Score the best seats along the network with West Midlands Railway's ultimate World Cup guide.
The biggest sporting event of the season is almost upon us, officially kicking off in November, and footie fans worldwide are gearing up for what will likely be tense viewing as one country is crowned champion. With the greatly anticipated tournament taking place in Qatar this year, many people will be searching high and low for somewhere (just slightly) closer to home that will make their viewing experience one to remember.
With so much choice, it’s not always easy to find the perfect spot to watch each game and heaven forbid you rock up to a place that isn’t showing the match! So, with that in mind West Midlands Railway (WMR), has compiled a list of the best places to visit across its network, to make sure you score the best seats in the house each and every game.
Plus, to save your money for those all-important celebrations (positive thinking people) why not opt for the train. With WMR’s affordable ticket options, such as its handy £2.60* Evening Return ticket , you’ll save money and avoid being late due to traffic or lack of parking spaces. View more information on available ticket options.
When is the World Cup?
Starting on 20th November 2022, The World Cup is kicking off with Qatar vs Ecuador at 16:00 (UK time) and drawing to a close on 18th December 2022 at the 80,000-seater Lusail Iconic Stadium. Consisting of 64 matches in total, The World Cup can sometimes get a little hard to navigate, so to make sure you don’t miss an England match during the group stage, WMR has listed the key dates below:
Group Stages - Key England Dates:
- England v Iran: Monday 21st November at 1pm
- England v USA: Friday 25th November at 7pm
- Wales v England: Tuesday 29th November at 7pm
Where is the World Cup?
Football is always a great way to get out and have fun with friends and family, but it isn’t always easy getting a seat (especially if England makes it to the finals!). Luckily, to give you a helping hand, WMR has found the best places to enjoy the games, across the West Midlands, so whether you’re in Wolverhampton, Worcester, or somewhere in between there is something for everyone!
Places to watch the World Cup in Birmingham.
Birmingham is jam-packed with bars but how do you pick the best place to watch each game? Luckily, WMR has whittled it down for you. For those of you looking for a convenient location, head over to Digbeth – packed with lots of trendy bars to choose from so you’re bound to have a ball with your friends. If draught beer, street food and live entertainment is your thing then look no further than Luna Springs, located in Digbeth. Hop off at New Street, take a leisurely 21-minute walk and watch all the action from Qatar 2022 on the venue’s giant HD LED screen and make sure you and your team don’t miss a thing.
Or if you are looking for something different, why not head over to a renowned sports bar? Hennessey’s is the go-to sports bar in Digbeth as it benefits from 20 screens across five rooms, as well as the biggest and best LED outside screen in the garden bar. Making it a great location to have a ball with your friends. With such a great sporting atmosphere and surrounded by football fans you will almost feel like you are in the stadium (we said almost!). What’s more, once the game is finished it’s only a 10-minute walk back to New Street to hop back on your train.
Places to watch the World Cup in Wolverhampton.
For those of you planning to watch the football in Wolverhampton, simply grab the train to Wolverhampton station and head to the Centre Spot Sports Bar, an easy five-minute walk away. The must-visit sporting hub is the only location you’ll want to take in the highly-anticipated matches at. Complete with a fun and friendly atmosphere, it’s definitely one to celebrate (hopefully!) with other footie fans as England win!
For another great viewing experience of The World Cup in Wolverhampton, why not check out The Royal London. Their range of big-screen HD TVs are perfect for taking in every match. What’s more, their cosy décor, real ales, and delicious burgers make for a great evening with friends or family. Plus, with just a seven-minute walk from Wolverhampton station this pub is sure to make The World Cup an entertaining experience for all!
Places to watch the World Cup in Leamington Spa.
If Leamington Spa is where you plan to enjoy each game, you’re in luck! Located just a six-minute walk from Leamington Spa station, you will find The Old Library pub! This modern but cosy venue offers a range of great Ales and pub grub to keep your friends and family happy during what will likely be tense viewing. The welcoming staff and comfy sofas are sure to make you feel right at home, what better way to make the most of The World Cup?
Places to watch the World Cup Stratford Upon Avon.
For classic pub food and a great selection of drinks, you are going to want to check out the Rose Crown, located in Stratford. The warm and inviting décor of this destination will make you feel like you’re in the comfort of your own home, whilst you relish the football with other fans. What’s more, the pub is located just a 12-minute walk from Stratford Upon Avon station – making this the ideal location to wonder back after what has hopefully been a triumph.
Places to watch the World Cup in Tamworth.
Settle in for every kick, tackle, goal and penalty shootout, live at The Penny Black. Its range of HD TVs ensures you can capture every moment of the game in excellent quality, that combined with what will be an exhilarating atmosphere and you’re bound to feel like you are there in the crowd! What’s more, after the game is finished you only need to walk eight-minutes back to Tamworth station, where you can catch the train home! It would be a personal foul to miss out on this venue.
Places to watch the World Cup in Lichfield Trent Valley.
For the ultimate sports bar experience, you are going to want to head to Walkabout. This fun Australian-themed sports bar is always a good time, and luckily for those heading to Lichfield you can find it located a 30-minute walk away from Lichfield Trent Valley station. This affordable chain of sports bars is the perfect location if you’re looking for some affordable drinks and food deals to appreciate the game with. Grab some delicious grub and watch each match on their range of HD TV’s spread across the bar – ensuring that you won’t miss a thing.
Places to watch the World Cup in Rugeley Trent Valley.
If you’re planning to be in Rugeley, and you’re searching for a place to experience the highs and lows of The World Cup, then you need to check out The Chase. This warm and friendly village pub can be found a 25-minute walk away from Rugeley Trent Valley station. Settle in and grab yourself dinner from its large range of yummy options including, curries, sandwiches, steaks, burgers, chicken and all the very best tastes of Britain. Now that’s what you call a goal!
Places to watch the World Cup in Walsall.
Get stuck into each match in a pub as comfortable as your own home in Walsall. The Registry will be showing every game across the tournament, making it the ideal place to set up camp for the upcoming England games. What’s more, its wide range of meals means you will be able to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, including fussy kids! This family-friendly pub can be found a six-minute walk away from Walsall station – making it even more convenient for you and the family!
Places to watch the World Cup in Redditch.
For those of you planning to enjoy the games in Redditch, you need to check out The Sportsman Arms. This popular pub, handily located in the city-centre, comprises of a comfortable lounge area which is filled with sporting posters and trophies, to get you in the mood! The perfect place to catch the match with your mates, you are sure to love the thrilling atmosphere, as you spectate with other football fans. Located only a six-minute walk from Redditch station, this one is a no-brainer.
Places to watch the World Cup in Worcester.
If you are searching for a well-situated place to watch The World Cup around Worcester, then this one is definitely for you. Located just a three-minute walk from Worcester Foregate Street station, O’neills is the ideal choice if you don’t fancy a long walk. Conveniently situated just round the corner from the station this one is sure to be busy, so make sure you get there early! Its affordable drink and food prices make it the ideal option to get stuck into the footie with your friends.
Places to watch the World Cup in Hereford.
Get ready to settle into the twists and turns of football in Hereford at The Imperial Inn! This sociable pub will be showing The World Cup on its range of HD TV’s so you can admire each game in all its glory. The in-demand venue is suitably located just 13-minutes from Hereford station – meaning you and your friends won’t have to walk far to lap up the football spirit. Plus, with the Imperial Inn already taking bookings, it’s best to get organised and book now to avoid disappointment.
Places to watch the World Cup in Kidderminster.
If you’re planning on supporting England from Kidderminster then The Harrier Arms, might just be the place for you. Located only 10-minutes from Kidderminster station, this popular local pub is sure to be filled with footie fans gearing up to watch every game, making it a great choice for this year’s tournament. Its delicious traditional pub food is sure to please your whole team, so just sit back, and relax – The Harrier Arms will take care of the rest!
Places to watch the World Cup in Telford Central.
If you are planning to enjoy The World Cup in Telford, then you are sure to appreciate watching it at the Hare and Hounds. The local spot has already opened its booking system, so you can count on there being a lot of other England fans in your midst. Located a 19-minute walk from Telford Central, this pub is definitely one to check out with your mates.
Places to watch the World Cup in Shrewsbury.
Live from Qatar, you can settle in for The World Cup at The Abbey, in Shrewsbury. Located 17-minutes from Shrewsbury station, the leisurely walk will keep you refreshed before the games! This popular venue offers traditional pub grub, to keep your appetite at bay, plus its great range of drinks is sure to make this an unforgettable experience for your family and friends – as you and other football fans cheer England on.
Well, what are you waiting for? Check your calendars, book the afternoon off work, and start planning which venue you’re planning to call home for the winter. All we need now is to see football come home for the second time this year (thank you very much Lionesses).
*The £2.60 Evening return ticket is valid between any two stations within the West Midlands rail zones 1-5. Valid for travel any day from 6:30pm.