Epic San Fernando Valley Watch Parties for the FIFA World Cup (Don’t Watch It At Home!)
The wait is officially over. The FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow! With Los Angeles serving as an official host city, the soccer energy in Southern California is absolutely electric. But you do not need to fight traffic down to the stadium to get an authentic, passionate, world-class match-day experience.
If you want to surround yourself with die-hard fans who live and breathe the beautiful game, the San Fernando Valley is hiding some of the best international watch parties in the city. We hit the streets to find the top spots where the culture, the food, and the soccer chants will make you feel like you have traveled across the globe. Let us dive into these epic local destinations.
Pickwick Pub: A Slice of London in Woodland Hills
If you are looking for that legendary British football atmosphere, Pickwick Pub absolutely delivers. The second you walk through the doors during an England match, it feels like you have been transported straight to a lively neighborhood pub in London. You are immediately greeted by the sight of fans draped in jerseys, pints being raised triumphantly after every near-miss, and a crowd completely locked into every single minute of the game. It is the kind of welcoming environment where total strangers become best friends for ninety minutes.
You cannot come here for a morning match without ordering their legendary Full Monty. It is a massive traditional English breakfast that will easily keep you full for the entire day. The plate is loaded with savory English bacon, perfectly cooked over-easy eggs ready for your toast to dip into the yolk, roasted potatoes, and a classic English banger paired with rich HP sauce. They even serve authentic blood sausage—a true delicacy in England—alongside perfectly sautéed mushrooms. Pair that energy with classic British pub food and a cold drink, and you have found your new soccer home.
Natas Pastries: Cheering for Portugal in Sherman Oaks
For Portugal matches, watching the World Cup becomes more than just a game; it turns into a deeply emotional cultural event. With this potentially being Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance, the anticipation inside Natas Pastries is going to be incredibly high. Long before kickoff, fans gather to order fresh espresso, indulge in traditional sweets, and talk soccer nonstop while past tournament highlights play in the background. Once the whistle blows, the energy completely shifts, and every single touch of the ball gets a massive reaction from the crowd.
The Portuguese comfort food here absolutely elevates the experience. You have to dive into the Bacalhau com Natas, a beautifully rich and creamy traditional dish made of salt cod sautéed with potatoes and onions, all swimming in a thick béchamel sauce with olives that add just the right punch of saltiness. And for dessert, you simply cannot leave without grabbing their namesake pastry. The Pastel de Nata features a perfectly layered, crispy crust that gives way to a silky, generous custard filling, all dusted beautifully with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Springbok Bar & Grill: South African Energy in Van Nuys
Springbok is already a legendary institution among international soccer fans in Los Angeles. Whether it is a random Saturday morning Premier League game, a rugby final, or a massive World Cup knockout match, the energy here is completely unmatched. You will hear accents from all over the world and sit elbow-to-elbow with passionate fans living and dying by every single play on the giant screens surrounding the dining room.
The menu goes far beyond typical sports bar food. Start your match day with their incredible samosas. These incredibly flaky, crispy triangular pastries are packed with a perfectly spiced curry mixture of meat and vegetables, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Next, you have to try the Peri-Peri Chicken. The spicy African-style chili sauce is a masterclass in flavor, bringing a perfect balance of garlic, herbs, citrus, and heat that hits you right at the end of every bite without ever overpowering the chicken itself. Served over a bed of french fries with a side of refreshing coleslaw, it is the ultimate match-day feast.
Anime Cafe: Tokyo Match Mornings in Tarzana
Watching Japan play at Anime Cafe is arguably one of the most unique and unforgettable sports experiences in the entire San Fernando Valley. The entire decor makes you feel like you just stepped off a plane in Tokyo. It is energetic, incredibly fun, and completely different from your standard dark-room sports bar vibe. For fans of Japanese culture or anyone suffering from the “Japan blues” after a recent trip overseas, this family-owned cafe feels exactly like home. When Japan scores, the entire cafe erupts in celebration.
You cannot watch a morning match here without ordering their Tamago Sando, the famous Japanese egg sandwich. Finding authentic milk bread in Los Angeles is impressive enough, but Anime Cafe perfects it. The bread is incredibly soft and fluffy, acting as the perfect vessel for an incredibly generous portion of silky, creamy egg salad. Unlike overly savory deli egg salads, this version has a delicate touch of sweetness that pairs flawlessly with their themed drinks and specialty coffees.
Mercado Buenos Aires: Pure Argentine Passion in Van Nuys
Argentina fans treat soccer with a level of passion that borders on religion, and Mercado Buenos Aires is their sanctuary in the San Fernando Valley. The moment you walk into the restaurant, the intoxicating smell of fresh grilled meats, baked empanadas, and vibrant chimichurri hits you. With Lionel Messi looking to make magic on the pitch once again, this place is guaranteed to explode with hugging, chanting, jersey-waving, and singing every time Argentina goes on the attack.
Come hungry and bring your friends, because you are ordering the Parrilla Completa. Served on a sizzling tabletop grill that keeps the meats cooking in their own savory juices right in front of you, this massive spread features certified Angus Choice skirt steak, bone-in short rib flanks, and marinated grilled chicken breast. The skirt steak is meltingly tender, releasing incredible flavor with every single bite. The short ribs are cooked to absolute perfection, and the chicken breast is infused with bright lemon seasoning. While they serve it with their famous chimichurri, the meats are so juicy and high-quality that they barely need a drop of sauce.
Experience These World Cup Hotspots:
Pickwick Pub
21010 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
IG: @pickwickspub
Natas Pastries
13317 Ventura Blvd # D, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
IG: @nataspastries
Please note: Some Portugal World Cup matches may fall outside Natas Pastries’ regular business hours. We recommend checking directly with the restaurant for match-day availability before visiting.
Springbok Bar & Grill
16153 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406
IG: @springbokbarandgrill
Anime Cafe Tarzana
19100 Ventura Blvd Suite F, Tarzana, CA 91356
IG: @animecafetarzana
Mercado Buenos Aires
7540 Sepulveda Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91405
IG: @mercadobuenosairesusa
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