Best Bar to watch England in the World Cup NYC
- World Cup Guide 2026
- May 8
- 4 min read
From A Brit Living In New York
As a British person living in New York, one thing you quickly realise during a World Cup is that not every “sports bar” understands football.
Some places will stick the match on one small screen with no sound while baseball plays everywhere else. Others are absolutely rammed by kickoff and impossible to get a pint in.
But when England are playing — especially in the knockout rounds — you want proper atmosphere. Big screens. Sound on. People who actually care. Somewhere that feels just a little bit like home for 90 minutes.
After a few years of watching football all over Manhattan, these are the best places I’ve found to watch England during the World Cup in NYC.
1. DB Cooper’s – Midtown Manhattan
This has honestly become my go-to spot for England games in New York.
DB Cooper’s sits in Midtown near Hudson Yards and Madison Square Garden, and it somehow manages to combine proper football atmosphere with the setup of a modern American sports bar.
Most importantly — they actually treat major football matches like major events.
The sound is fully on, the entire venue focuses on the game, and the screen setup is genuinely brilliant. There are 14+ HD TVs throughout the bar along with a massive central “Jumbotron” style screen, so you’re never craning your neck trying to catch the match from a bad angle.
For England games, the place gets properly lively. You get a mix of British expats, Irish crowds, football fans, and locals all packed in together, especially for the bigger fixtures.
The other thing that stands out is the service. A lot of bars in Manhattan fall apart once they’re busy for football matches, but DB Cooper’s is actually built for volume.
Good Guinness too — which, surprisingly, is still difficult to find in New York.
Why I’d Recommend DB Cooper’s For England Games
Full commentary and sound ON
Massive screens with great sightlines
Football-focused atmosphere
Midtown location near Penn Station & Hudson Yards
Great for groups and watch parties
Proper pint of Guinness
Better food than your average football pub
If England make a deep run, this will end up being one of the best bar to watch England in the World Cup in NYC.
2. Smithfield Hall – Chelsea
Smithfield has been one of the classic football bars in NYC for years now.
If you want more of a traditional football pub feel, this is one of the better options in Manhattan. It draws a serious football crowd during international tournaments and always gets packed for England matches.
The atmosphere can be brilliant during knockout games, although you’ll want to get there early because it fills up quickly.
3. Legends – Midtown
Legends is another solid option if you’re watching in Midtown.
It’s a big venue, very sports-oriented, and tends to attract large World Cup crowds. It’s especially convenient if you’re coming from work or meeting friends around Penn Station or MSG.
Less of an old-school football pub and more of a large American sports bar with good football energy during tournaments.
4. Carragher’s – Financial District
Owned by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, this place naturally leans heavily into football culture.
It’s downtown in the Financial District and usually attracts a strong football crowd for Premier League matches and international tournaments alike.
If you’re downtown for work or living lower Manhattan, it’s one of the better spots to catch England matches.
5. Football Factory NYC
Football Factory has been part of New York football culture for years and hosts massive viewing parties during the World Cup.
It’s one of the places where you really feel that international tournament atmosphere — chants, packed rooms, supporters groups, and early kickoffs included.
Definitely worth checking out if you want a more hardcore football crowd.
What Actually Makes A Good World Cup Bar?
Watching England abroad is always a bit different.
You’re chasing that feeling of watching back home — proper reactions when a goal goes in, groans at missed chances, everyone living every moment together.
For me, the best World Cup bars in New York usually have:
Sound ON for the full match
Big screens everywhere
Fans who genuinely follow football
Fast service once the place gets busy
Enough space that you’re not fighting for a view all game
That’s why certain bars separate themselves pretty quickly once the tournament starts.
Final Thoughts
New York is an unbelievable city to watch the World Cup in if you know where to go.
And while there are plenty of good football pubs across Manhattan, DB Cooper’s has probably become my personal favourite spot for England matches because it balances proper football atmosphere with an actual high-end viewing setup.
If you’re planning to watch England during the World Cup — especially later-stage matches — book early. The best venues in Manhattan will be absolutely packed.
DB Coopers
506 9th Ave, New York, NY 10018
212 796 6214
Comments