2026 World Cup in Paris: The World’s First LEGO Fan Zone Opens at La Villette for Family Fun
This summer, the capital is gearing up for a buzz like few others. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the Soccer World Cup—co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—will bring Paris together around a program of public gatherings that’s as varied as it is unexpected. Fan zones in Paris are popping up all over this year, from the banks of the Seine to the parks in the 19th arrondissement, and fans of every kind will find their perfect spot there.
Free and unique places to watch Les Bleus
The competition is set to kick off on June 11, 2026, but Paris will be in full swing as early as June 12. The Quai de la Photo will open its doors at the Port de la Gare in the 13th arrondissement. This venue will host the Club Coca-Cola, a free 800-seat venue on a barge spanning over 1,000 m², featuring a terrace along the Seine with a view of Bercy. The “Rollercoaster” system will capture fans’ emotions in real time.
Meanwhile, starting June 13, Parc de la Villette will host the world’s very first LEGO Fan Zone dedicated to the FIFA World Cup. Located on the Prairie Nord, at the foot of the Géode, this 1, 800 m² space is completely free and alcohol-free. It features a giant, 4-meter-tall replica of the official trophy, built from LEGO bricks, as well as a diorama made up of more than 400,000 pieces. As a result, it’s the perfect spot for families.
For its part, the Communale de Saint-Ouen is transforming its giant market hall into a true community stadium. Admission is free, and an XXL Bonzini foosball table that can accommodate up to 22 players takes center stage. The restaurants remain open until the final whistle.
“Fan zones, live broadcasts of the matches, and a festive atmosphere: Paris is getting ready to come alive with the excitement of the 2026 World Cup.”
Le Grand Rex, La Felicità, and TOCA Social: three places to experience soccer in a different way
The legendary Grand Rex cinema, recognized as the most beautiful movie theater in the world, is transforming into a soccer mecca. In its Grande Salle, which seats more than 2,700, it will broadcast matches on one of the largest giant screens in Europe. For the Brazil-Morocco showdown on June 13, 2026, a “dakka marrakchia” show and entertainment themed around the Atlas Lions are planned. For the France-Senegal match on June 16, 2026, an announcer, live commentators, and a sound system will recreate the atmosphere of a stadium.
In the 13th arrondissement, La Felicità —Big Mamma’s Italian food market—features 5 giant screens, 5 food stands, and 2 bars where you can watch the games in a relaxed atmosphere. At Westfield CNIT in La Défense, TOCA Social Paris features immersive private booths, two large bars, and DJs for the big games. Admission starts at €5, including one drink.
Commercials for every type of fan, from June 11 to July 19, 2026
For a bucolic atmosphere, the city of Sceaux is setting up its family-friendly fan zone at the Jardin de la Ménagerie (70 rue Houdan) starting June 16, 2026. A refreshment stand and food kiosks run by local merchants will be on hand during the broadcasts. Further north, Café A (148 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 10th arrondissement) will host the Lenovo Fan Zone Experience in Paris’s largest private garden— 800 m² —featuring a showroom focused on artificial intelligence.
Le Quai Sauvage, located at the Port de Bercy, offers a 1, 500 m² green oasis along the Seine from Thursday through Sunday. The atmosphere is summery and laid-back, with DJ sets and on-site dining. Meanwhile, Boom Boom Villette (30 avenue Corentin-Cariou, 19th arrondissement)—Paris’s largest food and leisure market—shows all of Les Bleus’ matches on a big screen, featuring street food from around the world and entertainment.
For fans looking for a more socially conscious experience, Virage is partnering with the But, Make It For All collective to host a free fan zone at Porte de Saint-Ouen. This safe and inclusive space will feature match broadcasts, festive DJ sets, artistic performances, and talks. Similarly, the Jardin des Traverses (10 rue du Dr Potain, 19th arrondissement) is hosting an intimate screening of the France-Senegal showdown in a community garden, complete with a community-run refreshment stand and a neighborhood vibe.
Fan Zones in Paris
- LEGO Fan Zone – Parc de la Villette: 1,800 m², free admission, alcohol-free, accessible via Metro Line 7 (Corentin Cariou or Porte de la Villette) or the T3b tram.
- Quai de la Photo – 13th arrondissement: 800 free parking spaces, a 1,000 m² barge, accessible via the Quai de la Gare metro station (Line 6) or Bercy (Lines 6 and 14).
- TOCA Social Paris – La Défense: Admission starting at €5, drink included; VIP booths available for private hire; DJ sets.
- Saint-Ouen Municipal Stadium: Free admission, XXL foosball table for up to 22 players, food and drink available until the end of the games.
- Virage – But, Make It For All: an inclusive, free fan zone at Porte de Saint-Ouen, featuring performances and talks.
Sports bars, brasseries, and rooftop bars: fun alternatives
If you prefer a pub atmosphere, there are several standout spots. The Moose (16 rue des Quatre Vents, 6th arrondissement) is an authentic Canadian pub with 14 screens and poutine specialties. McBride’s Irish Pub (54 rue Saint-Denis, 1st arrondissement) has a giant projector and stays open until 5 a.m. The French Flair (75 bis boulevard de Clichy, 9th arrondissement) is a fan hub with great prices every game night.
As for the breweries, the Bertrand Hospitality locations—Public House, Amanie, Auteuil Brasserie, and Sir Winston—will be showing the French national team’s matches from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Special deals combining beer with appetizer platters or burgers are available starting at €24.90 at Amanie and Public House. In addition, the Fitz Group is mobilizing six Parisian venues—including Fitzgerald, Le Vesper, L’Abstinence, the Hollywood Savoy, and La Fontaine Gaillon—with shareable bites such as croquettes, tacos, and mini bao buns.
Outside the city limits of Paris, two spots are worth a visit. In Asnières-sur-Seine, the Bistrot Splash (Port Van Gogh) features three giant LED walls, a swimming pool, and lounge chairs. In Rueil-Malmaison, the rooftop at Madame Soleil (1 Place Line Renaud), perched 14 meters above the ground, broadcasts all the matches on state-of-the-art LED screens. The Les Bistrots Pas Parisiens group has partnered with M6 for these two official venues.
Summer 2026 Match Schedule and Calendar in Paris
Most matches will be played between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Paris time, due to the time difference with the host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Thus, Les Bleus’ first match, France vs. Senegal, will be played on June 16, 2026, at 9 p.m. in New York (Group I). The second match, France vs. Iraq, is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. in Philadelphia. Consequently, spots along the Seine and nightlife hotspots are particularly well-suited for these evenings.
Other French-speaking nations are also on the schedule. Morocco kicks off its campaign against Brazil on June 13 at midnight in Miami. Algeria faces Argentina on June 16 at 3 a.m. in Kansas City. Ivory Coast plays Ecuador on June 14 at 1 a.m. in Philadelphia, and Belgium kicks off against Egypt on June 15 at 9 p.m. in Seattle. This 48-team tournament is thus one of the largest in soccer history.
Other events in the summer of 2026
In addition to the soccer fan zones in Paris, the summer of 2026 will feature other major events. Paris Plages will celebrate its 2026 edition by decked out in the colors of the United States, from July 4 to August 30, 2026, with “East Coast” and “West Coast” themed events along the banks of the Seine, the Bassin de la Villette, and the Canal Saint-Martin. Meanwhile,the Esports World Cup will take place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 6 to August 23, 2026. The America 250 program will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence in the capital. Additionally, the Unified World Cup soccer tournament at Charléty Stadium will bring a spirit of solidarity and inclusivity to the competition.
Since the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the culture of festive outdoor gatherings has become a lasting fixture in the capital. The broadcast screens that now dot the fan zones throughout Paris —from the banks of the Seine to the parks of Greater Paris—are the most concrete and vibrant proof of this.
