World Cup 2018: Watch live in Yangon

The FIFA World Cup 2018 kicks off on June 14, with 32 national teams worldwide competing in a total of 64 matches played across 12 venues in 11 cities of Russia. Phew! That’s a lot of numbers, but the most important to remember is July 15, when the final takes place at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Football lovers in Myanmar are super excited to cheer on their chosen teams—which, unfortunately, do not include Myanmar itself, as the country failed to qualify for the tournament. During the 1960s and 1970s, Myanmar (then Burma) was a dominant football force in Asia, winning the Asian Games in 1966 and 1970.

But the team’s last major achievement after the 1970s was a silver medal in the 1993 Southeast Asian Games. Since then, the under-20 squad has given the country more hope, qualifying for a spot in the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup (though it failed to make it out of the group stages.)

Nonetheless Myanmar has a passion for football, ignited somewhat by the first live airing on a major match on television—the UEFA Champions League final—in 1996. For World Cup Russia 2018, Yangonites can watch all 64 matches on Sky Net Sports channels, which won exclusive rights to air the matches in Myanmar.

Ooredoo customers can watch all the matches live in their phones by downloading the app from Google Play Store or Apple Store or dialing *565# and downloading the app. But for those who want to experience the cup in a fun and boozy atmosphere, we have rounded up the best venues and promotions.

Gallery Bar @ Sule Shangri-la Yangon
On the second floor of Sule Shangri-la, this bar oozes class, with a large pool table, sofas, big screens and classy decor. All of the world cup games will be shown live on new big screens, and they have a welcome-back offer—one house drink on your next visit, as well as surprise prizes during the tournament.

Sule Shangri-La Hotel, 233 Sule Pagoda Road, Pabedan Township
01242828 Ext: 6430, 6431

Mahlzeit & Atlas Rooftop
Yangon’s one and only German restaurant in Sanchaung township hosts a “football fun fest,” screening all games live on a big projector. Guests can enjoy special deals on both food and beverages, including thematic snacks and cocktails matching countries competing in the cup.

84 Pan Hlaing Street, 1st floor, Sanchaung Township
09 784 151250

50th Street Cafe Restaurant & Bar
One of Yangon’s most popular expat haunts, 50th Street Bar is a little slice of home for many foreigners living in the city. They will show all the matches and offer some enticing promotions. Also, show up in a team jersey and win a shot or beer every time your team scores. Play the in-house bingo cards to win a variety of prizes, too.
The opening night has a special World Cup-themed quiz and food and drinks specials will be available for the first game.

9/13 50th Street, Botataung Township
01 397 060

Sports Bar @ Inya Lake
Popular among locals and expats, this bar won best Myanmar Beer outlet in the 2017 MYANMORE Awards. They have big TV screens in every corner and for June will have buy one get one free on Kirin beer every Wednesday and Thursday night. On Sunday and Monday in June will be buy one get one free on Carlsberg and Tuborg. Also every third Tuesday of June, July and August will be 6,000 kyats free flow on vodka, cocktails and beer.

37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Inya Lake Hotel compound, Mayangone Township
09 731 32161

The Beer Factory
With a cool industrial layout, this bar offers great drinks and high quality service. They will screen live matches on big TVs and have happy hours as well as prizes for those who can guess the winning teams.

10A Shwe Taung Kyar Street, beside Marketplace by citymart, Bahan Township
09 977 606888

Captain Bar @ Savoy Hotel Yangon
Watch the FIFA World Cup Live Streaming at Captain’s Bar for every game with favourite sports teams, extraordinary passes with lots of beer and complimentary bar snacks. A complimentary glass of beer to Dutch and Italian teams dressed up in national colours or wearing team jerseys during the opening match.

Savoy Hotel Yangon, 129 Dhammazedi Road, Bahan Township
01 526289

Lobby Lounge @ Sedona Hotel
Sedona’s Lobby Lounge will also be screening The FIFA World Cup 2018 with promotions and contests going on. Win amazing prizes including a two-night stay in a suite and many more. Check their facebook page for upcoming contests and more information.

1 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Township
01 860 5377

Garbo Bar @ Meliá Yangon
Themed on Hollywood’s Golden Age and named after the famous actress Greta Garbo, the bar is a mixture of dark wood and marble, with weak and golden lights adding to the ambiance. Watch matches live on their 100 square-foot big screen and cheer for your team with their buy one get one free promotion on Heineken Beer and Garbo Special Combo Set.

Meliá Yangon, 192 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township
01 9345000

Time Out Sports Bar @ Novotel Yangon Max
Whether you’re looking for a spot to catch up on your favorite sports matches or just feel like playing darts, pool or miniature basketball, this bar should do the trick. Cheer on your favorite team with your football buddies and enjoy promotions—buy one, get one free on all draught beer during games. Plus, buy one beverage and participate in the “Live Score Game Focus”— the winner gets one free three-liter beer tower. A Carlsberg tower and tortilla chips are US$20 net, selection of five beer bottle buckets are $22 net and Carlsberg buckets are $16 net.

Novotel Yangon Max, 459 Pyay Road, Kamayut Township
09 251 185 975

Harry’s Bar
The Singapore-based establishment is now in Yangon. There are numerous beers on tap while their ever growing list of cocktails keeps the atmosphere kicking till late.

Myanmar Plaza (HAGL Myanmar Centre), Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township
Junction Square, Kyun Taw Road, Kamayut Township
09 7777 08395

Roof Alchemy
Roof Alchemy is a two-story cocktail bar that is often packed with party-goers. Renowned for its molecular cocktails, Roof Alchemy offers a creative range of cocktails and shishas.

Yangon International Hotel Compound, 330 Ahlone Road, Dagon Township
09 502 0073​, 09 254 272 460

Regional Bistro
This bar is one of the eight places where you will be able to find Burbrit Beer—locally brewed craft beer produced in Myanmar, but following a centuries-old German tradition. Big beer drinking sessions are common on football match days.

456A/B, Corner of Link Street and Dhammazedi Road, Golden Link Residence, Bahan Township
09 42060 6005

Babett
Babette is the perfect place to enjoy a Spicy-G tequila cocktail and delicious tapas. Celebrate the launch of the world cup with free-flow beer during the opening ceremony and first match, available with any burger purchase. They are broadcasting every single game of the tournament on three massive screens. Keep your spirits high and support your favourite team with US$1 beers during game time, or enjoy one of a burger and beer combo for 16,000 kyats.

5 Alan Pya Pagoda Road, Dagon Township
01 243 639

Urban Village
This place in Urban Asia Center is hosting Yangon’s very first football village to enjoy live matches and a range of other promotions and games. They have one beer station and small food stalls.

G26-49, Ground Floor, Between 47th & 48th Streets, Maha Bandula Road, Botahtaung Township
09 79942 3723

Rosie’s Sports Bar
A cozy downtown bar with a good atmosphere and friendly staff, .Rosie’s is a place you can enjoy watching live matches with friends.

No.25, 50th Street (Lower Block), Botahtaung Township
09 777 066714

Eclipse Bar & Restaurant
Yangon’s busiest hotspot for drinking, socialising and great music on the fourth floor of Myanmar Plaza. With live screening of football matches and live performances from Southeast Asian dancers, it will be difficult to find a seat if you come too late.

4th Floor, Myanmar Plaza, 192 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township
09 44247 7778