The 2026 FIFA World Cup will continue for 39 days until July 19 in 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For the first time in the tournament’s history, 48 national teams will compete, promising more thrilling matches, dramatic moments, and unexpected surprises. The expanded format has further fueled anticipation among Vietnamese football enthusiasts.
Nguyen Hoang Anh, a football fan in Hanoi, said: "The World Cup only comes around once every four years. I’m a football fan and I’m really excited. This year, I’ll be supporting France. My friends and I usually gather at a café to watch and discuss the matches."
During the World Cup, fans in Vietnam prefer cafés, restaurants, and sports bars as places to cheer on their favorite team. Live broadcasts on large screens are drawing excited crowds of all ages.
Hoang Gia Khanh, another football fan in Hanoi, said: "Whenever there’s a World Cup match, we meet at a café or beer garden. Families and groups of friends come together to support their favorites. For us, it’s Portugal."
Many businesses have invested in larger screens, projectors, and upgraded sound systems to enhance the viewing experience for their customers.
Huong, the owner of a café on To Hieu street in Hanoi, said: "For this World Cup, we’ve installed 3 projectors and 2 large-screen televisions to give our customers the best possible viewing experience."
The tournament is also generating opportunities for Vietnam’s travel industry. Tour operators are offering a range of World Cup travel packages, including all-inclusive tours and flight-and-hotel combinations for fans wishing to attend matches in person.
Premium packages for 5 or 6 days, including 5-star accommodations, airport transfers, and tickets to knockout-stage matches can cost thousands of dollars. Some high-end tours offered by travel companies like Vietravel, Hoan My Travel, and Dat Viet Tour also include access to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Pitchside Lounge hospitality experience.
