The world’s biggest soccer event is coming to America this summer, and it is set to be a big draw for watch parties and gameday action.
This will be the first time the tournament has included 48 national teams, and it will be hosted by 3 countries (USA, Canada, and Mexico) with 11 US host cities. Even beyond those markets, excitement will be high for this quadrennial event, running from June 11th to July 19th, 2026.
For foodservice operators, this is a great opportunity to make sure your menu is prepared to “fuel the fans.” Some helpful tips to get ready for gameday watch parties:
- Try to create a welcoming, stadium-like atmosphere. Think large TVs, games with the audio up, international flags, and staff and repping their favorite jerseys. Encourage face painting (though no hooliganism, please).
- Promote well! Post brackets and schedules in-house ahead of time, so guests know when to show up.Take advantage of social media to create some excitement for the whole event, and perhaps partner with local soccer clubs to get the word out.
- Create excitement during the games. Do halftime raffles, giveaways of jerseys, offer food and drink specials for goals scored, or trivia contests to keep the crowd involved.
- Encourage repeat business! This tournament lasts over a month, so entice customers with frequency discounts and attendance punch cards for free appetizers to keep guests coming back.
- Bring international flavor to the menu and offer an expanded assortment of apps and entrees inspired by competing countries.
- Consider big flavor without the labor with products like Smithfield Smoke’NFast — fully cooked or hardwood-smoked proteins, including ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket, and our innovative KC Wild Wings. The portfolio includes global flavors, like barbacoa and carnitas, authentically slow cooked to perfection. Guests will love the menu as much as the game.
Pro Tips from Pro Chefs:
“Many of these items require little to no prep and are freezer stable for long periods of time — and would take days if not weeks to produce from scratch. Being able to order precisely what you need only a day or two before service frees up time and space in busy restaurants.”
— Chef Melissa Chickerneo, Behind the Scenes Catering and Events, San Diego
“Every Smoke’NFast product can make a memorable center-of-plate item or elevate a side. The consistency of these products has helped us streamline our operations and free up a lot of our time in the kitchen. Many of these items require little to no prep and are freezer stable for long periods of time.”
— Chef Alex Sadowsky, Ojos Locos Sports Cantina, Dallas
Learn all about the Smithfield Fuel the Fans promotion* at smithfieldculinary.com/smokenfast/fuel-the-fans
*Content provided in partnership with Smithfield®