phoenixnewtimes.com 18 June 11th - June 17th, 2026 BIG MATCH GUIDE 2026 Sponsored by The Mark of a Fighter: Where to Celebrate the Grit and Glory of the 2026 World Cup in Phoenix The wait is finally over. The 2026 World Cup has arrived, bringing the absolute pinnacle of global soccer right to North America. The beautiful game is taking over the continent, and while the action is playing out across massive stadiums, the real heart of the tournament is happening right here in the Valley. You could watch the matches from your couch, but soccer is a sport meant to be experienced collectively, with a cold drink in hand. To help you map out your tournament schedule, we’ve rounded up the premier Valley accounts that are doing the 2026 World Cup right. Every single one of these local staples is turning up the volume, locking in the game audio, and stocking the bar with ice- cold Modelo, the ultimate matchday beer to fuel the passion, the tension, and the celebrations. Whether you’re looking for a massive patio, a rowdy neighborhood pub, or some of the best tacos in town to pair with your football, here is where you need to be while the whistles blow. The Valley’s World Cup Hotspots: A Listicle Guide to doing Native Grill & Wings (Laveen) If your matchday ritual requires a mountain of wings and massive, unobstructed screens, make tracks to the Laveen location of this Arizona classic. Known for its family-friendly yet high-energy sports bar environment, it’s the perfect spot to anchor down for an afternoon block of group-stage matches. Pair a crisp Modelo with their signature medium or honey hot wings. Find it: 5020 W Baseline Rd, Laveen, AZ 85339 The Porch (Arcadia, Tempe, Gilbert) For an upscale yet completely relaxed “neighborhood joint” vibe, The Porch has you covered across the Valley. Boasting giant HDTVs, highly shareable food menus, and incredible indoor/outdoor patio spaces equipped with yard games, it’s a premier destination to catch morning or evening matches. When the sun goes down, the party keeps rolling with local DJs. Find it: Arcadia (4017 E Indian School Rd) | Tempe (1128 E Baseline Rd) | Gilbert (312 N Gilbert Rd) Taco Boys (Multiple Valley Locations) Nothing pairs better with world-class soccer than real-deal, fire-grilled carnes. Taco Boys has exploded across the Valley for a reason: their tacos, burritos, and quesadillas are legendary. Gathering here for a match means incredible food energy, a lively community atmosphere, and plenty of cold Modelo to balance out that spicy salsa. Find it: Downtown Phoenix (620 E Roosevelt St) | Tempe (1015 S Rural Rd & 699 S Mill Ave) | Phoenix (2949 N 32nd St & 9016 N Black Canyon Hwy) | West Valley (9055 W Camelback Rd) MVP Sports Bar & Grill (Chandler) A true East Valley staple for sports diehards. MVP keeps it classic with a no-nonsense, high-fidelity sports bar experience. With screens wrapping around the bar, you won’t miss a single penalty kick or VAR review. It’s a fantastic spot to grab a booth with friends, order a bucket of beers, and lean into the beautiful game. Find it: 2100 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85224 Moon Saloon (Peoria) West Valley soccer fans, look no further. Moon Saloon offers a massive layout, a welcoming neighborhood vibe, and a great menu of pub favorites. The crowd here is always passionate, making it a highly
