There isn’t long before the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives, kicking off five weeks of football.
More than 100 games are set to be played across the tournament, which Scotland will participate in for the first time since 1998.
The national men’s team will begin their campaign a few days following the start of the World Cup, facing Haiti at 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14.
Despite the late - or early - timing of the match, pubs across the country have been granted extended licencing hours for Scotland’s games, including those against Morroco and Brazil which will begin slightly earlier at 11pm.
If you want to watch Scotland on the world stage surrounded by fellow football fans, you can get in on the action and head down to your local pub as Aberdeen City Council have introduced extended opening hours for showing fixtures across the city.
This includes premises being allowed to remain open for 30 minutes following the end of any games involving Scotland - meaning you’re covered even for the first match - though many of these pubs will need to be booked in advance.
Without further ado, here are 10 of the best pubs where you can watch the World Cup in Aberdeen.
1. College Bar
With a Tennent’s tank, College Bar has long been a favourite for sports fans to catch live matches. The bar’s layout offers views no matter where you sit, plus two large screens which will be in action for Scotland’s matches at the tournament, with food also on offer. | Google Maps
2. The Ivy Lodge
All of Scotland’s games will be on show at Aberdeen’s Ivy Lodge, both inside and outside on the terrace. With huge screens and food available, football fans can book their table at the Shiprow venue now. | Lauren Jack
3. Malones
Nearby, Irish pub Malones will also be showing the World Cup across a variety of screens. Open late, the pub has even partnered with Aberdeen Douglas Hotel for those who predict a late night (with late checkout included). | Google Maps
4. Soul
A former church with a huge stained glass window, Soul on Aberdeen’s Union Street is also showing the World Cup. Another pub with a Tennent’s tank, there will be a World Cup food menu and pre-match DJs for all of Scotland’s games. | Google Maps