FIFA World Cup 2026 on the Sports Bar Screens, 11 June–19 July 2026

The world’s biggest sporting spectacle is coming to town and to the screens of Casino Helsinki’s Sports Bar as the FIFA World Cup kicks off across Canada, Mexico, and the United States on 11 June and culminates with the final on 19 July.

Although the tournament is being played on another continent, many matches will be shown during the early evening or otherwise fit conveniently within the casino’s opening hours (Sun–Thu 3:00 PM–3:00 AM and Fri–Sat 3:00 PM–4:00 AM).

A record-breaking 48 teams will participate in the 2026 tournament, with a total of 104 matches to be played. You are guaranteed to find dozens of exciting games to follow, provided you can stay awake for the tournament’s five-and-a-half-week marathon! Best of all, our viewing party comes without outrageous hotel rates, $250 parking fees, or $150 train tickets from New York to New Jersey, which some travelling fans may encounter.

With the expanded number of teams, the knockout stage will begin with a Round of 32 rather than the traditional Round of 16. Teams reaching the podium will play eight matches instead of the previous seven. It is a demanding road to glory.

Who and What to Watch?

According to betting markets, Opta’s supercomputer, and data models from Goldman Sachs, the leading favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are Spain and France. Their strongest challengers are expected to be England, Brazil, and defending champions Argentina. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, is widely regarded as a potential dark horse. And don’t forget the Netherlands. Could this finally be their year? Or will Germany once again power its way to the top?

Could this become a tournament for football’s elder statesmen? Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong at 41, Croatia’s Luka Modrić has reached 40, and Argentina captain Lionel Messi will celebrate his 39th birthday during the tournament. Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper is also expected to be the evergreen Manuel Neuer, now in his forties. People were already saying during the previous World Cup that these legends should be appreciated while we still can, and here they are again on football’s biggest stage.

Every favourite has one player capable of deciding a match through sheer individual brilliance. Among them are Spain’s Lamine Yamal, France’s Kylian Mbappé, England’s Harry Kane, Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior, and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

If you would like to keep an eye on the next generation, remember these names in addition to Lamine Yamal: Ecuador’s 19-year-old Kendry Páez, Brazil’s Endrick, Côte d’Ivoire’s Yan Diomande, and Mexico’s 17-year-old Gilberto Mora. You may be hearing much more about them in the years to come.

Cheering for the Vikings?

Many Finnish fans will no doubt be supporting our Nordic neighbours Sweden and Norway. Expectations for Sweden are relatively modest despite the presence of prolific goalscorer Victor Gyökeres. Sweden only just qualified for the tournament and may have manager Graham Potter to thank for stabilising the team when it mattered most.

Norway, on the other hand, looks capable of causing a surprise. The core of the team is packed with quality: Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Kristoffer Ajer, Sander Berge, and Alexander Sørloth. They have defensive strength, creativity in midfield, and ruthless goalscorers up front. If the Vikings get off to a strong start, who knows how far they might go?

Let’s hope we all find ourselves in top tournament form for the weeks ahead!

Admission to the casino and Sports Bar is free. The age limit is 18. Identification is checked at the casino reception, so please bring a valid ID (driver’s licence, passport, or national identity card).