弄 7号7室

5) Abbey Road

As a cozy neighborhood bar with a Beatles-inspired twist, Abbey Road has stayed true to its original spirit from almost 20 years ago when it first started: a snuggly place with warm service and quality food. This restaurant-cum-bar is a wonderful spot for fans who might want a quieter atmosphere to unwind and enjoy the games.

Opening hours:

Mondays: 11 am to midnight

Tuesdays to Fridays: 11am to 1am

Saturdays: 10am to 2am

Sundays: 10am to midnight

Address: 3 Taojiang Rd 桃江路3号

6) Fergie Sports Bar

One of the new kids on the block, Fergie Sports Bar, started in May this year. Boasting a photogenic interior design combining Hong Kong styles with sporty and trendy elements, alongside a large, high-definition screen, this would definitely be apt for people looking for new bars in Shanghai but don't want to miss the World Cup.

Opening hours: 2pm to 2am

Address: 3098 Hechuan Rd 合川路3098

7) The Shed

A neighborhood classic known for daily pub grub promotions (like cheap wing nights), with a very friendly, casual community vibe. Popular with the expat community as a place for watching sports and drinking booze, this is a fantastic place to be rowdy and cheer for your favorite teams.

Opening hours:

Mondays to Fridays: 3pm to 1 am

Saturdays and Sundays: 11am to 2am

Address: 698 Shaanxi Rd N. 陕西北路698号

There is another branch in the Minhang District

Opening hours: 11am to 1am

Address: No. 31 Laowaijie, Lane 3338, Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3338弄老外街31号

8) The Rooster

Voted as Shanghai's Best Happy Hour for two years in a row, you can anticipate a bar filled with fun and cheers during the World Cup season. With tasty food and good vibes, this is a wondrous spot for fans to gather and watch football together.

Opening hours: 11am to midnight

Address: 445 Jiangning Rd 江宁路445号

As the FIFA World Cup date inches closer, football fans in Shanghai can start making plans to visit some of these sports bars and watch the exciting games with fellow football enthusiasts, even if you may not be a supporter of the team playing.

If you have any suggestions for other fellow readers, do drop a comment with the location and outlet name, and maybe even arrange for a meetup to cheer for your favorite teams (or backseat them if they do not perform) together.

In the meantime, do take some time to visit the FIFA Pop-up store to grab some limited-edition merchandise and immerse yourself in the anticipation and the excitement of the biggest football event.

Who will be the winner this year? Share the excitement and find out live together with other football fans, and spread your love by sharing this page with your friends and family, alongside a mention of the team you are supporting this year!