Think the best place to experience the FIFA World Cup is one of the host nations? Think again. This summer, Sweden is emerging as one of Europe's most exciting destinations to enjoy the tournament—combining late-night football screenings with endless daylight, vibrant city life and Scandinavian hospitality.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds across the United States, Canada and Mexico, football fans travelling through Sweden can expect a uniquely Nordic match-day experience. Thanks to the time difference, many of the tournament's biggest fixtures kick off well after midnight. But instead of quiet streets, Sweden's cities come alive with buzzing sports bars, rooftop terraces, public screenings and packed fan zones that keep the atmosphere going until dawn.
Adding to the excitement is Sweden's return to the FIFA World Cup, making this year's tournament particularly special for local supporters. Visitors can expect an infectious football spirit as locals and international fans gather to cheer on their favourite teams.
What truly sets Sweden apart is its spectacular summer setting. June and July bring the country's famous long, light-filled days, while north of the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun means daylight never fades at all. Watching a World Cup match in broad daylight at one o'clock in the morning is an experience few destinations can offer.
The tournament also coincides with one of Sweden's most celebrated seasons. Around Midsummer, the country embraces outdoor living, festive gatherings and a relaxed pace of life—making it the perfect backdrop for combining football with a Scandinavian summer holiday.
Sweden's stylish capital is preparing for a lively World Cup season. Public screenings in Kungsträdgården, football events at the popular Mosebacke Terrace and numerous sports bars across the city will welcome locals and visitors alike.
Between matches, Stockholm offers everything Falstaff readers appreciate: world-class dining, innovative cocktail bars, waterfront terraces and the picturesque Stockholm Archipelago just beyond the city centre. It's the perfect destination for those looking to pair football with Nordic gastronomy and design.
On Sweden's west coast, Gothenburg is embracing the tournament with city-wide celebrations. Giant screens will broadcast Sweden's matches free of charge in the city centre, transforming Ullevi Plaza into one of the country's largest public viewing venues.
Away from the football, Gothenburg charms visitors with its renowned seafood restaurants, relaxed café culture and vibrant waterfront, making it easy to alternate between culinary discoveries and unforgettable match nights.
Southern Sweden's culinary hotspot is also preparing for long football nights. Restaurants, bars and venues throughout Malmö—and neighbouring Lund—are expected to screen late-night World Cup matches, creating a lively atmosphere well into the early hours.
Thanks to the city's compact layout, visitors can easily explore its acclaimed dining scene before joining fellow football fans for the evening's biggest fixtures.
For travellers seeking something truly extraordinary, northern Sweden offers a football experience unlike anywhere else. In destinations such as Umeå, Luleå and Kiruna, the Midnight Sun keeps the landscape illuminated around the clock, creating the surreal spectacle of watching football in full daylight after midnight.
Fan festivals, sports bars and outdoor screenings are expected throughout the region, with additional public viewing events likely should Sweden enjoy a successful tournament.
The World Cup spirit extends far beyond Sweden's largest cities. Across the country, smaller towns are organising screenings in pubs, outdoor venues and local gathering places, giving visitors the chance to experience football alongside Swedish supporters in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you're cheering for England, the United States or another favourite nation, Sweden offers an unexpected yet unforgettable way to experience the world's biggest football tournament. Picture yourself watching a dramatic knockout match from a rooftop bar in Stockholm, celebrating a last-minute winner in Gothenburg's fan zone or witnessing football beneath the Midnight Sun in the far north.
For those looking to combine world-class football with Scandinavian cuisine, design, nature and unforgettable summer nights, Sweden may well be Europe's most surprising World Cup destination in 2026.
