Buenos Aires
El Banderín
With a name that translates as “The Banner,” this bar proudly flies the football colours, adorning its walls with 380 international team flags. Over chilled pints of Quilmes, watch to see if Argentina’s manager Diego Maradona – who helped secure the country’s last World Cup – can lead his nation to victory once more.
Guardia Vieja 3601, 54-11-4862-7757, elbanderin.com.ar
London
Bar Kick
Original Bonzini beechwood foosball tables and grilled mini lamb and beef merguez sausages with rose harissa make for Bar Kick’s winning combination. Those wanting to roll up their sleeves can join the Kick Babyfoot Association to play international matches like Paris’ Babyfoot World Cup.
127 Shoreditch High St., 44-20-7739-8700, cafekick.co.uk
New York
Nevada Smiths
Diehard soccer fans can be heard up and down Third Avenue thanks to the 15 television sets carrying 100 live games a week (not to mention the 30 beers on tap) at this East Village bar. It draws crowds of up to 500 on game days – and the $6 Guinness and Stella Artois doesn’t hurt, either.
74 Third Ave., 212-982-2591, nevadasmiths.net
Toronto
The Football Factory
This bistro-bar takes its drink as seriously as its sport with Red Card and Yellow Card martinis and a menu of Penalty Shots. Dishes inspired by soccer-crazed countries (think Spanish-British hybrid chorizo bangers and mash) are the perfect match for 12 draft taps and 13 flat screen TVs.
164 Bathurst St., 416-368-4625, thefootballfactory.ca
Photos: Juan Hitters (El Banderín); Rob Cheatley (Bar Kick); James Higgins / irishpubguide.com (Nevada Smiths); Jim Norton (The Football Factory)
Goal Keepers
World Cup teams kick back at these South African retreats.
1 Part of the massive Bafokeng Sports Campus in Phokeng, the Royal Marang Hotel has six match-quality pitches on which England’s Three Lions can practise and a state-of-the-art gym for them to get pumped up.
27-14-573-4100, bafokengsportscampus.co.za
2 With its secluded beach on the Western cape, alfresco barbecue dinners and luxury spa with a 12-metre indoor pool, Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa in Knysna gives France’s Les Bleus ample opportunity to de-stress postgame.
27-44-302-3333, pezularesorthotel.com
3 At the four-star Leriba Lodge in Centurion, suites overlooking the serene Hennops River and lush gardens full of indigenous wildlife like the Cape Turtle Dove await the defending World Cup champs, Italy’s Azzurri.
27-12-660-3300, leriba.co.za
