Tips for Hosting a World Cup Watch Party

If you haven’t heard, the World Cup is coming to North America, with 104 matches running between June 11 and July 19. The last time we hosted the World Cup (and the last time average soccer fans could afford tickets) was in 1994.

Fortunately, even if you’re not a “tech bro” about to pad your savings account with a can’t-miss, trillion-dollar IPO, you’ll be able to join the more than six billion people who will tune into the Cup from the comfort of their living rooms.

Whether you’re just soccer-curious or a die-hard soccer fan, watching the World Cup from home will likely involve a party of some sort because “the beautiful game” is not meant to be a solo experience.

That said, here are a few tips to consider if you’re planning a World Cup Watch Party.

Pick a Side (Even If It's Not Yours)

If you’re holding a watch party for any of the Team USA games, you’ll most likely root for the home team (unless you’re an expat from Curacao, Ecuador, Haiti or any other country that Americans know next to nothing about).

However, if you’re having a watch party for a match that doesn’t include Team USA, you should still pick a team and root as if that country were your ancestral home. Nothing kills the energy of a watch party like watching with a roomful of neutral observers. Soccer’s about passion, and passion can be contagious.

Keep the Food Simple

Your guests aren’t expecting a five-course meal to watch a World Cup match. Think easy-to-grab foods that let guests keep their eyes on the match: wings, sliders, nachos, pizza, soft pretzels, chips and dips. If you're feeling ambitious, add a few international snacks inspired by the countries playing.

Stock Up Before Kickoff

Running out of drinks in the 70th minute is the hosting equivalent of scoring an own goal.

Beer remains the undisputed champion of soccer viewing, but don't stop there. Ready-to-drink cocktails, hard seltzers, canned margaritas, wine, and non-alcoholic options help keep everyone happy. A mix of beverages means your guests can celebrate every goal in their own style.

To take it a step further, The Party Source is stocked with beers, wines, and spirits from around the globe. So, if you want to be a creative, thoughtful host, you might consider having some country-specific beverages to make your watch party special, such as:

• Tequila from Mexico
• Lagers from Germany
• Malbec from Argentina
• Italian Apertivo
• Wine from France (of course)
• Curacao from Curacao

Oh, and don’t forget the ICE (i.e., the stuff that makes your drinks cold).

Create a Signature Drink

Watching the World Cup may be an international tradition, but your drink menu can still celebrate American flavors, especially because we’re approaching our 250th birthday. A make-ahead punch is one of the easiest ways to keep guests refreshed without spending the entire match mixing cocktails.

Stars and Stripes Punch

Ingredients

• 2 cups bourbon
• 1 cup triple sec
• 4 cups lemonade
• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups club soda
• Sliced oranges
• Fresh blueberries
• Ice

Directions

Combine bourbon, triple sec, lemonade, and cranberry juice in a large punch bowl or beverage dispenser. Add ice and stir. Top with club soda just before serving. Garnish with orange slices and blueberries.

Dress (Your Home) For Success

Bring your watch party to life with soccer-themed party supplies that will put your guests in the mood, even before they enjoy their first cup of Stars and Stripes Punch. The Party Source has the region’s largest supply of soccer supplies, including plates, napkins, balloons, banners, and inflatable soccer balls.

Your Watch Party Starts Here!

If you’re planning a watch party for Soccer’s Big Event, you owe it to yourself to visit The Party Source in Bellevue, KY. We have the region’s largest inventory of beers, wines, and spirits at our everyday low prices.

Plus, we’re stocked with an unprecedented supply of soccer-related party supplies, from paper plates to balloons to inflatable soccer balls to soccer wearables. Learn more here.

We also offer in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and local delivery. Delivery in Northern Kentucky requires a $35 minimum and a $5 delivery fee. Curbside and in-store pickup can be ready in as little as two hours. All customers receive a notification via email or text when their order is ready for pickup. Same-day delivery is also available and can be ready in as little as two hours.