Ole, ole! The FIFA World Cup 2018 – only the world’s most anticipated soccer tournament ever – is just about a week away, so if you haven’t settled your plans to catch the Russia vs Saudi Arabia opening match on 14 June, you better hurry up.
Should you watch the FIFA World Cup 2018 online/on TV?
Every 4 years when the World Cup season comes around, we have to decide – to pay or not to pay? I’m talking about cable TV subscriptions, not your bookie.
This year, it costs $112.35 to watch the FIFA World Cup 2018 games on TV. Because it’s a combined package offered by Singtel, StarHub and Mediacorp, it doesn’t matter which cable TV provider you’ve subscribed to. If you don’t have a cable TV box that’s fine too – you can watch it on Mediacorp’s Toggle.
If you don’t want to pay to watch the games at home, you’ll be glad to know that there are free screenings. Legal ones.
Free public screenings of FIFA World Cup 2018
Even though there’s been public screenings of the past FIFA World Cups, people are still asking “Why can’t Singapore broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2018 for free?”
Can lah, bodoh! You just need to know where to go. Here are the top places to watch the FIFA World Cup 2018 matches for free. Be warned, though: As with all free things in Singapore, you can expect A LOT of people to turn up. If you don’t mind the crowd and are all for the buzzy atmosphere, go for it.
| Where to watch free screenings | Exact location |
| Community Centres | 55 community centres islandwide |
| Changi Airport | Terminal 3 (Departure Hall North, near skytrain to Terminal 1) |
| Downtown East | Level 2 Event Square |
| SAFRA Clubs | All SAFRA clubs |
| HomeTeamNS | HomeTeamNS Balestier, Bukit Batok & Sembawang |
| Sports Hub | OCBC Square |
| McDonald’s | 22 selected outlets |
Community Centres
The People’s Association has announced that they will be screening the FIFA World Cup 2018 at 55 of their community centres islandwide. The first match will be broadcasted at 40 CCs, as well as the Tampines Hub. For the whole schedule, check PA’s Facebook page.
Changi Airport
The world’s best airport never disappoints – Changi Airport is screening selected matches from the FIFA World Cup 2018 for free. There are more than 30 matches to watch, including the opening game and the finals. There’s even event games and quizzes for added fun. The event space is at the public area of Terminal 3 (Departure Hall North, near skytrain to Terminal 1).
Downtown East Event Square
For east siders, Downtown East in Pasir Ris is screening the live matches at the level 2 Event Square. If you’re into official merchandise, there are also dining promotions to look forward to – the 1st 30 people to spend $30 at any F&B outlet will receive a limited edition World Cup glass (the first match) and World Cup Russian doll set (the finals) on top of a $5 F&B voucher.
SAFRA Clubs
Member or not, you can catch free live screenings of the FIFA World Cup 2018 at all SAFRA clubs in Singapore. Although open to public, SAFRA members are entitled to special seating and have exclusive fan packs to win in the lucky draw.
HomeTeamNS
HomeTeamNS is broadcasting the FIFA World Cup 2018 at 3 of their clubhouses – Sembawang, Bukit Batok and Balestier. Screenings are completely free and open to public, but of course, members get special perks. Here are the details:
HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok: Screenings will be held at the Main Lobby. HomeTeamNS members can pre-register online to purchase drinks and snacks.
HomeTeamNS Balestier: Screenings at Wiser Sports Bar. HomeTeamNS members get 15% off non-promotional items on the menu.
HomeTeamNS Sembawang: Screenings are at the popular prawning place Hai Bin. You can get the $10 bundle for 2 drinks and a snack. There’s also a very very worth it $80 bundle for groups for 4, which includes food, drinks, a staycation and breakfast the next morning – great for midnight matches.
Sports Hub (OCBC Square)
As part of its Festival of Football, Sports Hub is screening the FIFA World Cup 2018 for all the watch! The event includes fun games and contests, and is great for some family quality time. Most of the highly anticipated matches will be screened, including the knockout stages and finals. See here for the screening schedule.
McDonalds
Okay, so this is not exactly free, but you can buy a $2 drink and grab a seat at any one of 22 McDonald’s outlets across the island. And I’m pretty sure if you just stand around nobody will kick you out either.
McDonald’s is my favourite option in the list, because there’s nothing quite like fast food and the World Cup, right? McDonald’s has even introduced a World Cup-themed menu, including the return of the McGriddles.
Restaurants & bars screening the FIFA World Cup 2018
The free-to-watch venues will undoubtedly be swarmed with people, and while you shouldn’t expect these restaurants and bars to be empty, I expect them to be much less crowded. If you go early and manage to get a seat, you’ll probably be quite comfortable. We’ve arranged this list according to price range.
| Restaurant / Bar | Price range | Address |
| Bar Bar Black Sheep | $$ | 501 Bukit Timah Road, #01-05C Cluny Court, Singapore 259760 |
| Brewerkz | $$ | 30 Merchant Road #01-05/06 Riverside Point, Singapore 058282 |
| Bull and Bear | $$ | 31 Pekin Street, #01-01 Far East Square, Singapore 048761 |
| BQ Bar | $$ | 39 Boat Quay, Singapore 049828 |
| Harry’s Bar | $$ | Several outlets, depending on the match. Check Harry’s match schedule here |
| KPO | $$ | 1 Killiney Road, Singapore 239518 |
| Molly Malone’s Irish Pub | $$ | 56 Circular Road, Singapore 049411 |
| Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub | $$ | 442 Orchard Road, #01-02 – 05 Claymore Connect, Singapore 238879 |
| ORTO (various bars and restaurants) | $$ | 81 Lorong Chencharu #01-01, Singapore 769198 |
| Paulaner Clarke Quay | $$ | 3B River Valley Rd, Singapore 179021 |
| Paulaner Brauhaus Millenia Walk | $$ | 9 Raffles Boulevard #01-01 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596 |
| The Penny Black | $$ | 26/27 Boat Quay, Singapore 049817 |
| Prince of Wales (Boat Quay) | $$ | 51 Boat Quay, Singapore 049840 |
| Prince of Wales (Little India) | $$ | 101 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209420 |
| Propeller Bar SG | $$ | 50 Telok Blangah Road Singapore 098828 |
| Tap Capitol Piazza | $$ | 15 Stamford Road 01/K1-K2 (Galleria), Singapore 178906 |
| 1-Altitude | $$$ | 1 Raffles Place, Level 63, Singapore 048616 |
| Carlton City Hotel (The Trading Floor) | $$$ | 1 Gopeng Street Singapore 078862 |
| Cé La Vi | $$$ | Marina Bay Sands, Tower 3, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971 |
| Club 55 | $$$ | 10 Bayfront Avenue, Level 55, Hotel Tower 2, Singapore 018956 |
| The Fullerton Bay Hotel (Lantern Rooftop Bar) | $$$ | 80 Collyer Quay Singapore 049326 |
| The Fullerton Hotel (Post Bar) | $$$ | 1 Fullerton Square Singapore 049178 |
| Youngs Bar and Restaurant | $$$ | 3 Hyde Park Gate, The Oval @ SAP, Singapore 799531 |
Some people will tell you to just buy a drink and glue your butt to the seat, and while that’s technically not wrong, bear in mind that these businesses paid quite a hefty sum to bring the live matches to you.
According to The Straits Times, they would have paid at least $2,876.16 (early bird) for standard screens. If they have the huge screens (over 50 inches), it’s $5,016.16 and up. So if you want them to bring it back for the next world cup, just buy some food also lah.
So there you have it. Have fun this FIFA World Cup 2018 season!
Have any tips to watch the FIFA World Cup 2018? Share it with us in the comments below!
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