KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — With the 2026 Fifa World Cup finally underway, Malaysians looking to watch matches alongside fellow football fans have plenty of options across the Klang Valley, from sports bars and rooftop venues to the country’s beloved 24-hour mamak restaurants.

The month-long tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, comes with a twist for local supporters.

Many matches will kick off in the early hours of the morning or during breakfast hours in Malaysia due to the time difference. Fortunately, football fans will still be able to catch every game live through RTM, RTMKlik and Unifi TV. 

For many supporters, however, the World Cup is best enjoyed with a crowd.

In Kuala Lumpur, one of the more established football-viewing spots remains SOULed Out Sri Hartamas, which has announced it will screen all matches throughout the tournament. Sports pubs such as Healy Mac’s and venues in Changkat Bukit Bintang are also expected to draw sizeable crowds, particularly during the knockout stages.

Closer to the city centre, football fans have traditionally gravitated towards the 24-hour mamak restaurants around KLCC and Jalan Ampang whenever major tournaments come around.

Among the popular choices are NZ Curry House’s outlets in Wangsa Maju and near KLCC, while Restoran Pelita near the Petronas Twin Towers remains a familiar gathering place for football supporters who prefer watching matches over a late-night ‘teh tarik’ and ‘roti canai’.

Across Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya, supporters have no shortage of options either.

Restoran Darussalam in SS15 is expected to be among the more popular mamak destinations for students and residents in the area, while The Paddock in Kelana Jaya offers a larger communal viewing experience with projector screens and outdoor seating that have made it a regular venue for major sporting events.

Restoran Al-Safuan in Petaling Jaya is also expected to screen matches during the tournament, making it ideal for football fans who plan to survive the World Cup almost entirely on supper meals and caffeine.

Over in Shah Alam, football fans are expected to gather at several long-running mamak establishments that have built a reputation for screening major tournaments over the years.

Among them are Hakim outlets, which have been known as gathering spaces for football enthusiasts in the past, as well as Restoran Nasi Kandar Pelita, SK Maju and Kedai Mamak Hussin in Bukit Bintang.

For those seeking something beyond the traditional mamak experience, Hallaway PJ in Bandar Sunway has promoted screenings on its large outdoor screen, while several sports bars and restaurants around the Klang Valley are expected to show selected fixtures throughout the tournament.

Also, Piccadilly in Petaling Jaya, a long-standing sports outlet and official Manchester United spot, will be screening the matches.

Other venues include Rock Cafe in KL, Bar Roca KL and Score the Sports Bar in Bukit Bintang.

Still, veteran football fans will likely tell you the same thing: when it comes to watching the World Cup in Malaysia, the mamak remains king.

Whether it is a group of friends gathering before dawn for a crucial knockout match or strangers celebrating a last-minute winner together over steaming cups of 'teh tarik', few places capture the communal spirit of football quite like a Malaysian mamak restaurant.

As screenings, operating hours and promotional activities may change throughout the tournament, football fans are advised to check directly with individual venues before making plans.

The 2026 World Cup is set to run from June 12 until July 19.