Few experiences match the excitement of watching the FIFA World Cup surrounded by friends and placing bets on your favourite team. In Norway, football culture comes alive during major tournaments, even though the national team is not always present on the biggest stage. From buzzing sports bars in major cities to unique local venues, Norway offers plenty of great spots to enjoy the World Cup together, making it easy to discover the best places in Norway to watch the World Cup.
O’Learys Oslo Vika: the ultimate sports bar experience
Located in the heart of Oslo, O’Learys Vika is one of the most popular sports bars in the country. Known for its American-style setting, the venue features dozens of large screens, making it ideal for following multiple matches at once.
During the World Cup, the atmosphere here is electric. Fans gather early to secure seats, and the combination of food, drinks, and high-quality broadcasts makes it a go-to destination for groups of friends looking for a reliable matchday experience.
Pokalen Pub: football tradition and local passion
Also in Oslo, Pokalen Pub is a favorite among dedicated football supporters. Closely associated with Vålerenga Fotball, this venue offers a more traditional and authentic football atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a place where fans sing, cheer, and fully engage with the game, Pokalen provides a more intense and community-driven experience compared to larger commercial sports bars.
Three Lions Pub: British football culture in Norway
In Bergen, Three Lions Pub delivers a classic British-style football pub experience. With strong ties to English football culture, it attracts both locals and international visitors.
The pub is known for showing all major matches, including World Cup fixtures, and its cozy interior combined with enthusiastic crowds makes it a perfect place to watch games with friends, especially when the weather outside reflects Bergen’s famously rainy climate.
Diskoteket Trondheim: big screens and big crowds
For those in Trondheim, Diskoteket offers a more modern and spacious setting. It often transforms into a sports viewing hub during major tournaments, with large projection screens and a party-like atmosphere.
This is a great option for groups who want to combine football viewing with a more social, high-energy night out.
Brygg Oslo: craft beer meets football
Brygg Oslo is a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts, but it also doubles as a relaxed venue for watching football. While it may not have the same number of screens as larger sports bars, its laid-back vibe makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy matches without overwhelming crowds.
For smaller groups of friends, this kind of setting can often provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Outdoor screenings and fan zones
During major tournaments like the World Cup, Norwegian cities often organize public screenings and fan zones. In central areas of Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, large screens are sometimes set up in public squares or parks.
These events create a festival-like atmosphere where hundreds of fans gather to watch matches together. For many, this is the closest experience to being inside a stadium, especially during knockout-stage games.
Norway may not be the first country that comes to mind for football culture, but during the World Cup it transforms into a vibrant hub of international fandom. From the buzzing screens of O’Learys Oslo Vika to the authentic atmosphere of Pokalen Pub and the cozy charm of Three Lions Pub, there are countless great places to enjoy the tournament with your buddies.
Whether you prefer a lively crowd or a more relaxed setting, the key is simple: gather your friends, pick your spot, and enjoy one of the world’s greatest sporting events together.
