Unconventional Venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
From a castle ruin to historic – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, football enthusiasts are preparing to gather in various locations to support their favorite teams. While traditional spots like pubs and bars remain popular, organizers are now creating unique settings that blend history with modern fandom. From converted wedding venues to repurposed public baths, these unexpected spaces are becoming prime locations for fans to experience the global spectacle. This trend highlights a growing desire to merge sporting passion with cultural landmarks, offering a fresh perspective on how the world’s most-watched event is being celebrated.
The Victoria Baths: A Historic Hub
One standout location is the Victoria Baths in Manchester, a building that once served as a public pool for nearly a century. Now, its sloping floors and stained-glass windows will transform into a makeshift stadium for World Cup matches. The venue’s grandeur, frozen in time, provides a striking backdrop for the action. A massive screen will be installed at the far end of the empty pool, paired with booming speakers to amplify the excitement. Fans can expect a long bar in an adjacent room and food trucks stationed in the car park, creating a lively atmosphere that pays homage to both the site’s past and its new role as a fan hub.
“We don’t have the experience, but we have the enthusiasm,” says Jack Nunes, the event’s organizer. He conceived the idea just months ago after a casual conversation with a friend who plays 11-a-side football. The plan is to accommodate 500 spectators, though the space has room for more. “I’ve had to sort a huge carpet for the swimming pool, which is around 170 metres squared,” he explains. “Why? Well, if Tommy Tuchel’s team puts seven past Brazil, there’ll be lots of beer flying everywhere. But if someone spills a drink, it becomes like an ice rink.”
The Victoria Baths’ design, with its century-old stained-glass windows, adds a nostalgic touch to the event. As afternoon sunlight filters through the glass, it casts a golden glow on the football-themed decor, including a mural of a man dribbling a ball across a pitch. This blend of old-world charm and modern spectacle is what makes the venue so special. Ticket prices start at £10, with group discounts available, making it accessible for a wide range of fans.
The Power of Community
Mark Graham, founder of 4TheFans, has been instrumental in scaling such innovative fan experiences. With decades of experience in music festivals and events, Graham’s company has expanded to 15 venues across England and Scotland, from Aberdeen to Bournemouth, where the 2026 World Cup will be streamed. His events, including a popular Euro 2021 watch party at Hastings Pier, have set a precedent for creating immersive, community-driven experiences.
“It’s a big room experience and [we have] everything—massive screen, large audience, super energy,” Graham says. “Every fan has a great view, and it’s sort of organized chaos.” He plans to use special effects and light shows to enhance the atmosphere, with DJs adjusting the playlist based on the team’s performance. “If England are two-nil up, we might just go full throttle with England songs and enjoy ourselves,” he adds. General admission tickets are priced at £10, though groups can benefit from reduced rates in smaller towns outside London.
Graham’s approach emphasizes accessibility and shared enthusiasm, ensuring that fans in both urban and rural areas can participate. The company’s success has been fueled by collaboration with local traders, who provide a mix of traditional and contemporary food options. This network of venues underscores the adaptability of football culture, as it continues to find new ways to unite people through the sport.
Scotland’s Unique Contribution
Meanwhile, in Scotland, a barn in the shadow of Duntarvie Castle’s ruins is set to host a World Cup watch party for the first time. The venue, typically reserved for weddings, will become a hub for football fans during the tournament. The castle, currently undergoing renovation, will be illuminated in blue, creating a dramatic backdrop for the event. Kieran White, the barn’s operator, is thrilled to combine his love for football and hospitality.
“For me to be able to combine two of my favorite things—football and hospitality—is fantastic,” White says. He aims to provide a space where fans can gather without the constraints of traditional stadiums. The Scots’ first match against Haiti on 14 June, starting at 2am, will see the barn transformed into a lively venue, with 150 guests expected to stay until the final whistle. White has already ensured a menu that blends Scottish tradition with modern twists, including haggis pizza and whisky mayo.
The event’s menu reflects the region’s culinary heritage, featuring dishes like haggis fries topped with whisky gravy and Balmoral chicken pies made with haggis and whisky. These offerings are designed to delight fans while honoring Scotland’s unique identity. The Tartan Army, known for their passionate chants, may find themselves in a new setting to rally behind their team, with the venue’s steel and wood structure offering a stark contrast to the castle’s historic stone walls.
Logistics and Challenges
Organizing these unconventional venues presents its own set of challenges, but the creativity involved ensures that each location is as memorable as the matches themselves. For example, at the Victoria Baths, the carpet installed over the pool floor not only prevents spills but also allows fans to enjoy the view without worrying about getting wet. At Kieran White’s barn, the focus is on ensuring a seamless flow of food and drinks, even as the atmosphere grows more energetic with each goal.
Such events require meticulous planning, from securing equipment to managing crowd expectations. The Victoria Baths, with its large screen and sound system, promises an immersive experience, while the barn in Scotland relies on a mix of local vendors and a well-coordinated team to keep the night running smoothly. These efforts demonstrate how fans are reimagining the way they engage with the World Cup, using spaces that carry historical significance while catering to contemporary preferences.
The popularity of these venues also reflects a broader trend in sports events—transforming everyday spaces into arenas for collective celebration. Whether it’s the echoing chants of the Tartan Army or the vibrant energy at the Victoria Baths, these locations offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation. As the 2026 World Cup nears, fans across the UK will have the opportunity to experience the tournament in ways that are both surprising and deeply rooted in their local culture.
With the final whistle of England’s first match on 17 June, the anticipation will reach a fever pitch. These unconventional settings not only provide a fresh backdrop for the action but also highlight the creativity and dedication of organizers like Jack Nunes and Mark Graham. By repurposing historic and unexpected spaces, they’re proving that the spirit of football can thrive anywhere, as long as the right elements are in place. The result is a World Cup experience that’s as diverse as the fans themselves, offering a glimpse into the unique ways the sport is celebrated across the United Kingdom.
