Where to Watch, Cheer and Celebrate Soccer in Maine
There are few things that bring people together quite like soccer. Whether it’s a World Cup final, a Premier League title race or a local match at Fitzpatrick Stadium (Fort Fitzy, if you’re a local—home turf of the Portland Hearts of Pine), the game has a way of turning strangers into teammates. In Maine, where communities are tight-knit and gathering places matter, soccer has become more than a sport—it’s yet another reason to connect.
On any given match day, you’ll find fans filtering into pubs, breweries and community spaces across the state, scarves draped around their necks and allegiances spanning continents. Some support clubs they’ve followed since childhood. Others fell in love with the game through a favorite player, a family connection or a memorable tournament. What unites them isn’t necessarily the team they cheer for, but the shared experience of watching together.
At places like Portland Zoo, conversations flow easily between kickoff and the final whistle. A newcomer can walk in alone and leave with a handful of recommendations, a new favorite club and a few friends. Rival supporters debate tactics, celebrate spectacular goals and commiserate over heartbreaking losses, often while sharing a table. The game provides common ground in a world that often feels increasingly divided. (See Portland Zoo’s upcoming schedule to find a game.)
That sense of community extends well beyond Portland. Youth soccer participation continues to grow throughout Maine, and local soccer leagues and pickup games fill parks and fields throughout the summer. The arrival of Portland Hearts of Pine has only amplified that enthusiasm, creating a focal point for the state’s already passionate soccer community. On match nights at Fitzpatrick Stadium, families, longtime fans and first-time spectators come together to experience the energy that makes soccer the world’s most popular sport.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the FIFA World Cup in North America in 2026, matches are hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. For Mainers, one of the tournament’s most exciting host cities will be practically in the backyard. Boston, selected as one of the World Cup venues, is less than two hours from southern Maine, making it possible for visitors and residents alike to experience one of the world’s biggest sporting events without crossing an ocean. (And for those crossing an ocean to watch a FIFA match in Boston, they’ll find plenty of reasons to extend their trip to Maine, from the robust sports scene and outdoor adventures to sandy beaches and fresh seafood.)
Whether watching during the World Cup or catching your favorite local team take the field throughout the season, bars and gathering places across Maine fill with supporters from every corner of the globe. Expect packed patios, friendly debates, spontaneous celebrations and the kind of atmosphere that reminds us why sports matter in the first place. Pull up a chair, order a pint, and don’t be surprised if the person cheering beside you becomes a friend by the final whistle.
More places to watch soccer in Maine:
Rí Rá, Portland
With salvaged and restored interiors imported from Ireland, this two-level waterfront pub feels as authentic as it gets. A favorite gathering place for soccer and rugby fans, its Victorian-style downstairs bar comes alive on match days.
The Garden by Bissell Brothers, Portland
A cavernous space with screens and Bissell’s own beer, it’s good for a bigger group that wants room to spread out. Bonus: their kitchen turns out flavorful dishes inspired by Northern Italy and the Adriatic.
Benchwarmers, Brunswick
Settle into this friendly, unfussy pub on Maine Street between Bowdoin and the train station. There are enough TVs to land on whatever match you’re after. Bring the kids and order the wings.
Seasons, Bangor
A roomy spot near the Cross Insurance Center with a wall of high-definition screens, this is an ideal spot for catching a match before or after an event downtown. Ask them to put your game on—chances are they can.
Dog & Pony Tavern, Bar Harbor
One of the few year-round bars in the heart of town, you’ll find nine TVs and an outdoor treehouse setup for good weather. It’s a welcome find on the island when you want a game and a cold one.
This story was written and photographed by Cam Held, co-editor of Maine the Way, whose work documents the people, places and details that define life in Maine.