It's that glorious time again, y'all. World Cup is here! It's a time when even people with just a passing interest in the beautiful game fob off work for a few weeks to stay up all night and drink in a loud bar cheering on their side. It's intoxicatiing!

Read on for the schedule information and a few recommendations.

The Schedule

We've added a page to the SmartShanghai WeChat MiniProgram showing the schedule adjusted to Shanghai times, and we'll update that page with the latest match ups once the group stage is over. Just scan this code to access our MiniProgram.

Where To Watch

Boteco

The homebase for Shanghai's Brazillian fans is gonna be Boteco, the popular Brazilian "watering hole" in Found 158. They're going to be showing all the games and expect the cozy venue to get packed out in particular for Brazil's games. Along with the matches they're going to be offering a BBQ-heavy late night menu and deals on beer towers.

Abbey Road

Friendly, downtown neighboorhood bar Abbey Road is a good place if you are looking for something slightliy cozier, less rowdy, and less less sports bar-y. No introduction needed for this longrunning Shanghai staple. They are showing all the games on weekends and the earlier ones on weekdays (not the 3am ones). During the World Cup period they are offering 3 drinks at 100rmb, so that's a good deal too.

Chez Jojo

Chez Jojo's centrally located Fuming Lu location is turning one of their huge covered terraces into a World Cup games viewing area where most of the games are being shown on a large screen.On weekdays, they are showing all the games except for the 3am ones. On weekends, they are going all in showing them all on the big screen. This might be a good one for France supporters watching to see if their side can win a third World Cup trophy.

Beer & Space

A great craft beer bar in Changning district, Beer & Space is staying open late, late, late and showing every single game on multiple huge flatscreen TVs. They're also serving up one of the best drink deals on the list to go along with the excitement: 128rmb for two hours of free-flow craft beer. It's a beautiful venue with lots of screens and pretty good beer, which makes it a good spot if you are in that area of the city. Check our listing for their other ongoing food and drink deals.

Cages

Everyone in the whole world is going to be at Cages -- both venues -- for the World Cup. Seating a capacity of 800 people and with huge screens everywhere, it's the closest thing you'll get to being at the World Cup in person. With the batting cages and in the Jing'an location, they'll be well equiped for the inevitable football riot when Nicaragua beats Nigeria in injury time. This year there's no entrance fee and no need to make a reservation at least during the group stage. Up to you if you want to go to an 800-person event though 'cause... well, y'know.

The Smokehouse x The Camel

The Camel shows pretty much every major sporting event, including all the World Cup games. Their Xiangyang Lu location is slighly smaller then the original spot so it should fill up quite easily. They are showing all the games including the late weekday games on their big screen. No drink specials but check our listings for the weekly food and drink specials.

Tacolicious

Popular tacos and cocktails place Tacolicious in Tonglefang in northern Jing'an is going all in, being one of the few places around town that will be showing all the games, even the late 3am games on weekdays. They have several large screens at the venue and offer drink deals for all the games.

Lounge by Topgolf

Lounge by Topgolf is a good one if you're looking for options. They have a large communnal restaurant and bar space with games on the TVs plus a number of private rooms outfitted with giant screens if you want to have a smaller more private party with 6-15 of your mates or so. They'll be showing all games, including weekday 3am ones. 50 rmb for a glass of Estella Beer or Vodka Red Bull, which you might need for those late, late ones.

Big Bamboo (Hongqiao and Jinqiao)

The Big Bamboo family -- that is both locations of Big Bamboo plus Pistolera in the Shanghai Center are hosting live coverage of all the games. Shanghai's original sports bar is hosting a special late night menu with rib eye steak, bbq ribs, burgers, nachos, chicken wings, and more on offer for a late night bite during the games. Ample television available at all these locations but the Big Bamboo in Hongqiao is hosting screenings in a giant tent with a movie screen. Good for watching the games with a big crowd, especially if you're living out in Hongqiao.