How To Throw A Winning Soccer Watch Party
The U.S. men's national soccer team kicks off its FIFA World Cup campaign on November 21, 2022, but if you're anything like us you're going to be watching every dang game of the competition. It would be best, of course, to be right there in the stadiums drinking in the atmosphere. But since traveling to Qatar is both impractical and, for some, morally dubious, you can settle for the next best thing: a watch party. So here's how to avoid scoring any own goals at your next big game get-together.
The vibe
1. Pick the perfect game
The biggest catch about throwing a winning World Cup watch party is the time difference. If you want to watch USA's group-stage matches from the U.S., for example, you'll be watching them on a weekday at 2:00 p.m. ET. This is perhaps not ideal for your — or anyone else's — schedule. So it could be better to pick some high-profile weekend matches — or hope that the U.S. team makes it through to the later stages of the competition.
2. Think about your crowd
Anyone bringing good vibes and good times is welcome to a World Cup watch party. They don't even have to like soccer! But it does help to have a least one other soccer fan in your at-home crowd. That way, the inevitable duty of explaining the offside rule to the soccer noobs can be spread among the group.
3. Find the ideal setup
Why not get creative with your TV setup? You could try out a projector to really take things to the next level. You don't even have to get a fancy screen; all you need is white wall, or try hanging a sheet to project onto. But don’t forget about the basics, either: it's not going to be much of a watch party if people can't actually watch the game. So, long before anybody is due to arrive at your home, you absolutely must make sure your TV — and any sound equipment — is in proper working order. And not only that: check that everybody will be able to see the screen and hear the crowd, too. Otherwise, what's the point of everybody being there?
4. Make a social space away from the game
If your home crowd involves a few fans who are there more for the "party" than the "watch," you might want to consider making a breakout area in your viewing room. This secondary space allows anyone with non-soccer-related questions to hang out on the sidelines. And besides, a breakout area will come in handy when you need to debate that dodgy VAR decision at halftime. We recommend beanbags, tons of comfy cushions, and prime placement next to the snacks table.
