2026 FIFA World Cup: Fun Facts, Biggest Changes, and Why This Year is Historic

Keywords: 2026 FIFA World Cup, where to watch the World Cup in Utah, soccer

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, happening June 11-July 19 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events in global sports history. From expanded teams to a three-country host format, this tournament is changing the game before the first match even kicks off. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a reason to gather with friends, here’s everything you need to know—including where to watch the World Cup in Utah.

A Truly Historic Tournament

The biggest headline? The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first ever hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s also the largest soccer tournament in history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams.

That means:

  • More matches (104 total vs. 64 in previous years) 
  • More nations competing 
  • More chances for surprising outcomes and edge-of-your-seat action 

For fans, this year’s tournament translates into a month of non-stop soccer and more opportunities to experience the global excitement around the game. And there’s no better place to watch the World Cup in Utah than your favorite neighborhood location of Bout Time Pub & Grub.

World Cup Changes to Know

This isn’t just a bigger World Cup, it’s a different one.

The tournament introduces a new group-stage format with 12 groups instead of 8. More soccer teams means more diversity in play styles and matchups than fans have ever seen before.


With the U.S. as a primary host, American cities will see a record number of games, including high-profile knockout rounds and the final.

That means an elevated fan experience across the country including immersive viewing events that will feel more like a global celebration than ever before.

Fun Trivia Facts to Share at Your Table

  • This will be the first World Cup with 48 teams in FIFA history 
  • Mexico becomes the first country to host three World Cups 
  • The tournament will span 16 host cities across North America 
  • The final is expected to be one of the most-watched sporting events ever 

In short, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a milestone moment for the sport.

Where to Watch the World Cup in Utah

Although Salt Lake City isn’t a host city, they will be the team base camp for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national men’s soccer team so fans will still feel the excitement in real time. 

And if you’re wondering where to watch the World Cup in Utah, sports bars like Bout Time are the place to be. Known for the high-energy atmosphere, more TVs than tables, scratch-made food, and a game-day crowd, Bout Time’s locations across the Wasatch Front are a great place to meet friends for an early match or catch a late-night showdown.

With packed patios and lively crowds, Bout Time is the kind of place where every 2026 FIFA World Cup goal feels bigger because you’re surrounded by other die-hard fans.

Get Ready for Kickoff

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, one thing is certain: it will redefine what a global sporting event can be—making it unlike anything we’ve seen before. With more teams and North American hosting, the tournament brings the sport closer to home for millions of fans.

So, grab your jersey, rally your friends, and start planning to watch the World Cup in Utah. It’s a chance to experience global culture, competition, and connection—whether you’re in a stadium or watching from your favorite barstool at Bout Time.

You won’t want to miss a single moment.

Bout Time in Bluffdale Hosts Grand Opening for New Family-Friendly Neighborhood Grill Experience

Bout Time in Bluffdale expands with a new family-friendly dining space, while continuing its established sports bar

The Bluffdale community asked, and Bout Time listened! This weekend, Bout Time in Bluffdale is celebrating the opening of its new Neighborhood Grill experience — a welcoming, family-friendly dining space downstairs, while continuing to deliver its energetic sports bar atmosphere upstairs. Together, the two concepts provide a space designed for everyone under one roof.

“This expansion reinforces what Bout Time has always been about — creating a place where people can come together, build community, and share unforgettable experiences,” said Tim Ryan, CFO of Bout Time Pub & Grub. “We welcome the community to come and experience this family-friendly addition first-hand, and celebrate this next chapter with us.”

The event will kick off on Saturday, May 16th, at 12:30 p.m. and go through 2:00 p.m. Along with its family-friendly dining area, the Bluffdale location has added a dirty soda fountain, featuring flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy. Try our recipes or make your own combination to pair with our kids menu and Bout Time favorites

At the event, guests will have the chance to try new dirty sodas and milkshakes for free. A free kids meal will also be included with the purchase of an adult entree. The fun doesn’t stop there — guests have the chance to enter giveaways for Bout Time gift cards, going up to $100.

Bout Time started with the dedication of being a space built for everyone. It’s become well-known for its great sports bar atmosphere, but is excited to bring back its roots by implementing this family-focused addition in Bluffdale.

Bring your family, friends, and appetite to the the Bout Time Neighborhood Grill launch event on Saturday to see what it’s all about! Learn more and follow for updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

About Bout Time Neighborhood Grill

Located in the heart of Bluffdale, Bout Time Neighborhood Grill is committed to having something for everyone. Upstairs, guests can enjoy the energy of a classic sports bar atmosphere, while downstairs offers a welcoming, family-friendly dining space. Originally established on the historic site of Porter Rockwell’s Hot Spring in 1856, this space has served the community for generations as a Pony Express station, inn, gathering place, and brewery. Today, Bout Time Neighborhood Grill honors that legacy by creating an environment where anyone can come together to share great food, memorable experiences, and lasting connections.

Two Experiences, One Location: Bout Time in Bluffdale Expands with New Family Dining Space

Bout Time in Bluffdale offers family-friendly space, while maintaining classic sports bar experience upstairs

Bout Time in Bluffdale is excited to announce its new addition — Bout Time Neighborhood Grill — will feature a dedicated family dining area downstairs, while continuing to offer its classic sports bar experience upstairs.

Bout Time began as a place built for everyone — families, friends, and sports fans alike. Over time, the brand evolved into more of a pub atmosphere, but is excited to bring that family-friendly foundation back into the mix. Bluffdale asked, and we listened, refreshing our original concept for the next chapter.

“We want this to be a space where friends, families, and neighbors can gather and enjoy what Bout Time has to offer,” Tim Ryan, CFO of Bout Time Pub & Grub. “This addition allows us to stay true to our roots, while reestablishing Bout Time as a place to bring communities together.”

Additionally, Bout Time Neighborhood Grill will feature a dirty soda bar, perfect to cool off during the summer, or enjoy a sweet drink with dinner. Don’t worry, all the Bout Time menu favorites you’ve come to know and love, such as our delicious burgers and wings, will still be on the menu. Come in for a fun, laid-back dinner with meals made from scratch, and top it off with the perfect soda mix.

This Bluffdale location is one of nine Bout Time spots across Utah. Opened on the site of Porter Rockwell’s Hot Spring in 1856, this location has served as a Utah Pony Express station, inn, and brewery over the years. We are proud to honor its rich history while continuing to establish it as a place for the community to gather and make meaningful connections.

Whether you’re catching the game or sitting down for a casual family dinner, Bout Time Neighborhood Grill offers something for everyone. Come experience the new dirty soda bar and family-friendly atmosphere today!

Bout Time Pub & Grub Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day and a Major Tournament Weekend Across Utah Locations

Bout Time Pub & Grub Invites Utah Communities to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Food, Fun, and March Sports

St. Patrick’s Day overlaps with early tournament games this year — a huge win for sports fans! Head to Bout Time Pub & Grub locations for a bit of luck of the Irish, as well as plenty of basketball watch parties this March.

Starting Saturday, March 14th, and going through St Patrick’s day on March 17th, enjoy some of Bout Time’s delicious themed foods and drinks! Try a plate of smoked Corned Beef & Cabbage, and wash it down with a pint of Guinness or an Irish Slammer.

The party doesn’t end thereBout Time Pub & Grub’s nine locations across Utah are also the perfect place to keep up with March Madness. With scratch-made food, wall-to-wall TVs, and high-energy watch parties, it’s a great way to get in on all of the action. Dig into savory nachos, smoked wings made fresh daily, and hand-cut fries made in-house.

“Bout Time Pub & Grub is dedicated to creating the best experience for celebrating spring sports with our community,” said Dan Eckersley, Director at Bout Time Pub & Grub. “This March, we’re thrilled to carry on that tradition with nonstop energy during March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day.”

Visit your nearest Bout Time Pub & Grub location this St. Patrick’s Day to join in on all of the excitement, as well as catch every moment of tournament action this March.

About Bout Time Pub & Grub

Founded in 2009 in West Jordan, Utah, Bout Time Pub & Grub is a locally-owned sports pub dedicated to scratch-made food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a true game-day experience. With locations across Utah and Colorado, Bout Time combines the energy of a sports bar with the comfort of a neighborhood pub. Learn more at www.bouttimepub.com.

5 Things You Should Know Before the Big Game and Why Bout Time is the Place to Watch It

The Super Bowl isn’t just a game; it’s a full-day party. It doesn’t even matter if you watch for the football, Bad Bunny, or the commercials, because this once-a-year event is always unforgettable. To get ready for Super Bowl Sunday on February 8, a little planning goes a long way toward making game day unforgettable. Consider this your friendly guide to why Bout Time Pub and Grub is the ultimate football watch party destination.

  1. The Best Super Bowl Moments Happen Between the Plays

Yes, the touchdowns matter, but the Super Bowl is built on shared moments with friends (and strangers). The collective groan after a missed call. The cheer when a big play changes the game. The heated debates that break out before halftime. 

Watching at home can’t replicate that energy, and at Bout Time, every seat feels like it’s part of the action, with more TVs than tables and a crowd that’s just as invested as you are in this final NFL game of the year.

2. Exclusive Parties Have Privileges!

February 8 isn’t just another Sunday at the pub. It’s a private, ticketed Big Game Watch Party! For $40, a ticket gets you an all-access pass to the best seat in the house, plus appetizers, a full dinner, and entry into lots of prize giveaways all game long. Tickets to this private event must be purchased at your favorite Bout Time location, which ensures you get to pick your exact seat or table.

3. Food Is Just as Important as the Score

No one wants to spend the day stuck in the kitchen. A proper watch party needs wings and burgers, but we’re also serving up a “plot twist” for those looking for something different.

While we’re famous for our wings and the Original Chubby Melt, we also feature fresh, high-protein favorites like the Chinese Chicken Salad and the Hat Trick (beef, chicken, and shrimp skewers). It’s the kind of food that fuels the cheering without the “food coma” or the dishes at the end of the night.

4. Every Fan Has a “Lucky Spot”


Ask any football fan, and they’ll tell you: where you sit matters. Whether it’s a barstool with a clear view of the screen or a table where your group can camp out for the entire game, comfort is key. Bout Time locations are designed with fans in mind, offering plenty of seating options and sightlines so you never miss a play from kickoff to the final whistle.

5. Drinks Should Flow as Smoothly as the Game


Nothing kills the vibe faster than long lines or empty glasses. Super Bowl Sunday calls for cold beer, cocktails, and full water glasses so you can stay focused on the game. Bout Time keeps things moving with a strong beverage lineup and efficient service, making it easy to grab another round without missing a big moment, whether you’re celebrating a win or shaking off a tough call.

6. A Quick Heads Up: Bring Your ID


We’re ready to celebrate, but remember that new Utah laws are now in effect. Starting this January, we are required to scan a valid ID for every guest purchasing alcohol, regardless of age. Having your U.S. Driver’s License, State ID, or Military ID ready to scan helps us keep the service fast and the game-day vibes going strong.

Make It an Event

When February 8 arrives, make it an event. Grab your crew, wear your team colors, and head to your favorite Bout Time to secure your tickets today. The game is bigger, the food is better, and the experience is exactly how football was meant to be watched.

Bout Time’s 2025 Fan Favorites: What You Ate, Drank, and Cheered For

As we wrap up another unforgettable year at Bout Time Pub & Grub, we’re taking a look back at what made 2025 so delicious, exciting, and absolutely worth cheering for. Let’s recap the memories at your favorite Bout Time with friends, coworkers, or total strangers who became your game-day crew, and raise a glass to the food, flavors, and moments that make Bout Time one of the best sports bars in Utah. From the dishes you couldn’t stop ordering to the drinks you raised high after every big play, consider this your official year-in-review of Bout Time favorites 2025. 

The Bout Time Dishes Craved Most in 2025

Utahns have opinions—and this year, your taste buds spoke loud and clear. Between recommendations from our excellent staff to long-time customer favorites, these are some of our scratch-made menu items that kept coming out of the kitchen, no matter the night, sport, or season.

The Chubby Melt

Tried-and-true classics are fan favorites for a reason, and the Original Chubby Melt™ is no exception. We start with a juicy ground chuck beef patty hand-formed to ensure maximum flavor in every bite. Then we add melted cheese, grilled onions, and Thousand Island dressing, all delivered between two Parmesan-crusted grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a hearty meal that will keep you going through an entire day of gridiron action.

Wings for the Win

No shocker here: wings remain untouchable. Spicy, sweet, crispy, saucy, however you like them, our wings are a menu staple and an event of their own. Pick your style (extra crispy, savory smoked, or boneless), then sauce them the way you like them. They’re wings your way, and the choices are mouthwatering.

Brunch Favorites

If there were a league for brunch, ours would be the defending champs. With college and NFL football dominating the weekends much of the year, we fire up the kitchen early so fans can fuel up before kickoffs. The brunch menu is stacked with favorites: hearty biscuits and gravy, fluffy omelets loaded with your favorite fillings, huevos rancheros that bring just the right amount of heat, and decadent Monte Cristos in shareable formats. 

Sips You Couldn’t Get Enough Of

Bout Time is as much about the cold drinks as it is about the hot games. From your favorite local Utah beers (many on tap) that are perfect for celebrating last-minute touchdowns or coping with a brutal overtime, our drafts quench your thirst.

We’ve also got plenty of spirits to keep yours high. Kick off the weekend with a Bloody Mary or mimosa with brunch, a cocktail for fans who like a little kick between plays, or sip whiskey straight or on the rocks for something simple, strong, and reliable (much like a great quarterback). And for the designated drivers and weekday regulars who still wanted something fun in their glass, spirit-free, zero-proof cocktails are made just for you. 

Events You Showed Up For—Loudly

2025 gave us everything: unbelievable shots, unexpected upsets, hometown rivalries, and moments only made better by a room full of fans erupting in unison. Some of the standout events included:

Basketball Madness

From Utah Jazz buzzer beaters to wall-to-wall March Madness brackets, basketball fans arrived in lucky jerseys to fill tables long before game time. 

NFL and College Season Kickoffs

The first kickoffs of fall are essentially holidays at every location of Bout Time. This year’s turnouts were one of our biggest ever, complete with a couple of new venues to choose from.  

Hockey and Soccer Scored

Our game-day crowds for RSL and Utah Mammoth matchups weramongof the most electrigatheringsts of the year.

Cheers to a Crowd That Made 2025 Unforgettable

When people say Bout Time is the best sports bar in Utah, we always say it’s because of our customers. Some come for the food, the drinks, the camaraderie, or the game itself, but everyone collectively made this year one for the books.

Here’s to another year of scratch-made food, cold drinks, and the best sports fans around. Bring on 2026—your table’s already waiting!

Give the Gift of the Ultimate Game Day Experience this Christmas with Bout Time Holiday Gift Card Deal

Bout Time Pub & Grub Holiday Gift Card Deal: Give a Little, Get a Little More!

Looking for the perfect gift for the sports fans in your life? Bout Time Pub & Grub has you covered. For the holidays, the popular spot is offering a can’t-miss gift card deal. Pick up a few for the perfect stocking stuffers, and maybe even treat yourself a little, too.

Through Dec. 21, buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus gift card. Go a little bigger — buy a $100 gift card and receive a $20 bonus card. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

“A Bout Time Pub & Grub gift card comes with the unbeatable combo of great food, cold drinks, and unforgettable fun,” said Dan Eckersley, Director at Bout Time Pub & Grub. “We’re thankful for our fans’ loyalty and excited to give back by spreading some Christmas spirit.”

There’s nothing quite like giving the gift of a true game day experience, which is what Bout Time Pub & Grub prides itself on. The locally owned and operated sports pub has eleven locations across Utah and Colorado, where you will find wall-to-wall sports coverage, delicious food made from scratch, refreshing drinks, and a great, lively atmosphere.

Plus, the timing couldn’t be more perfect with exciting college football games coming up and the Super Bowl this February. Head over to your local Bout Time Pub & Grub for your Christmas shopping, and give the gift of a good time!

Bout Time Pub & Grub brews up a good time this Halloween

Costume Contests, Drinks & More Fun at Bout Time Pub & Grub this Halloween

If you’re looking for a hauntingly good time this Halloween, Bout Time Pub & Grub has got you covered. Known for its lively atmosphere, refreshing drinks, and delicious food, Bout Time is turning up the fun this Halloween with parties, costume contests, and more.

Guests are invited to dress to impress in their best costumes and join the Halloween costume contests happening at select locations, including West Valley, West Jordan, Ogden, and Bluffdale. Whether you’re after the glory of “Best Costume” or just in it for the wings and beer, you’re in for a treat.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our community for a Halloween celebration that’s all about great food, laughter, and a little friendly competition,” said Dan Eckersley, Director at Bout Time Pub & Grub.

When it comes to costumes, feel free to go all out, but make sure to keep them safe. To ensure a welcoming environment for all guests, masks and face coverings are not permitted. Instead, get creative with makeup, wigs, and other accessories to show off your Halloween spirit while keeping your face visible.

Bring your friends, your favorite costume, and head over to Bout Time Pub & Grub for a wickedly fun celebration. Call your nearest Bout Time location to see what they have in store on Halloween night.

Bout Time Across Utah: Which Location Matches Your Game-Day Style?

If you’re a sports fan in Utah, chances are you’ve cheered, jeered, and toasted a few victories at your favorite neighborhood Bout Time Pub & Grub. With bars across the Wasatch Front, it’s a great place to enjoy high-energy game day action wherever you are. But with so many choices, which one fits your game-day style? Here’s your guide to finding your winning Bout Time location.

The Hype Crew: Sandy

If you’re the type who brings a speaker to tailgates and never sits down during a game, the Sandy location is your go-to, particularly if you’re part of Utah’s Steeler Nation or an RSL fan. With multiple screens in every direction and a loyal local crowd, this spot turns every major game into a party. Expect high-fives from strangers and wings-your-way on repeat.

The Scenic Sipper: Draper

Prefer your football with a side of mountain views and a craft beer? Our newest location, Draper Bout Time, offers the perfect mix of game-day style and South Valley vibes. Perfect for post-hike hangouts, snow-day watch parties, or après-ski touchdowns—it’s where mountain life and sports meet.

The West Side Diehard: West Valley

Loyal, loud, and all about the game—West Valley is for the fans who know every player’s stats and aren’t afraid to shout about it. You’ll find cold beer, delicious burgers, and a crowd that comes to win (or lose) together. This is the location for Utah sports traditionalists.

The Post-Work Social: Lehi

If your game-day style includes group texts, selfies with your beer, and checking scores between bites, Lehi is your vibe. With an energetic crowd and great after-work location in Utah County, it’s the perfect place to gather with co-workers and friends to catch everyone’s favorite teams at once. Pro tip: Arrive early for rivalry matchups.

The Strategist: Ogden

You appreciate a well-executed play—and a well-executed pizza. The Ogden Bout Time has a chill vibe, plenty of screens, and an easygoing staff that won’t rush your table. Great for fans who like to analyze, cheer selectively, and enjoy good food with good company.

No matter your game-day style, there’s a Bout Time for you. Match a Utah Bout Time location with the kind of energy, comfort, and convenience you’re looking for, and then settle in and make every play count. With scratch-made food, friendly service, and a passion for sports, each location brings its own flavor to the fan experience. So, pick your team, choose your vibe—and we’ll see you at kickoff.

Pie and Beer Day, Our Way: Why Utah’s Quirkiest Holiday Belongs at Bout Time

July 24th in Utah is Pioneer Day—the state holiday that marks the date Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake valley in 1847. It’s a holiday more widely celebrated than the 4th of July in Utah, including hundreds of thousands of people attending the Days of ’47 Parade.

However, the date also marks one of the state’s most beloved unofficial traditions: Pie and Beer Day. While the rest of the state may be lighting fireworks, cooking Dutch oven meals, and honoring the pioneers, many locals prefer to gather with friends, enjoy a cold pint, and slice into some flaky, round-shaped sweet or savory goodness. At Bout Time Pub & Grub, we’re all in on the fun, and we invite you to celebrate Pie and Beer Day with us.

Raise a Glass to Pie and Beer Day 

Pie and Beer Day started as a cheeky alternative to Pioneer Day, but it’s become something bigger—a celebration of Utah’s craft beer scene, culinary creativity, and our community. It’s quirky, it’s delicious, and most importantly, it’s so Utah. 

To celebrate, we’re rolling out our $12 pie and beer deal—all day at all Utah locations. Pair a $9 flatbread pizza pie with a $3 Bout Time Lager for a meal even the pioneers would pray for. Choose from BBQ chicken, tangy buffalo chicken, French dip, margherita, spicy Mexican, or classic pepperoni, and then wash it down with a locally made beer perfect for July. We fully support you in raising a glass and getting a little playful with your Pie and Beer Day pairings. 

Aside from our Bout Time Lager, we serve local pride in a pint glass every day. Our lineup features a rotating selection of Utah-brewed favorites, including hoppy IPAs, crisp lagers, rich stouts, and refreshing wheat beers. And those Utah beers pair well with our burgers, too.

Celebrate Utah’s Quirkiest Holiday the Bout Time Way

You don’t have to be born and raised in Utah to appreciate Pie and Beer Day. And since approximately 70% of Utahns get the day off, it’s the perfect time to celebrate your craving for cold beer, great food, and good times. You’ll find plenty of new and old friends basking in the summer sun on our patios and maybe catching a little baseball too.

While you might come for the Utah beer, you’ll leave with a new favorite Beehive State tradition. So mark your calendar for July 24 and grab a seat, because there’s no better place to toast this weird and wonderful day than your favorite location, Bout Time. 

Pie and Beer Day—it’s local, it’s legendary, and it’s always delicious.