Every four years, millions around the world eagerly anticipate the biggest sporting event in our lifetime: the World Cup. While we may not get to be there in person, cheering on our favourite teams on the pitch, Singapore has something that more than makes up for it: screening events. Going to a sports bar with your friends or catching a free screening in public with a revved-up crowd can bring us a little closer to that infectious soccer pitch atmosphere that the World Cup is revered for.
Here are some of our top picks for where to catch this yearâs FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will be held from 20 November 2022 to 18 December 2022.
Free public screenings
1. Community centres and hubs
Unleash your #PAssioninthehood at local community centres and hubs across Singapore that offer free screenings of the most popular sports events of the year.
For fans wondering where to watch FIFA World Cup 2022 for free in Singapore, especially on a tight budget, our beloved community centres and clubs will welcome you with open arms!
Like previous editions of the World Cup over the years, the Peopleâs Association offers live screenings of all the matches. Most matches will be screened indoors, in multi-purpose halls, auditoriums, or theatrettes. Thereâs no doubt youâll have a stellar viewing experience, especially with its excited crowds that have congregated under one hall from around the neighbourhood. But thatâs not all! On top of the free screenings, you can score in fun sideline activities such as E-sports, mini-football challenges, and table games, while being treated to prize giveaways and more.
For all screening dates and locations, you can make plans by checking the official OnePA FIFA World Cup 2022 Live Screenings page.
2. SAFRA clubs
Share the joy of football and be a part of the SAFRA Football Bonanza 2022 where you can watch complimentary LIVE screenings of selected World Cup matches at SAFRA Clubs.
With six locations all over Singapore, from Tampines to Jurong, SAFRA clubs have been a popular stronghold for football fans over the years. If youâre a SAFRA member, you can attest to how the club takes care of its members during its screenings.
This year is no different. Under their Football Bonanza series, members will get to catch screenings of selected matches at all SAFRA buildings. Each member is also allowed to bring two guests, so if you know a friend with a membership card, you know what to do!
Be sure to remind them that all members are able to collect stamps at each screening. Youâll be able to collect an exclusive free gift after amassing a certain number of stamps â how many? They have not specified. But the more, the better, we say.
Check out the list of SAFRA locations and their respective screening schedules on the SAFRA Football Bonanza 2022 page.
3. Our Tampines Hub
Catch free and live community screenings of the worldâs most prestigious soccer tournament, FIFA World Cup 2022, in Our Tampines Hub.
In the thriving ecosystem of Singaporeâs East lies its communal gem: Our Tampines Hub. While this building falls under OnePAâs contingent of community centres, Our Tampines Hub bears special mention for its distinct popularity amongst Easties.
The hub boasts a large and stunning screen in the middle of its Festive Plaza, where throngs of people can immerse themselves in that festive spirit that only the FIFA World Cup 2022 can offer. If you want a taste of what Our Tampines Hub crowds can offer, take a look at this TikTok that went viral for all the right reasons.
As you can imagine, it is best to go early â seats are limited and highly desired by folks of all stripes. However, if you prefer comfort and personal space, the upper floors are permitted areas for you to stand or sit with a birdâs eye view. Many choices for a fantastic night under one roof!
Address: Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
4. McDonaldâs
Good food, good company and a thrilling match, what more can one ask for? Thatâs what youâll get at McDonaldâs where you can watch the World Cup 2022 for free.
Big fan of fast food joints? Listen â we know football matches are always best paired with trays of beer, but there is something special about watching one of the most popular sporting games in Singapore at a McDonaldâs.
A fast game requires some fast food. Those who watch at home and feel peckish will know what we are talking about. At a McDonaldâs outlet, you can enjoy a tense and exciting game with a side of McNuggets and a mountain of french fries. That may be a new concept for some, but it really does work especially if you are looking for an alternative to desperately searching for âsports cafe near meâ online before the big match.
Of course, we are all familiar with the McDonaldâs menu favourites. The fast-food chain has done one better by introducing a range of seasonal specials â its mains will be graced by the presence of the Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Burger and Smoky BBQ Chicken Burger, giving the top burger places in Singapore a run for their money. You can also order a side of Potato Pops.
When you need a dose of sweetness, you can chill out from the madness with a Brownie McFlurry and a cup of Hersheyâs Chocolate Frappe.
There will be 19 outlets in total screening matches across the island â whether youâre a true heartlander in Ang Mo Kio or a west-side resident in Jurong, youâll be taken care of. See the full list of outlets that will be screening the biggest football matches of the year.
Sports Bars
5. Muddy Murphyâs
Youâll notice that we have saved the sports bars for last. While theyâre a go-to choice for adults who love to congregate in town, weâve shown that you donât need to take a cab to Clarke Quay to soak in the excitement. But we digress â in the heart of our townâs nightlife, there are plenty of old-school options too!
A sports bar beloved by locals is Muddy Murphyâs, an Irish pub-themed hideout that also doubles as proud sponsors of local football clubs Hibernians FC and the Singapore Gaelic Lions.
The bar takes care of its football-loving patrons â they boast six large television screens that ensure everyone is able to observe the action from wherever theyâre seated. Of course, theyâll have F&B deals you cannot resist too.
Theyâre offering 11 bottles of beers at S$88 nett, along with a Half-Time Prediction platter adorned with deep fried and crunchy delights from all over the world â Dutch fries, German bratwursts, Korean fried chicken wings, and deep-fried battered fish that the British can only do best.
Address: Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Road, #01-02 to #01-05, Singapore 238879
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursdayâ12:00pm to 12:00am, Fridayâ11:30am to 12:00am, Saturday to Sundayâ12:00pm to 12:00am
6. Cafe Football Singapore
If there is a joint that has âfootballâ in its name, you know you are in for a special time during World Cup season.
There is something even more special about this place: itâs co-owned by football legends Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. With that in mind, where else better to immerse yourself in football glory than here?
Cafe Football has several locations, but we will highlight its cosy hideout in the heart of Woodleigh for the heartlanders â itâs located at The Arena, right in the PUB Recreation Club. Itâs sleek, lively and comfortable, and you can also enjoy a range of treats from award-winning pizzas and burgers to healthy salads from its football-inspired menu that has something for everyone.
It is no secret that this will be the de facto hangout spot for the biggest football fans, so table reservations are necessary for you to plan ahead with your friends.
Address: The Arena (PUB Recreation Club), 48 Woodleigh Park, Singapore 357844
Operating Hours: Monday to Fridayâ11:00am to 12:00am, Saturdayâ09:30am to 10:30 pm, Sundayâ09:30am to 12:00am
7. BQ Bar
A combination of indoor and al fresco seating, BQ Bar has something for everyone who wants to watch the World Cup 2022.
We mentioned Clarke Quay earlier because itâs the liveliest part of town at night â a formula-winning ingredient for an exciting time of footie. BQ Bar is simply one of the best bars in Singapore â a sports bar with the option of indoor or outdoor seating.
Traditionally, they broadcast numerous sports at once, on multiple screens, within the bar, on the terrace, and down the side street, allowing everyone and anyone to get in on the action. Their mission is to be âan unpretentious waterfront barâ, and youâll recognise that on the get go when you arrive.
Be sure to arrive before 8:00pm to enjoy their happy hour deals as well!
Address: 39 Boat Quay, Singapore 049828
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursdayâ11:00am to 12:00am, Fridayâ11:00am to 2:00am, Saturdayâ5:00pm to 2:00am, Sundayâ5:00pm to 12:00am.
Happening every four years, the World Cup is a cause for excitement. Especially since restrictions are lifted, we are all looking forward to banding together to soak in that lively football atmosphere this FIFA World Cup 2022. For the best experience, plan and decide on the venue early, and invite your best pals!
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