World Cup 2026: The Best Spots to Watch in Sliema and St Julian’s
The World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, and if you are planning to watch World Cup 2026 in Sliema or the St Julian’s area, you are in the right place. The stretch of coastline between these two towns is Malta’s liveliest strip in summer, and this year, with 48 teams and 104 matches running through to July 19, there is every reason to base yourself here for the full tournament season.
Where to Watch: Alavits Hotel, St Julian’s
Watching World Cup 2026 on the Malta seafront, Sliema and St Julian’s.
For the best World Cup 2026 Sliema and St Julian’s viewing experience, Alavits Hotel in St Julian’s is screening matches throughout the tournament. Right on the St Julian’s waterfront, it is the go-to spot in the area for watching the football with a proper atmosphere. Keep an eye on their schedule for match day programming and any special events across the group stage and knockouts.
Where to Stay: Novotel Malta, Sliema
Staying at Novotel Malta puts you at the centre of everything. Sliema is a ten-minute walk from St Julian’s, and the hotel’s seafront location means you are close to wherever the evening takes you, without committing to a late-night taxi home. World Cup 2026 runs for six weeks. That is a lot of late kick-offs.
Rooms at Novotel Malta range from standard doubles to suites, all on the waterfront.
The Sliema and St Julian’s Scene During the Tournament
Even beyond dedicated screening venues, the World Cup 2026 Sliema atmosphere is worth being part of. The seafront promenade fills up on match evenings, restaurants along the front run extended hours, and the general energy of being in Malta during a major tournament is something the island does well. The mix of locals, expats, and tourists means every big match has a crowd somewhere.
For getting around, the Sliema to St Julian’s walk takes about 15 minutes along the seafront. The Novotel Malta location sits right on that route.
Planning Your Matches
The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 11 to July 19 across venues in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Most matches translate to evening kick-offs in Malta, with the popular slots typically landing between 8pm and midnight CEST. For the full schedule, check FIFA’s official website. Live streaming is available on FIFA+ for matches not shown on local broadcasters.
Tips for Watching World Cup 2026 in Sliema
- Book your room early. Sliema fills up in summer, especially around the knockout rounds, so check Novotel Malta’s current offers before availability tightens.
- Arrive early for big matches. The St Julian’s and Sliema waterfront gets busy fast for major games. Give yourself 30 to 45 minutes before kick-off.
- Dress for the heat. Malta in June and July is consistently above 30°C. Air conditioning is not optional, it is a tactical priority.
- Late kick-offs are common. North American time zones mean some matches push past midnight CEST. Being a short walk from your hotel room is an underrated advantage.
The World Cup 2026 Sliema season is shaping up well. Six weeks, 104 matches, and a seafront that knows how to make the most of a summer. Get your base sorted at Novotel Malta and let the tournament come to you.