Original post written for the 2014 World Cup. Post updated 2026
It’s nearly time for the FIFA World Cup 2026. On Thursday 11th June, football fans across the world will be tuning in as Mexico kick off the biggest FIFA World Cup in history at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tournament, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and will see 104 matches played across North America over the next six weeks.
The opening match will see hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the famous Estadio Azteca, a stadium steeped in football history and the first-ever venue to host matches at three different FIFA World Cups. Football fans everywhere will no doubt be counting down the hours until the tournament officially gets underway.
Whether you’re planning to host a World Cup watch party for the opening match, cheering on your home nation, or simply gathering friends and family together to enjoy the football, here are some fun ideas to help you have a ball during FIFA World Cup 2026!
With matches taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico over the coming weeks, there’s plenty of football action ahead, making this the perfect excuse for themed food, friendly competition and a few football-inspired decorations:
1. Decorate
 |
| Print out Flags and make World Cup Bunting |
Make light work of decorating your World Cup Party by including this as part of the entertainment.
Print and cut out World Cup Country Flags and thread string to make Bunting. Hang this up to decorate your home or garden.
Feeling a little more crafty? Cut paper or newspaper into triangles and paint the World Cup Flags. Leave to dry and thread to make fun bunting.
2. Food
Have an “all around the World (Cup)” buffet.
One of the best things about the World Cup is bringing together countries, cultures and traditions from across the globe. Why not create an “Around the World Cup” buffet featuring dishes inspired by some of the nations taking part (sadly Wales didn’t qualify).
You could serve pork pies from England, pizza from Italy, tacos from Mexico, maple treats from Canada, hot dogs from the USA, churros, empanadas, pretzels, sushi or other international favourites. Ask guests to bring a dish inspired by a different country and see how many nations you can represent on your table.
Not only is it a fun talking point, but it’s also a great way to discover new foods while enjoying the football.
3. Cupcakes
A party always needs cupcakes!
Save time by white icing fairy cakes in advance.
Then leave coloured icing or icing pens out for guests to design their own “World Cup-Cake”. They could decorate the cakes with flags or footballs.
4. Party Games
 |
| Play “Pin Mexico, USA & Canada on the World Cup Map” |
As well as making decorations, cupcakes and watching the big game also prepare some fun World Cup Themed Games for your guests.
Why not print out a World Map (or use one from a Newspaper or World Cup publication) and play “Pin Mexico, the United States and Canada on the Map” blindfolded? You can always use this map to record which Country you think will win the World Cup once the game has ended.
Perhaps you fancy a game of Half-Time Finger Football or want to fire up the atmosphere with some music.
5. Refreshments
Finally, refreshments are not just for half-time. It’s thirsty work cheering for your favourite team and shouting at the ref, so make sure you’ve stocked up with your favourite soft drinks.
Look out for World Cup promotional drinks.
Make World Cup Flag Drinks Markers to put in your drinks so you don’t mix them up. Cola tastes great with ice and lemon, lime or cherry.
So, now the decorations, food, cupcakes, games and refreshments are all set, all you need to do is sit down, grab your flag and enjoy the football! SCORE!
Where to watch the World Cup on TV in the UK
Football fans in the UK will be able to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live on BBC and ITV, with coverage shared between the two broadcasters throughout the tournament.
Matches will also be available to stream live via BBC iPlayer and ITVX, making it easy to follow the action whether you’re watching from home or on the go.
With the tournament taking place across Canada, Mexico and the United States, kick-off times will vary, with some matches taking place in the afternoon and evening UK time and others scheduled later at night.
Check the BBC, ITV or official FIFA schedules for the latest fixture dates, kick-off times and broadcast information as the tournament progresses.
Read more:
That looks AMAZING – am loving the World Map game – pin Brasil on the map – not sure whether even I would get that right…I suspect my knowledge of geography is a little poor based on my recent efforts in our World Cup Quiz 😉
I love the flag drink markers! They would save so many arguments! Great ideas 🙂
love the world map game! They are always so fun to play!
The map game is a great idea! The World Cup is a good excuse for learning a bit of geography!!
looks like it will be a great, fun party x