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Prepare for the World Cup and throw the ultimate football garden party with this guide.
The World Cup only comes around every four years, and your garden can be front row. Host the ultimate fan zone with a BBQ sizzling and friends gathered. Here’s everything you need to know.
When is the World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from Thursday, 11 June 2026, to Sunday, 19 July 2026. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted across 16 cities in three countries:
- Canada
- Mexico
- United States
Matches will take place in different time zones, which is important if you’re planning to watch from the UK. You’ll need to know the kickoff times to catch the action, as some games will air late at night or early in the morning. View the full match schedule, including dates and venues, on FIFA’s official website.
Another big change is that there will be 48 teams, including 12 groups of 4 teams each. The top two from each group will advance to a 32-team knockout stage. This will create more opportunities for underdog wins and surprise results.
For you and fans around the world, there’s plenty to watch and discuss over a BBQ and a beer!
Global Host Cities for World Cup 2026
For UK viewers, matches in different cities fall in several time zones:
Canada
- Toronto – 5 hours behind UK time (BST)
- Vancouver – 8 hours behind
- Edmonton – 7 hours behind
Mexico
- Mexico City – 6 hours behind
- Guadalajara – 6 hours behind
- Monterrey – 6 hours behind
USA
- New York/New Jersey – 5 hours behind
- Los Angeles – 8 hours behind
- Dallas – 6 hours behind
- Miami – 5 hours behind
Match times and team assignments will be released after the official draw on 5 December 2025. We’ll update this blog with the results so you can plan viewing parties and track your favourite teams.
World Cup Garden Party Ideas 2026
In the meantime, get everything ready for your garden party in advance:
Projector for a bigger viewing
A bigger screen always makes a match feel more exciting, doesn’t it? Aim it at a blank wall or a projector screen for the best picture. If there’s still daylight, set it up under a gazebo or in a shaded spot. For sound, a portable speaker or soundbar does the trick. Angle it towards the crowd so every cheer, whistle, and bit of commentary carries.
Run a quick test the night before to make sure the Wi-Fi and picture quality hold up!
BBQ grilling station
A BBQ is perfect for a World Cup garden party. Everyone can grab food between goals, chat, and cheer together, and you don’t have to leave the garden to eat.
If your grill is still going strong, there’s no need to rush out for a new one. Use this guide to have it fired up: Preparing and Cleaning Your BBQ For Use Again. If it’s seen better days, though, you might want to get a new one, especially if you’re hosting a bigger group.
You can never go wrong with a 4-burner gas BBQ, like the BillyOh Alabama. It’s big enough to cook for everyone at once, with no waiting around to heat. Burgers and sausages with skewers, halloumi, or corn on the cob are always a classic.
Even better, the built-in sink lets you wash your hands or prep without running back inside. Pop it near the patio and turn it into your go-to BBQ station.
Summer house pub corner
(Customer’s Image: BillyOh Picton Corner Summerhouse)
Got a summer house? Turn it into a bar. Out of the sun, out of a sudden shower, but still part of the party.
Throw a table in there, stash some drinks and ice, maybe add a couple of stools. And just like that, your garden feels like a pub. Guests can grab a drink, swap predictions, and head back outside to cheer every goal. It makes the party feel extra alive.
If you don’t have a built-in bar, try a DIY counter. You can fit one inside a summer house, garden room, or a shed. Even without an outbuilding, you can set up a table outside for drinks and ice.
Garden furniture for sitting and chilling
Throwing out a couple of chairs isn’t enough if people are going to be in the garden for hours. Group garden benches and chairs so friends can huddle without stepping on each other’s toes. Spread a few picnic blankets or rugs; anyone who likes stretching out will love having that space.
When the sun is out or a light shower rolls in, you’ll want to have parasols or a shade sail ready. Position them over seating areas; a few smaller umbrellas around also work. A pop-up gazebo works even better – place it near the BBQ or bar area to create some covered or shaded space. Might as well hang solar-powered string lights along the ridge for a well-lit garden at night.
Team buntings and flags
Nothing sets the mood faster than a few team colours flying around the garden. The moment people walk in and spot their favourite team’s flag, the energy lifts—it’s like saying, “Game is on.”
Hang them around the fence, across the gazebo, or over the summer house roofline. Mix a few teams if you’ve got fans from all sides, or go all in on your pick and see who dares to disagree. Someone is also bound to tease another about their team’s last performance. It’s all part of the fun!
DIY scoreboard or predictions board
This idea will give everyone something to rally around, especially between matches. Grab a chalkboard or whiteboard and write the fixtures before kick-off. Update it through the night as the scores change.
Guests can add their score predictions, tally goals, or even jot down funny comments. It’s a simple way to keep the excitement going when the play slows down.
Prop it up by the seating area or close to where the projector’s set up for everyone to see. It’ll be covered in scribbles and inside jokes by the end of the night, that’s for sure.
Goal zone or kids’ kick area
If there are kids at the party, give them their own corner to burn off energy. Set up a small goal or mark one out using two chairs. They’ll love having their own kickabout area while the grown-ups chat or watch the match. It also stops footballs from flying into drinks or the BBQ zone.
Later on, when the big game ends, the adults can join in for a few friendly penalties or a quick round of “best goal wins.” Hand out small prizes for the best goal or funniest miss! A fun way to keep the buzz going, don’t you think?
Little photo spot for memories
Every good party needs something to look back on, and a small photo corner does the trick. Pick a bright spot in the garden or by the summer house wall and turn it into a mini photo booth. Hang a few flags or scarves for the backdrop and throw in props like footballs, hats, or a trophy cut-out.
Fairy lights or string lights make it look good after dark. You can also keep a small box nearby for guests to drop their photos in if they’re using instant cameras. Or, set up a phone on a tripod with a timer so everyone can jump in for group shots.
World Cup raffle
A sweepstake brings a bit of healthy competition to the party. Write down all the teams on bits of paper and let everyone pull one from a jar or bowl before the first match begins. It doesn’t matter if they’re football experts or casual viewers. Once a team’s drawn, they’ll be backing them all the way.
Keep the team list pinned up somewhere visible, maybe beside the drinks table. Everyone can check who’s still in the running and see how their team’s doing as the matches go on. Have a small prize ready for whoever’s team goes the furthest!
Team colours dress code
Get everyone involved right from the start by adding a team colour theme to the invite. They can turn up in their team’s shirts, scarves, or hats. And if they don’t have one, face paint or homemade badges do the trick. You’ll end up with a garden full of colour, noise, and friendly banter.
Take it further by using the dress code. Split the crowd into “teams” for mini games, quiz rounds, or prediction challenges. Do it before the match starts, like your own mini opening ceremony to get everyone in the spirit.
Fire pit hangout
When the last match ends, move everyone around the fire pit for a proper wind-down. Bring out mugs of hot chocolate, mulled cider, or roasted marshmallows. You can also set out a few snacks, like crisps or toasted brioche buns. What a perfect ending to a long day of football and good company.
And there you have it! Do you think you’ve got what it takes to host the best World Cup garden party in the neighbourhood? We believe you do. With these ideas, planning, and team spirit, your garden could be bring it home!
What do you think ?