Where to Watch the 2026 World Cup in Zante: Your Ultimate Guide
- Marcus Decelis
- 21 hours ago
- 8 min read
Picture this: you're in Zante next summer, sipping a cold beer on a sun-soaked terrace, surrounded by fellow England fans as the Three Lions take on Croatia in their World Cup opener. The vibe is electric, the atmosphere is unmatched, and you're living your best life in one of Europe's ultimate party destinations. This is what summer 2026 in Zante is all about.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to North America from June 11 to July 19, and if you're planning your Zante holiday for next summer, you're in for an absolute treat. The tournament perfectly overlaps with peak party season in Laganas, meaning you can watch England's journey while experiencing everything this legendary Greek island has to offer.
When Are England Playing? The Match Schedule Breakdown
England have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Panama, and Ghana. Here's what you need to know about when the Three Lions are taking to the pitch and what time you'll be watching in Zante:
England's Group Stage Fixtures
Match 1: England vs Croatia - Tuesday, June 17
Venue: Dallas
Greek Kick-Off Time: 11pm EEST (Eastern European Summer Time)
The Stakes: A massive rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Croatia knocked England out that year, so there's serious revenge on the menu.
Match 2: England vs Ghana - Monday, June 23
Venue: Boston
Greek Kick-Off Time: 11pm EEST
The Stakes: England have never faced Ghana in competitive action. Expect a physical, high-energy clash.
Match 3: England vs Panama - Friday, June 27
Venue: New Jersey
Greek Kick-Off Time: Midnight EEST
The Stakes: England battered Panama 6-1 in 2018. They'll be looking to finish the group stage with a statement win.
Understanding Greek Time Zones
Greece operates on Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) during June, which is GMT+3. England's matches have been scheduled with Greek viewers in mind - the first two games kick off at 11pm Greek time, while the final group game starts at midnight.
This timing is absolutely perfect for Zante. You can spend your entire day at the beach, hit the pool parties, enjoy a sunset session, grab dinner, and then settle in for the match with hours of partying still ahead of you afterwards. An 11pm kick-off means the final whistle blows around 1am, and a midnight kick-off has you celebrating (hopefully) by 2am - prime time for hitting the Laganas strip.
The late kick-offs mean you don't sacrifice any daytime activities, and watching football in the warm Mediterranean evening is genuinely one of life's great pleasures. Plus, when England score at 11:30pm and the whole of Laganas erupts, the atmosphere will be absolutely mental.
The Ultimate Zante World Cup Viewing Venues
🏖️ Infinity Beach Club
If you want to watch football in paradise, Infinity Beach Club is your spot. This stunning beachfront venue combines luxury vibes with serious sports viewing capabilities. Imagine watching England with your feet in the sand, a cocktail in hand, and the Ionian Sea as your backdrop.
Why It's Perfect:
Multiple massive screens ensuring perfect sightlines
Premium cocktail menu to celebrate those England goals
VIP bed areas if you want to watch in comfort
The sunset views during early evening matches are unbeatable
Day-to-night vibe means you can go from beach party to football match seamlessly
Pro Tip: Book a VIP area for your group if England make it to the knockouts. When the pressure's really on, you want guaranteed seats.
🍹 Sugar Bar
Sugar Bar is a Laganas institution and transforms into football central during major tournaments. This is where you'll find the most passionate England fans creating an atmosphere that rivals any pub back home.
Why It's Perfect:
Proper pub atmosphere with Greek hospitality
Sound system that ensures you hear every chant
Competitive drinks prices mean your budget stretches further
Right in the heart of the strip, so you're steps away from continuing the celebrations
Staff who get genuinely invested in the matches
Pro Tip: Get there 30 minutes before kick-off for England matches. The place packs out fast when the Three Lions are playing.
🏝️ Cheeky Tikis
Cheeky Tikis brings that tropical party vibe to football viewing. If you want somewhere that's more about the experience than just the match, this is your venue. The whole place is designed for having the best time possible.
Why It's Perfect:
Epic atmosphere that keeps the energy high even if the match is tense
Creative cocktails that make every goal celebration special
Central location means easy access from anywhere in Laganas
The vibe attracts a younger crowd (18-25) who are here to party
Often runs match-day specials and promotions
🍺 Lucky's Bar
Lucky's is old-school Zante done right. No frills, no fuss, just proper football viewing with cold beers and good people. This is where the serious football fans congregate.
Why It's Perfect:
Multiple screens positioned perfectly throughout the venue
Straightforward drinks menu focused on keeping pints flowing
Tables get snapped up fast, so stake your claim early
The crowd here knows their football and creates a proper match atmosphere
Bartenders who actually care about the game
Pro Tip: Lucky's often shows other matches throughout the tournament, so it's perfect for settling those Group B or Group F debates with your mates.
📺 Barcode
Barcode is the ultimate sports bar experience in Zante. If you're serious about watching the World Cup with zero compromises on viewing quality, this is where you need to be.
Why It's Perfect:
State-of-the-art screen setup ensuring you don't miss a second
Proper sports bar seating arrangements
Menu designed for match viewing (think burgers, wings, and sharing platters)
Air conditioning for those warm June evenings
Often stays open late for the full tournament experience
🎉 Zeros Club
Zeros Club is where the party meets the pitch. This venue understands that World Cup viewing in Zante should be an event, not just watching a match.
Why It's Perfect:
Club atmosphere with sports viewing facilities
Pre-match and post-match entertainment
Massive screens that make you feel like you're in the stadium
The energy here is unmatched when England score
Perfect for transitioning straight into a night out after the final whistle
Pro Tip: Check their Instagram closer to match days for special World Cup events and packages.
🏠 The Loft
The Loft offers something different - an elevated viewing experience (literally and figuratively). This spot combines the excitement of watching big matches with a more relaxed, social atmosphere that's perfect for the World Cup.
Why It's Perfect:
Spacious layout means you're not crushed in with hundreds of people
Quality screen setup ensures everyone gets a great view
More chilled vibe compared to the mega-busy strip venues
Great for groups who want to actually hear each other during the match
Solid food and drink menu at reasonable prices
The elevated position gives you that VIP feeling without VIP prices
Pro Tip: The Loft is ideal if you want to watch the match without the absolute chaos of the main strip. It's perfect for the first England game when you want to focus on the football before the knockout rounds bring the madness.
Making the Most of World Cup Season in Zante
The Perfect Day Plan
Here's how to structure your days during the World Cup:
Morning/Afternoon (10am-6pm) Hit the beach clubs and pools. The matches aren't on yet, so make the most of the Mediterranean sunshine. Infinity Beach Club is perfect for daytime lounging before transforming into a viewing venue later.
Early Evening (6pm-9pm) Grab dinner, take a shower, and get into your England shirt. This is prime time for pre-match beers and building the anticipation.
Match Time (11pm or midnight) Pick your venue and settle in. Whether it's the beach club vibes at Infinity, the party atmosphere at Cheeky Tikis, the sports bar excellence at Barcode, or the elevated experience at The Loft, you're sorted. Most matches kick off at 11pm, with the final group game at midnight.
Post-Match (1am-2am onwards) When England win (because let's be positive), the strip comes alive. The final whistle blows around 1am for 11pm kick-offs, or 2am for the midnight match. Hit Zeros Club or continue the party anywhere along the Laganas strip. This is where Zante really shows you what it's got - the night is just getting started.
Group Viewing Tips
Book in advance: For knockout matches especially, venues fill up fast. Call ahead or message on Instagram to reserve tables.
Set a meeting point: Laganas gets busy. Pick a central spot like the main strip fountain if your group gets separated.
Budget smart: Use the early evening to take advantage of happy hours before matches. Your wallet will thank you.
Have a backup plan: If your first choice venue is rammed, knowing your alternatives (like the list above) saves stress.
Embrace the experience: Half the fun is watching with an international crowd. You'll meet fellow England fans from all over and probably some friendly rival supporters too.
Why Zante is Perfect for World Cup 2026
Let's be honest - watching football in Zante beats watching it back home. Here's why:
The Weather: While it might be raining in Manchester, you're watching in shorts and a t-shirt with warm Mediterranean air around you.
The Atmosphere: The international crowd creates an incredible vibe. You'll be celebrating with people from all over Europe.
The Full Experience: Beach by day, football in the evening, clubs until dawn. You can't do that in your local back home.
The Memories: Watching England progress through the World Cup while on holiday in Greece? Those are stories you'll be telling for years.
The Timing: The late kick-offs mean you don't sacrifice any beach or pool time. Perfect scheduling.
Practical Information for World Cup in Zante
Getting Match Updates
Most venues have WiFi, but Greek mobile data is solid if you want to keep track of other matches or check live scores. Consider getting a local SIM or European data package.
Dress Code
It's Zante in June - England shirt, shorts, and trainers is perfectly acceptable everywhere. Save the club outfits for after the final whistle.
Drink Prices
Expect to pay €3-5 for beers, €5-8 for cocktails at most viewing venues. Some places run match-day specials, so ask at the bar.
Food Options
Most sports bars and venues serve food. Budget €8-15 for meals. Alternatively, grab a gyro from a local spot between matches - they're cheap, delicious, and authentic.
Transport
If you're staying outside Laganas, taxis are readily available. Budget €10-20 depending on distance. Many accommodations are walking distance from viewing venues though.
The Bigger Picture: England's World Cup Journey
If England top their group (which they should), they'll face a third-place team in Atlanta on July 1. The new tournament format means 32 teams make the knockouts, and with the seeding system, England won't face Spain, Argentina, or France until at least the semi-finals if all top seeds win their groups.
This is genuinely England's best chance at World Cup glory since 1966. Thomas Tuchel is at the helm, the squad is stacked with talent, and the momentum is building. Being in Zante during this run could mean you're part of something truly special.
Book Your Zante Bible Experience
At Zante Bible, we specialise in making sure your Zante experience is absolutely legendary. From accommodation sorted in the best locations to event packages that get you access to the hottest venues, we've got you covered.
The 2026 World Cup creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity - combining the tournament of a lifetime with the party destination of Europe. Whether England bring it home or bow out with pride, watching it unfold in Zante will give you memories that last forever.
The matches are coming. The venues are ready. The only question is: will you be there?
Get in touch with Zante Bible to plan your ultimate World Cup 2026 experience in Zante. Because watching football in paradise isn't just possible - it's the only way to do it.
Stay updated with all World Cup viewing events, match-day specials, and exclusive packages by following Zante Bible on Instagram and checking our website regularly. The beautiful game meets the beautiful island - don't miss out.
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