The FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11, and Morris County sits closer to the action than almost anywhere in America. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford hosts eight matches this summer, starting with Brazil vs. Morocco on Saturday, June 13 at 6 PM and ending with the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19 at 3 PM. Brazil’s national team is even training in Morris Township, so the county will feel this tournament every day for the next six weeks.
No ticket? Here is where to catch the matches without leaving Morris County.
Iron Bar in downtown Morristown is billing itself as the home for all the World Cup action, showing every match on its 4K screens across the bar. A few blocks away, Tashmoo Restaurant and Bar is running the full FIFA slate live, and Grasshopper off the Green, Morristown’s longtime three-floor soccer pub, has a history of filling up fast when the big matches kick off.
For outdoor viewing, Homestead Bar and Kitchen on South Street in Morristown has town approval for two outdoor watch parties: Friday, June 19, when the United States faces Australia, and Sunday, July 19 for the final. More outdoor dates could follow if the US advances deep into the knockout rounds.
Families have an option too. Morris Township is opening its rebuilt Collinsville Playground on Saturday, June 13 with a World Cup watch party, the same day Brazil plays its first match at MetLife.
Hungry before kickoff? We rounded up the best Brazilian restaurants in and near Morris County, from a Mount Olive churrascaria to acai bowls in Morristown and Denville.
Match days will be busy, especially US games and the July 19 final, so check each venue’s social pages for hours and specials and get there early to grab a seat. The biggest soccer tournament on earth is in Morris County’s backyard this summer; all you have to do is pick your spot.
