Where (and how) to Enjoy the World Cup in Shanghai

Shanghai has a huge expat community of some 200,000+ people from around the world. Any global competition, like the Olympics or World Cup, will attract attention from a large majority of these excitable expats, and Shanghai’s many sports bars and pubs are primed to embrace the throng of fans. Here’s how to get to the places you’d want to be to watch the World Cup.

Windows. This is quite possibly the most notorious of sports bars in Shanghai. With a pool table as the centerpiece of the establishment, how can sports not be the focus? On game nights, the table goes oddly neglected as people crowd the bar and fill the booths with eager faces pointed towards the many TV screens. On game night, you’ll find tables of Australians yelling friendly taunts at the Brits, who throw friendly jabs at the Americans, who dish it back to the Brazilians, who pass it on to the Chinese. With every goal, parts of the room will erupt in wild cheers while other parts are forced to hand their heads and order another round in shame. Bamboo is a fun place to be on game night, but it is also a bit crowded so if you are not 100% into the game, maybe somewhere less committed to sporting would be preferable to you.

Blue Frog. This places is great for sports events, but you’ll also find a mix of people obsessed with the event and people who have no idea what the World Cup is. If you don’t have an infinite supply of patience, then head to Bamboo. If you are a wishy-washy sports fan then order another beer and make Blue Frog your game-watching destination. You’ll find people from around the globe watching with you, and many of them will be cheering and raving by the end of the night (much to the other customer’s dismay)!

Malone’s. This American-style eatery loves sporting events, and the World Cup will be no exception. However, you’ll find this place almost entirely overrun with visiting businessmen and half-pats (what expats call the folks who live in Shanghai part time and back home the rest of the time). You may find it a bit distracting but for an American away from home, it’ll be like tailgating inside the bar.

There you have it folks, three amazing World Cup-watching options in the heart of China. Enjoy the games, and may the best team win.