The Best Ways to Enjoy the 2026 World Cup as a Student

It’s almost upon us, the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins next month, and we couldn’t be more excited here at Homes for Students. We know that an international tournament is a big deal, and most football-mad students will only get to enjoy one during their time at university. That’s why we’ve put together the essential list of things you and your mates need to try out before and during the action (hopefully after, too). The Three Lions will be going for glory under manager Thomas Tuchel. Meanwhile, the Tartan Army will be doing their best to shock the big boys and go as far as possible in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

Let’s get into it!

Host a Watch Party

The most cost-effective and sociable way you and your pals can enjoy the action is to host a watch party at your student accommodation. Given that many of the fixtures take place late in the evening, you’ll be able to get a full day’s worth of study in the bank before settling into a long night of football. Of course, it’s important not to stay up every night, so we recommend picking your favourite teams or the most tasty-looking match-ups to focus on early in the tournament. As things go on, kick-off times become more standardised for us UK viewers, so you’ll catch more games and still get your sleep.

Watching the games themselves is just a part of the watch party experience, though! It’s a fun idea to go fully World Cup mad by decking your living room out in bunting, flags, and more (all of which can be found in discount stores across the land). If you’ve got the budget, you could even put together a matchday buffet of hot dogs, burgers, and all of your favourite pre-game snacks.

Get To the Pub

If you’re up for an even more energetic experience this summer, then booking a spot in a local pub or bar to watch a few games is truly unforgettable. Venues across the country are already selling tickets to their own ‘watchalongs’, and students should jump at the opportunity. Whether it’s in England or Scotland, the pub becomes a hub of football throughout the competition and can be the place where you celebrate iconic moments or commiserate in crushing defeats (the less said about a certain day at Wembley in 2021, the better).

While alcohol can be a big part of the experience, it doesn’t need to be. The atmosphere and adrenaline alone can be enough for many to simply forget about drinking and immerse themselves in the madness.

Host a Sweepstake or Bracket Competition

For the competitive souls among us, you can’t beat a good old World Cup sweepstake. University is arguably the best place to do one, too, thanks to the vast diversity on display at almost every institution around the country. With 48 nations taking part in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, your mission is to find someone who represents every single one and have them take part in a sweepstake! Will you get the country you think will take the crown?

Similarly, if you’re more interested in predicting exactly what’s going to happen, you can go for a bracket competition. This is essentially a predictor game that allows you to plot your chosen winners’ path to glory. It sounds easy, but knowing who will be the best third-place finishers in the group stage is a whole new challenge.

Compete With Your Pals

While watching and predicting the matches are fun, there’s nothing like playing the game yourself.

Universities across the country are gearing up for a summer of sport, and you can take part in plenty of great events at your Student Union or in the local area. Look out for five-a-side tournaments and street games that’ll put you against the very best your university has to offer. Win or lose, it’s a good way to immerse yourself in the tournament, especially if you can lift a trophy at the end of it all.

Collect the Stickers

Got, got, need. It’s a saying almost as old as the World Cup itself, and is for many, an essential part of the tournament build-up. Panini have produced another fine addition to their set in 2026, and with the number of teams greater than it’s ever been, it’s also the biggest album ever produced. There are almost 1,000 stickers needed to complete the collection this time around, and packs of 7 stickers will set you back £1.25 each. Despite the increased cost and difficulty, it remains a nostalgic hit for anyone who spent hours ripping packs and sticking in their finds as a child.

All we can say is good luck if you’re attempting it!

World Cup Fever

Now you know how so many other students around the world will be spending their summer, it’s time to secure your base for when it all calms down again. The 2026/27 academic year comes hot on the heels of the World Cup, and you don’t want to be left chasing the ball. Browse our full range of student accommodation options across the UK and Ireland today, and bag the room you want.