Watching the World Cup in Mérida is easy. Finding a bar that is open for your particular kickoff is the part that requires planning.
For the clearest sports-bar setup, go to Playoff at City 32. For a pub atmosphere near Paseo de Montejo, choose Hennessy’s Irish Pub. Families and larger mixed groups will usually find Boston’s Pizza easier, while La Mentira offers a more local, big-screen party atmosphere.
Travelers staying near Centro and La Plancha should also look at Bar Vagón, which has advertised screenings throughout the tournament.
The important warning is that many Mérida bars normally open at noon, 1 p.m. or later. Several World Cup matches begin at 10 or 11 a.m. Mérida time. Always confirm the match and opening time directly before crossing the city.
Updated July 4, 2026: This guide covers the remaining knockout stage through the final on July 19. Match screenings, promotions and special opening hours can change with little notice.
Playoff is the most purpose-built sports bar on this list. Image from the venue’s OpenTable listing.
The quick answer
| Place | Best for | Area | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playoff | The strongest all-round sports-bar experience | City 32, north Mérida | Not convenient from Centro without a ride |
| Hennessy’s | Pub atmosphere and travelers staying near Paseo de Montejo | Centro | Some tables have better screen views than others |
| Boston’s Pizza | Families, food and large groups | Several Mérida branches | Most branches normally open at noon or 1 p.m. |
| La Mentira | A large screen and energetic local crowd | Prolongación Montejo | Published opening information is inconsistent |
| Bar Vagón | Backpackers, solo travelers and a social Centro crowd | Calle 47 near La Plancha | Smaller than the major sports bars |
| Bar & Déco | A more intimate Centro restaurant-bar | Calle 64, Centro | Confirm the exact match and opening time |
| Calle 47 Fan Fest | Special Mexico-match atmosphere | Gastronomic Corridor | Not a permanent daily screening |
Remaining World Cup matches in Mérida time
Mérida stays on Central Standard Time throughout the summer. These are the remaining scheduled local kickoff times as of July 4.
Round of 16
- Saturday, July 4: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Sunday, July 5: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., including Mexico vs England at 6 p.m.
- Monday, July 6: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 7: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Quarterfinals and later rounds
- Thursday, July 9: 2 p.m.
- Friday, July 10: 1 p.m.
- Saturday, July 11: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 14: semifinal at 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 15: semifinal at 1 p.m.
- Saturday, July 18: third-place match at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, July 19: final at 1 p.m.
Check the official FIFA fixture page before leaving. Knockout pairings and venue promotions will continue changing as teams are eliminated.
The 10 and 11 a.m. matches are the awkward ones. Do not assume a normal sports bar will open early. Look for a match-specific announcement or contact the venue directly.
GuideWhere to Stay in Mérida: Best Neighborhoods for First-Time VisitorsMérida is the capital city of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, known for its colonial architecture, Mayan heritage and lively cultural scene. The guide walks through its main neighborhoods – Centro Histórico, Santiago and Paseo de Montejo – describing where to stay, what to see and how each area feels. In Centro Histórico you can stay at the boutique Rosas & Xocolate Hotel, the budget Hostel Nomadas or the historic Hotel Casa del Balam, all within walking distance of Plaza Grande, the Mérida Cathedral and the Palacio de Gobierno. The area is best explored on foot; free evening events such as the weekly “Noche Mexicana” take place in the square. Santiago lies a short walk from the centre and offers a quieter vibe around Parque Santiago, the Iglesia de Santiago and a local market. Accommodation ranges from the upscale Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel to the modest Hotel Santa María, with many guesthouses and Airbnb options. Visitors can stroll the park, sample panuchos and tamales at the market and attend the “Vaquería” dance performance held weekly. Paseo de Montejo, Mérida’s grand boulevard inspired by the Champs‑Élysées, is lined with mansions, museums and cafés. Luxury guests stay at the Hyatt Regency Mérida, while Casa Azul Hotel Monumento Histórico and Hotel El Español provide mid‑range and budget choices. The avenue is ideal for leisurely walks to see landmarks such as Palacio Cantón and the Monumento a la Patria. No specific costs, opening hours or travel times are given, but the guide emphasizes walking as the main mode of transport within each neighborhood and suggests visiting during the dry season (November‑April) for more moderate temperatures.Open
1. Playoff at City 32
Best overall for screens, sound and a proper sports-bar setup
Playoff is the safest first choice when the match itself matters more than the neighborhood.
It is a newly opened sports bar inside City 32 with numerous televisions, a golf simulator, darts, pool, duckpin bowling and a large central seating area. It is currently creating match-specific reservations for major knockout fixtures, including Brazil vs Norway and Mexico vs England.
The number and placement of screens mean you are less likely to end up twisting around from a poor table. There are also enough side activities to keep children, teenagers and less committed football supporters occupied.
Address: Av. Andrés García Lavín, Calle 32 #298, City 32
Normal hours: Daily, 1 p.m.–midnight
Parking: Private shopping-center parking
Typical spending: Moderate to upper-moderate
Best for: Serious match watching, groups, families and people staying in north Mérida
The main drawback is location. City 32 is well north of the historic center. From Centro, plan on using a taxi, Uber, DiDi or private vehicle.
For a Mexico match, semifinal or final, reserve rather than arriving at kickoff. Ask whether the reservation has a time limit; current match bookings may be allocated in fixed blocks.
2. Hennessy’s Irish Pub
Best for a traditional football-pub atmosphere near Paseo de Montejo
Hennessy’s has long been one of Mérida’s most familiar gathering places for international sport. It sits just off Paseo de Montejo and attracts a mixture of local regulars, foreign residents and visitors.
The pub promoted World Cup viewing from the opening match and remains one of the most natural choices for people staying in Centro, Santa Ana or along the southern end of Paseo de Montejo.
Hennessy's Irish Pub on Paseo de Montejo in Mérida
The atmosphere is usually closer to a neighborhood pub than a polished chain sports bar. Expect beer, pub food, conversation and a mixed international crowd.
Address: Paseo de Montejo, Calle 56-A #486A, between Calles 41 and 43
Normal hours: From noon
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, international supporters and Centro visitors
Family suitability: Reasonable earlier in the day, increasingly pub-like at night
Open Hennessy’s in Google Maps
Choose your table carefully. The patio is pleasant, but Mérida afternoons are hot and humid during the tournament. An indoor seat with a direct screen view will usually be better than a picturesque outdoor table.
Ask whether the match commentary will be audible. On less important games, a bar may show the picture while continuing with background music.
3. Boston’s Pizza
Best for families, larger groups and a straightforward meal
Boston’s is a restaurant and sports-bar chain with several branches around Mérida. It is not the most distinctive local experience, but it is dependable for groups who need food, comfortable seating, air conditioning and multiple televisions.
The Mérida operation expanded to a fifth branch shortly before the World Cup and has actively promoted tournament viewing.
Image from the Boston’s Pizza Gran Plaza listing.
The Gran Plaza and Altabrisa branches are practical choices for travelers staying in north Mérida. Other locations may be easier from Ciudad Caucel, the western side of the city or the Progreso road.
Normal hours: Usually 1 p.m.–midnight, with some Sunday branches opening at noon
Food: Pizza, pasta, burgers, wings and familiar children’s options
Parking: Usually straightforward at shopping-center locations
Best for: Families, large groups, mixed-age parties and people who want a full meal
Find Boston’s Pizza branches in Mérida
Call the exact branch you intend to visit. One location may open early for a World Cup match while another keeps its normal schedule.
For a 1 or 2 p.m. kickoff, arrive at opening. For Mexico, the semifinals or final, reserve a table in the bar section and specifically request a clear view of a screen.
4. La Mentira Gastro Bar
Best for a mega-screen and a louder local crowd
La Mentira is built around a stage and large screen rather than a collection of small televisions. It regularly promotes football, live music and large social events, making it a good choice when you want the match to feel like an occasion.
Its menu leans toward Mexican bar food and shared dishes: tacos, wings, boneless chicken, nachos, parrilladas, beer buckets and cocktails.
Image from the venue’s OpenTable listing.
Address: Calle 17 between Calle 32 and Prolongación Paseo de Montejo
Parking: Valet or managed parking has been advertised
Best for: Groups, Mexico supporters and people who prefer a party atmosphere
Typical spending: Moderate
Open La Mentira in Google Maps
The warning here is opening time. Different current listings give different schedules. Contact the venue directly and ask whether it is opening specifically for your match.
This is not the quietest choice. For a major Mexico fixture, expect music, promotions and a crowd that is there to participate rather than silently study tactics.
5. Bar Vagón at Hostik
Best for solo travelers, backpackers and a social Centro crowd
Bar Vagón is a small taproom and cantina connected to Hostik Hostal on Calle 47, close to La Plancha.
The bar has advertised live screenings throughout the World Cup, with air conditioning, draft beer and a mixture of locals and travelers. That combination makes it particularly useful for someone visiting Mérida alone who does not want to sit unnoticed in a large restaurant.
Address: Calle 47 #442, Centro
Setting: Small bar attached to a hostel
Best for: Solo travelers, younger visitors and people staying near La Plancha
Food and drink: Craft beer, burgers and bar snacks
The room is much smaller than Playoff or Boston’s. That can create a good atmosphere, but it also means seats disappear quickly.
Message ahead for Mexico, Argentina, England, the semifinals and the final. Ask whether non-hostel guests are welcome for the specific event and whether a minimum spend or reservation applies.
6. Bar & Déco Speakeasy & Restaurant
Best for a smaller Centro group that wants dinner and football
Bar & Déco is a restaurant-bar on Calle 64 that has run a dedicated World Cup campaign and advertised a screen for the tournament.
This is a more intimate option than the large northern sports bars. It works well when part of the group wants a proper restaurant evening rather than wings and televisions in every direction.
Address: Calle 64 #413, between Calles 49 and 47-A, Centro
Parking: Parking has been advertised
Best for: Couples, small groups and visitors staying in Centro
Open Bar & Déco in Google Maps
Current opening details are not as easy to verify as they are for Playoff or Boston’s. Contact the restaurant before making it the center of your match-day plan.
Ask whether they are showing every game or only selected fixtures. A World Cup promotion does not always mean that a venue opens for every morning match.
7. Calle 47 Fan Fest and special restaurant screenings
Best when a Mexico match is paired with a city-center event
The Calle 47 Gastronomic Corridor has hosted coordinated World Cup promotions, large screens and special offers during Mexico matches.
This can produce one of the most enjoyable city-center atmospheres because you are not restricted to one sports bar. You can eat along Calle 47, watch the match and continue toward Paseo de Montejo afterward.
Paseo de Montejo near central Mérida
The drawback is that these are special activations, not permanent daily screenings. Look for a current announcement from the participating restaurants or the Mérida tourism channels.
Do not simply arrive on Calle 47 assuming a giant screen will be operating for an ordinary knockout match.
What about the public fan zones?
Mérida has had several public screening announcements during the tournament, but they have not all operated on the same dates.
Plaza Grande
A privately sponsored screen was installed in Plaza Grande for matches on June 29 and 30. It included a covered viewing area and daytime screenings, but the activation was part of a traveling promotion rather than a confirmed permanent fan zone.
Plaza Grande in the historic center of Mérida
Do not rely on finding a screen there for the quarterfinals, semifinals or final unless a new announcement appears.
Unidad Deportiva La Inalámbrica
The state-backed Zona Fan at La Inalámbrica was initially announced for Mexico’s group-stage games. It included a large screen, music and family activities.
Later knockout-stage dates have not been consistently advertised. Check state government and local news channels before traveling there.
Public fan zones are good for atmosphere and budget, but bars and restaurants are more reliable when you need a confirmed seat, shade, food and access to a bathroom.
A note on Monk’s Irish Pub
Monk’s in Santiago is a genuine sports-and-rock pub with screens, beer and a good Centro location.
However, its published normal schedule begins around 8 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. Most remaining World Cup matches finish before then. It may announce special opening hours for an important fixture, but it is not a dependable default for daytime games.
Use it as an evening option after the football, or confirm a special opening directly.
Which place should you choose?
Choose Playoff when the match is the priority
This is the strongest option for multiple screens, good sightlines and a purpose-built sports atmosphere. It is especially sensible for the semifinals and final.
Choose Hennessy’s when you are staying in Centro
It is walkable from much of the Paseo de Montejo and Santa Ana hotel area. The crowd is international and the atmosphere feels more like a pub than a themed sports complex.
Choose Boston’s when children or non-football fans are coming
The menu is broad, seating is comfortable and shopping-center parking makes the day easier. It is also a useful compromise for large groups.
Choose La Mentira when you want noise and a big-screen event
This suits groups who want celebrations, drinks and a strong Mexico-supporting atmosphere.
Choose Bar Vagón when you are traveling alone
The hostel connection creates a naturally social crowd. It is easier to meet other supporters here than at a large family restaurant.
Questions to ask before reserving
Send the venue a message with the exact teams and date. These phrases are useful:
-
¿Van a transmitir el partido de México contra Inglaterra?
Are you showing the Mexico vs England match? -
¿Van a poner el audio del partido?
Will the match commentary be on? -
¿A qué hora van a abrir ese día?
What time will you open that day? -
¿Necesito reservar una mesa?
Do I need to reserve a table? -
¿Hay consumo mínimo?
Is there a minimum spend? -
¿La mesa tiene vista directa a una pantalla?
Does the table have a direct view of a screen?
A venue answering “yes, we show football” is not enough. Confirm the exact match, opening time and audio.
Match-day advice
Reserve earlier than you think
For Mexico, England, Argentina, Brazil, the semifinals and final, reserve at least one day ahead. For a large group, contact the venue two or three days ahead.
Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before kickoff
This gives you time to resolve table problems, order food and check that the correct channel is playing.
Arriving early is particularly important at Hennessy’s and Bar Vagón, where the best screen views are limited.
Choose air conditioning for afternoon games
July is hot, humid and rainy in Mérida. A covered patio may still feel uncomfortable during a 1 or 2 p.m. match.
Playoff, Boston’s and Bar Vagón are safer choices when air conditioning matters.
Carry a little cash
The larger venues normally accept cards, but carrying cash helps with taxis, tips and temporary event stalls. Card terminals can also fail during crowded events or storms.
Plan the ride home
Playoff, La Mentira and most Boston’s branches are easier by car or ride-hailing app. Hennessy’s, Bar Vagón and Bar & Déco are better for travelers based in Centro.
Do not count on immediately finding a ride outside a packed venue after a Mexico knockout match. Prices and waiting times may rise for a short period after the final whistle.
Our recommendation
For the best pure viewing experience, reserve Playoff at City 32.
For travelers staying in Centro, Hennessy’s is the simplest established option, while Bar Vagón offers a smaller and more social alternative.
Choose Boston’s Pizza for families and larger groups. Choose La Mentira when you want a louder local celebration built around a large screen.
For morning kickoffs, ignore normal reputation and concentrate on one question: which venue has explicitly confirmed it will open for that match?
For a quick same-day check, use the free Yucatán Guide WhatsApp assistant. Travelers arranging a large group or final-day gathering can also use Human Trip Support to confirm opening hours, reservations and transport with a real person.
Venue information was checked on July 4, 2026. World Cup hours, promotions and public-screening arrangements can change at short notice.
