Where to watch World Cup matches for free this year

The quadrennial event that raked in a whopping 3.5 billion people viewership in 2018 is about to knock on our doors once again.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick off in Qatar on Nov 21 and while many may not have the opportunity to root for their favourite teams in person, they can still do so through the screens.

With the subscription fees for the World Cup 2022 costing $118, viewers can consider visiting these free or wallet-friendlier alternatives to catch the upcoming matches:

Visitors can now do more than shopping at Changi Airport as there will be public screenings of some World Cup matches.

Located at Terminal 3 basement two, visitors can catch live matches from Nov 21 to Nov 24 at ST3PS.

Downtown East will screen more than 25 highly anticipated matches at its Event Square.

Unsure on when your favourite team will play? You can refer to Downtown East’s screening schedule and be up-to-date with the matches.

Admission is free for all.

Live screenings will be held at various community locations such as Community Clubs (CCs), Sports Hub, ActiveSG Sport Centres and the National Library Building.

The People’s Association (PA) will host fringe activities such as mini football challenges at the CCs for viewers and residents to soak up the football fever and get into the sporting spirit.

Viewers can also watch selected matches live at five ActiveSG Sport Centres across Singapore. The Jurong West Sport Centre will screen the World Cup finals while the Hougang Sport Centre will air the semi-finals.

The Sports Hub will also screen selected matches in December.

Those interested can watch World Cup matches at the Padang, organised by the Singapore Recreation Club (SRC). Admission is free for SRC members and $15 per entry for guests. The entry fee is inclusive of one soft drink or beer.

You can also look forward to futsal competitions and a World Cup themed Zumba session.

SAFRA will host complimentary live screenings of selected matches at its clubhouses.

Viewers can collect stamps when they watch the live screenings and redeem free gifts upon hitting milestones on the loyalty cards.

One can also participate in its football fringe activities at all SAFRA clubhouses in December.

Fans of the World Cup can also consider grabbing a meal or a drink at some F&B establishments while enjoying highly anticipated matches.

One of such establishments is Café Football, which is known to air the English Premier League (PL) matches regularly. It will hold live World Cup screenings of all 64 matches at its Woodleigh and newly-opened Jurong outlets.

Muddy Murphy, sponsor of the Hibernians Football Club and Singapore Gaelic Lions, is also set to screen the World Cup matches. The pub will also offer a World Cup Prediction Platter at $38.

A crowd-favourite, Harry’s, will also screen the World Cup matches at its bars across Singapore. Patrons can munch on its Laksa Popcorn Chicken and Tandoori Chicken Bites while watching the games.

Dallas Restaurant and Bar, known for holding regular screenings of the PL, Melbourne Cup and Australian Football League, will also offer live screenings of World Cup matches. It has outlets at Boat Quay and Marina Bay Sands. Those interested can check the screening schedule here.

Fans of The Curry Club’s fish head curry would be pleased to know that the eatery will broadcast the World Cup matches live. Some of its bestsellers include the signature claypot rice and chettinad mutton curry.

Crossroads cafe will also offer live screenings from Nov 21 to Dec 18. The cafe has also curated a special bar snack menu meant for for sharing, including the Loaded Mac & Cheese Steak Cut Fries, Honey Ginger Sriracha Wings, and churros. In addition to live screenings, customers can participate in a Guess The Score game and win two pints of draught beer if they predict correctly.

For those looking to watch the final match on a 65-inch television, Cé La Vi would be the right place. Tickets are priced at $38 per person and will include one premium house pour at Club Lounge and SkyBar spaces. Fans who arrive in their favourite national team’s jersey will receive a complimentary entry.