The challenge: Can we eat at an authentic restaurant for every country in the 2026 World Cup, owned by (or at least cheffed by) someone from the country in question? Well, no — but you’ll be surprised at how many options we do have. As the world comes together for this Copa Mundial, let’s support these local faves, as sorted by FIFA region.
Looking for World Cup watch parties? Here’s a great list.
AFC (Asia) + OFC (Oceania)
A well-represented group! For Iranian food, Noôsh joins the excellent House of Kabob and Taste of Persia; for Iraqi dishes, both Al Rasoul Restaurant & Market and Jerusalem Reebar come recommended, with the latter offering some Jordanian cuisine as well. (We are waiving the rules for the talented Palestinians at J.R., because we made the rules.) OSH and Michelin Bib Gourmand winner Uzbegim have us covered for Uzbek food. Don’t miss Sonobana for Japanese, Hai Woon Dai for Korean, or Aussie coffee shop Two Hands.
CAF (Africa)
Of the 10 countries representing Africa at this year’s World Cup, I could only find authentic options for two of them. Ragab Rashwan serves up terrific Egyptian fare at King Tut’s (a must-eat on your way to the zoo), and Polé Polé’s food truck/catering service specializes in Congolese. Plenty of other restaurants offer African fare from non-World Cup countries, though, and we will forever shout out The Horn’s life-changing chai.
CONCACAF (North and Central America, Caribbean) + CONMEBOL (South America)
From Tres Gauchos Argentinian resto inside Plaza Mariachi — a great place for a watch party — to the ice cream at La Super Michoacana, this region is rockin’. You can’t skip the Mexican masas at Alebrije and Maiz de la Vida, and Colombia fans have great choices in La Cucharita and Mi Colombia. We trust you know where to find North American food on your own. As for Canada? It’s Tim Hortons time — unless we cheat again to include the tandoori poutine at Chauhan Ale and Masala House.
UEFA (Europe)
Lola Nashville’s executive chef lives in Spain, and the brothers at New Berlin grew up in a German-speaking household. You gotta try the French pastries at Olala Cafe, and A Taste of Sweden bakes up sweet treats from their home in Hendersonville. But the big winner in this region is Türkiye, repped by both TashTea (shout out to our local Kurdish community) and Anatolia, where you should order the mixed grill if you want to happily fall asleep before halftime.
