Long lunch break? We'll allow it.
World cup fever has well and truly hit Wollongong and we're here for it. With Australia taking on Paraguay this Friday from 12pm we've done the legwork, so you don't have to. Here are some of the best spots in the CBD to catch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Wollongong.
The Icon
The Icon isn’t a traditional sports pub — it’s better than that. This bar and restaurant is tucked away behind the IPAC and brings a Greek-influenced share menu, creative cocktails, and a buzzing social atmosphere to a midday kick-off. Order the mixed skewers or go full Med spread, and watch the game on your lunch break. The Friday happy hour runs 3–7pm with $10 cocktails and $6 beers and wines, so if the Socceroos come through you’re already set up to celebrate.
Go here for: The food, the vibe, and the happy hour if Australia make it through.
Bevanda Bar
Tucked into Globe Lane, Bevanda is a small bar with an open-air indoor-outdoor setup and a drinks list built around creative cocktails and local beers. It’s casual, it’s social, and it’s exactly the kind of place you want for a midday kick-off with a cold drink in hand and the lane buzzing around you. Check their socials for any World Cup drink specials before heading down.
Go here for: The cocktails, the Globe Lane atmosphere, and a euro-inspired venue to watch the game.
La La La's
Globe Lane is really pulling its weight this Friday. La La La’s Dive & Live is screening Paraguay v Australia on their big screen with $7.50 Grifter schooners which, combined with a 12pm kick-off, is basically a perfect Friday. They’re also running a $25.50 lunch deal if you need something to back it up. It’s the kind of offer that makes convincing your boss to extend lunch a lot easier.
Go here for: $7.50 Grifter schooners, a lunch deal, and a Globe Lane atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
The Builders Club
If you want the one of the best spots bars in the Illawarra, this is it. The Legends Sports Bar was purpose-built for exactly this, with an 18sqm LED screen, over 30 LCD TVs and stadium-like sound. Grab a Stonegrill steak done your way, or keep it simple with a pizza or bistro meal from Platform 61 next door. Check their socials closer to the day for any Friday World Cup specials.
Go here for: Huge screen, a proper sports bar set up, and plenty of room for larger groups.
The Illawarra Hotel
The classic Wollongong pub, done right. Keira Street’s finest is running express lunch specials from 12 - 3pm with a rotating gourmet menu. Cold local beers, classic bistro menu, and enough screens to see it from wherever you end up sitting. Pull up a stool, order a meal, and settle in.
Go here for: The $18 lunch special, the local pub vibes, multiple screens to catch the action.
Dicey Riley’s
An Irish pub for a World Cup match is basically a rule at this point, and Dicey’s is delivering. Fridays mean $10 pints of Guinness, Kilkenny, and Bulmers Cider all day, which lines up perfectly with a 12pm kick-off. The bistro is open from 11am with $16 lunch specials if you need something to soak it up. And the best bit: if Australia win, Dicey’s is shouting everyone a mug of Asahi or a Fellr Seltzer (one per person, responsible service of alcohol applies). Get in early and get a good spot.
Go here for: the best drink specials, the atmosphere, and a free drink if the Socceroos get the job done!
The Frisky Flamingo
If you're serious about screen size, this is where you need to be. The Frisky Flamingo at the Novotel Northbeach on Cliff Road is home to a staggering 8m x 4m screen, with stadium sound to match. Add a beachfront location, American-style menu loaded with burgers, wings and sharing platters and you've got yourself sorted for a great World Cup experience.
Go here for: The biggest screen in the CBD, ocean views from the balcony, sports bar vibes.
Kick-off is midday this Friday 26 June, and Australia need a draw or a win to go through to the next round. Wear your green and gold, grab your mates or coworkers together, and cheer on the Socceroos!