New York City is at the center of the football world this summer. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing eight matches to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ — including marquee group-stage showdowns like Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13), France vs. Senegal (June 16), and Ecuador vs. Germany (June 25) — culminating in the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026. With the stadium just across the Hudson, Times Square pubs are set to become some of the most electric watch-party venues in the country.
But if you want to experience the World Cup like a true New Yorker, skip the chains and tourist traps. The best action happens in the local Irish bars and classic saloons tucked just off the main drag. Here are four iconic pubs near Times Square where you can catch every kick-off with a proper pint in hand.
Why Times Square Is Ground Zero for World Cup 2026 Fans
MetLife Stadium — officially known as “New York New Jersey Stadium” during the tournament — is the largest venue in the entire competition, with a capacity of 82,500. It is also the only stadium hosting both a Round of 16 (July 6) and the Final (July 19), making the NYC metro area the undisputed football capital of North America this summer.
The FIFA Fan Village at Rockefeller Center, the Hudson Yards Big Screen, and borough fan zones across Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn will all be buzzing. But for those who want a seat, a cold Guinness, and the sound turned all the way up, the neighborhood pubs around Midtown Manhattan are your best bet — especially the local Irish bars near Times Square that have been hosting sports fans for generations.
4 Best Local Pubs Near Times Square for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
1. Hurley’s Saloon — The NYC Legend Since 1892
Address: 232 W 48th St (between 8th Ave & Broadway)
Website: https://www.hurleysnyc.com/
If any single bar in New York embodies the spirit of a Times Square World Cup pub, it’s Hurley’s. Founded in 1892, this is one of the oldest and most storied Irish-American saloons in the city. The Barbey family — who resisted selling to Rockefeller Center developers in the 1920s and famously operated a speakeasy during Prohibition — continue to run the business today. In its original location near 49th and 6th, Hurley’s was the haunt of NBC executives, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, and Howard Hughes. The current three-story space at 232 W 48th carries all of that DNA.
For World Cup season, Hurley’s ticks every box: three spacious floors, a rooftop patio perfect for summer match days, and a claim to one of the best Guinness pours in all of Manhattan. The menu runs from classic pub fare (burgers, fish and chips) to more elevated options like lobster bisque and blackened yellowfin tuna. Happy Hour runs from 4–7 PM on weekdays — a rare deal in the Theater District.
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11:30 AM – 3:00 AM | Sun 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Best for: Groups wanting a historic venue with ample space and a rooftop for summer matches.
2. Garvey’s Irish Pub — Homegrown Heart in Hell’s Kitchen
Address: 206 W 41st St (between 7th & 8th Ave)
Website: https://garveysirishpubnyc.com/
In a neighborhood overrun by franchise bars, Garvey’s stands out as a genuine family-run, homegrown Irish pub. No corporate polish, no cookie-cutter decor — just authentic hospitality, live music every night (traditional Irish sessions and acoustic sets), and bartenders whose warmth and humor are as much a draw as the taps themselves.
The kitchen keeps it proper Irish: Shepherd’s Pie, Fish & Chips, and hearty homestyle dishes that give you the fuel to make it through a double-header. The lively, community-focused atmosphere makes it one of the best local bars near Times Square for groups who want the real thing, not a simulacrum of it. Expect a crowd that actually knows the game.
Best for: Fans who want live music, home-cooked Irish food, and a genuinely local vibe.
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3. Connolly’s — 50 Beers and a Big Screen
Address: 121 W 45th St (between 6th Ave & Broadway)
Website: https://www.connollyspubandrestaurant.com/
Connolly’s is a classic in every sense of the word. Thick wooden paneling, low lighting, and a warm pub atmosphere make it a favourite among Broadway locals — it’s the kind of place theatre-goers duck into before a show and somehow never leave. But come match day, Connolly’s transforms. The large screens switch on, the crowd fills in, and the energy rivals any dedicated sports bar in the city.
What sets Connolly’s apart is the beer selection: over 50 varieties on the menu, ranging from Irish and British ales to continental lagers that match the international flavour of a World Cup crowd. Its central location on 45th St means it’s within easy walking distance of the major subway lines, making it a natural gathering point for fans coming in from all five boroughs or across the river from New Jersey.
Best for: Beer enthusiasts and fans who want a central, easy-to-reach Midtown location.
4. McCarthy’s Pub NYC — Late Night, Low-Key, Always On
Address: 144 W 46th St (between 6th & 7th Ave)
Website: https://mccarthysnyc.com/
Sandwiched between the Theater District and Bryant Park, McCarthy’s occupies a sweet spot — close enough to the Times Square action to be convenient, but just far enough off the main strip to feel like a neighbourhood secret. This is the spot for those who want to watch the match without fighting for elbow room.
McCarthy’s is especially useful during the 2026 World Cup because of its 4 AM closing time — one of the latest in Midtown. Whether you’re wrapping up a long match day, celebrating a late-night result, or simply not ready to call time on a good night, McCarthy’s keeps the lights on. Its casual, no-pressure atmosphere is ideal for post-match decompression or a quiet pre-game drink.
Best for: Late-night fans, post-match crowds, and anyone who wants a relaxed, unhurried World Cup watch experience.
Quick Comparison: Times Square Pubs for FIFA World Cup 2026
| Pub | Address | Best Feature | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurley’s Saloon | 232 W 48th St | Historic 3-floor venue + rooftop | Mon–Sat until 3 AM |
| Garvey’s Irish Pub | 206 W 41st St | Live music + family-run | Check venue |
| Connolly’s | 121 W 45th St | 50+ beers + big screens | Check venue |
| McCarthy’s Pub NYC | 144 W 46th St | Open until 4 AM | Until 4 AM |
Tips for Watching the 2026 World Cup at NYC Pubs
Arrive early. For major fixtures — especially anything involving the USMNT, Brazil, England, or France — these pubs will fill up fast. Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before kick-off to secure a good spot.
Check for reservations. Some Midtown pubs are offering reserved tables or World Cup watch packages for 2026. Hurley’s, in particular, has private event rooms available for groups.
Plan your route. All four pubs are within walking distance of multiple subway lines (1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, M). Getting to MetLife Stadium for a live match? NJ Transit from Penn Station is the recommended route.
Know the schedule. The World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium kicks off at 3:00 PM EDT on Sunday, July 19. That’s prime-time in Europe and peak afternoon in New York — expect every pub within ten blocks of Times Square to be packed.
Final Word: Local Pubs Near Times Square Are the Best Way to Experience World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation event for New York City. MetLife Stadium hosting the Final is historic, but you don’t need a ticket to feel it. These four local pubs near Times Square — Hurley’s, Garvey’s, Connolly’s, and McCarthy’s — offer something the tourist bars simply can’t: authenticity, community, and the kind of crowd that makes watching football genuinely electric.
Raise a glass. The whole world is watching. And the best seat in the house might just be a barstool on West 48th Street.
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