Manchester is famous for lots of things. The industrial revolution, more scientific discoveries than you can count and some of the biggest music acts to ever grace the airwaves, to name just a few. But far above these worthy achievements - what the city is really known for - is undoubtedly football.

Mancunians are passionate about the beautiful game, so much so that they’ve built a museum dedicated to it. Their enthusiasm is unsurprising, considering that the city’s two main teams, Manchester United and Manchester City, are two of the most successful and popular teams in the world. Visitors flock from far and wide to soak up the atmosphere at their home grounds, Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium.

Nothing can provoke a livelier discussion at the pub than football, particularly on Derby Day, when the long-standing rivals face off. But with four players each from both Manchester United and Manchester City in the England squad this year, the 2018 World Cup will see both ‘reds’ and ‘blues’ come together to back their national team.

So where exactly can you go to watch the World Cup in Manchester? Plenty of bars and pubs are showing the matches, but we’ve picked the best so you can spend less time planning and more time brushing up on those football chants.

Carlsberg Popup Bar in Manchester235, Deansgate

The Carlsberg popup bar in Manchester235 is showing all the major sporting events this summer, including every 2018 World Cup match. So you don’t miss a thing, they’ve installed a 70ft² screen. It’s free entry, though you can reserve a seat, which is recommended for big events. They also serve American-style food such as nachos, hot dogs and pitchers of beer – ideal for sharing with a big bunch of friends.

Manchester235, 2 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP

Four-pint pitcher = £15

Tib Street Tavern, Northern Quarter

The Tib Street Tavern in the Northern Quarter will also be showing plenty of sporting events this summer, including all the World Cup matches. Private booths are available to hire if you want to make sure you’re not craning your neck, though there will be big screens both upstairs and downstairs in this cosy little boozer.

74 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG

Four-pint pitcher = £13.60

Tib Street Tavern, The Northern Quarter

Dive NQ, The Northern Quarter

Contrary to the name, Dive NQ is a welcoming place with a chilled-out vibe that makes it a bit of a crowd pleaser. It’s also nice and spacious and boasts 11 screens that show all the major sporting events all year round. With happy hours, food deals, an extensive drinks menu and even a nightclub, there’s something for everyone.

Oldham St, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1SH

Pint = £4.20

Dive NQ, The Northern Quarter

The Refuge, Oxford Road

It might not seem like an obvious place to watch the football, but The Refuge is in fact showing all the England matches, and this uber-trendy spot might offer welcome respite for those looking to escape the rowdiness of more typical sports bars.

Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA

Pint = £4.40

The Pen And Pencil, The Northern Quarter

The Pen and Pencil is another great spot tucked away in one of the Northern Quarter’s many historic brick buildings. They’re offering a ‘burger and pint for £13’ deal to celebrate the 2018 World Cup and they also have a nightclub if you fancy carrying on the party with a late-night boogie.

Fourways House, 57 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EJ

Pint = £4.50

The Pen and Pencil, The Northern Quarter

Black Dog Ballroom, New Wakefield Street

If the sun stays out over the next few weeks – and it’s looking promising! – this will be one of the best places to watch the World Cup in Manchester. Black Dog Ballroom on New Wakefield Street has a top floor roof terrace where you can catch some rays whilst enjoying all the sporting action this summer has to offer.

11-13 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP

Pint = £3.90

The Refinery

This sophisticated hangout will be screening select World Cup matches but isn’t too ‘sports bar’ themed, so it’s perfect if you’ve got a mixed group of friends with some wanting to watch the game and others just coming along for the atmosphere.

G1 XYZ Building, 2 Hardman Boulevard, Manchester M3 3AQ

Prices unavailable.

All of the places listed above are within easy walking distance of our Manchester Apartments, which are perfectly situated to enjoy the very best the city has to offer.

If you’re looking for an apartment to rent in Manchester city centre, send us an email at hello@mapartments.co.uk or give us a call on 0161 228 6633.