France vs Spain. World Cup semi-final. Tuesday 14 July, 8pm.
And not just any Tuesday, it's Bastille Day, France's national holiday. If Mbappe needed any extra motivation to finally get one over on Lamine Yamal, playing a World Cup semi-final on the day France celebrates itself ought to do it.
Because here's the storyline: Yamal has never lost a knockout match against Mbappe. Five times they've met in the big occasions, club and country, from the Euro 2024 semi-final to El Clasico cup finals. Yamal has won every single one. Tuesday night in Dallas is Mbappe's chance to change that, on the biggest stage of his career, on his country's national day.
If you're in Manchester and still figuring out where to watch, here are four verified pubs worth knowing. All of them are welcoming to every kind of fan, whether you've followed this tournament from day one or you're just in it for the occasion.
Eight screens including two at 100 inches. Food served, darts, and right in the Northern Quarter. One of the best-equipped spots in the city centre for a big fixture. Worth booking ahead for a semi-final.
Big screens, relaxed atmosphere, easy to get to from anywhere in the city centre. The kind of pub where the football is on and everyone's into it, whoever they're rooting for.
Independent brewery taproom with multiple screens and a projector. Great beer, food served, and one of the best atmospheres in Ancoats for a big match night.
Fifteen minutes on the Metrolink and six big screens at the other end. Pool, darts, pub food and a proper local crowd. A brilliant option if you'd rather skip the city centre on a semi-final night.
Every pub on this list is verified by Weball. These aren't paid placements and they're not guesses. They're spaces we know, listed on our platform because they want to create a good matchday experience for all fans. Many of them show women's football throughout the year too, including WSL, Women's Champions League and Lionesses fixtures. Football is for everyone, and these pubs get that.
Looking for more pubs in Manchester? Browse our full Manchester pub guide for venues showing football throughout the year, including the return of the WSL in September.
Manchester pub guide →