Socceroo It To You: Where to Watch The FIFA World Cup in Melbourne

It’s FIFA World Cup time: Up the Socceroos

As you’ve probably heard by now, the eyes of the world are on Russia. Though for once, it’s not because of their political sitch. Surprising, no? Rather, hoards of bleary-eyed Aussies are once again braving the wee hours to yell at screens around the country in support of our beloved Socceroos as they boot the ball to glory for the FIFA World Cup 2018. Believe.

Now, it may be that football, soccer, fußball or whatever you like to call it isn’t as wild down under, but that’s not to say that we’re not a passionate bunch. Australians are famously supportive of the green and gold. So whether you follow the game throughout the year or not, we’re expecting thousands to cheer our boys on during the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

What times are we talking?

You can catch Australia vs France at 9pm on Saturday the 16th of June; Australia vs Denmark at 11pm on Thursday the 21st and Australia vs Peru (this one’s a late one) at 1am on Tuesday the 26th. All AEST, of course. Sorry, Western Australia!

Melbourne is arguably the home of football in Australia, and it’s also home to more relaxed lockout laws – yay. Which means, you’ll be able to catch a whole host of FIFA World Cup matches in venues all around the city. Which, let’s face it, is way more fun than being in your living room. Fight it all you want, the passion for the World Cup 2018 is bloody infectious. Even Sydney is getting into the spirit – check it.

Can I actually watch the World Cup in Melbourne?

You know it. Australia actually has a better than average time difference for the FIFA World Cup this year – for the first rounds at least. Which means, you can head out, fill up and then settle in with a round of beers (or more, we don’t judge) and hurl abuse at the refs, players and coaches until you’re blue in the face.

But before you think about any of that, check out this list of places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Melbourne. Bring on the late nights and football fever guys, the FIFA World Cup 2018 is finally upon us.

5 places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Melbourne

1. The Fifth Province

A fully blown Irish pub, The Fifth is a St Kilda spot that offers hearty food, European beer on tap and a delightful range of malt whiskeys. So it’s no surprise then that the FIFA World Cup is being shown here. You’ll be able to tuck into cheap-ish beers and tasty food, then settle in for a few rounds while watching the games. We advise booking in advance here because The Fifth has a loyal following of punters and you’ll definitely be wanting a table and some food. It’s too delicious not to.

Fill up for the World Cup with: The Fifth parma of homemade breaded chicken schnitzel with Napoli sauce, shaved leg ham, mozzarella and cheddar.

3/60 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Melbourne 3182

2. Tallboy & Moose

Serving up the freshest brews in Melbourne, beer runs through the very veins of Tallboy & Moose. This on-site brewery, bar and eatery is located in the heart of Preston and is showing the Socceroos kick us to victory on the projector. You can chill out, sample a range of new and innovative beers and fill up on modern Scottish cuisine from Wee Man’s Kitchen. Oh, and the food matches the beer so well it makes our hearts sing. FIFA World Cup 2018 and Tallboy & Moose are a match made in heaven. Trust us!

Fill up for the World Cup with: The Shirley McHaggis tasting plate of haggis, neeps, tatties, stovies, square sausage and tatties scones slider. Confused? Just order it, you’ll thank us later.

370 Raglan Street, Preston, Melbourne 3072

3. Copacabana International

Where better to watch one of the most passionate sporting events than at one of Melbourne’s Brazilian hotspots? This Fitzroy joint specialises in South American food, drinks and a whole lot of fun. Showing the games on the big screen, you can expect to catch the World Cup action with a side of churrascaria and caipirinhas. Oh, and they’re offering discounted drinks and a special menu for all the games. Plus, the free entry really is the cherry on top of this sweet, sweet setup!

Fill up for the World Cup with: The special churrascaria dinner of four types of meat (steak, chicken wings, lamb and sausage), fresh salad, rice, chips and potato salad for only $39! Keep an eye out though because this is subject to change depending on the game.

139 Smith Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne 3065

4. Munich Brauhaus

It should come as no surprise that Munich Brauhaus has the FIFA World Cup screenings as its focal point over the next few weeks. This German hub is set to attract football fans from far and wide, and will be one of the best places to watch the World Cup in Melbourne. They’re doing a pretty sweet chicken wings and boots of beer (yes, you read that right) deal during half-time, as well. So you can soak up all the German beer without feeling too bad the next day. You might want to order a pork knuckle, schnitty or wurst platter too, just to be safe.

Fill up for the World Cup with: The Epic Sports Feast for four people, loaded up with a 2L beer tower, two giant pretzels, mac & cheese balls, whole roast chicken, rack of ribs, bbq chicken wings, two cheese kranskys, two pepper and garlic kielbasa, fries, mash and bier jus.

45 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf, Melbourne 3006

5. Cardinia Park Hotel

If you’re into classic pub grub, cold beers and a cosy spot to watch the FIFA World Cup in Melbourne with your best mates, the Cardinia Park Hotel in Beaconsfield was made for you. Pouring pints since 1870, the food is delicious, the vibes are nice (unless France beat us, then who knows?) and you can even bring all the family. They’ve got over 30 screens, loads of beer and cider on tap and a particularly tasty pie called The Cardi you should definitely keep an eye out for.

Fill up for the World Cup with: The chicken Kiev stuffed with garlic butter served on rice with chips and salad or veggies.

200 Beaconsfield Road-Emerald Road, Beaconsfield 3807