The streets and squares are gearing up for a collective moment of bated breath as the event that’s already dominating conversations on outdoor terraces approaches: the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup semifinal pitting Spain’s men’s national soccer team against France.
To experience the excitement of this crucial match away from the solitude of the couch, several city councils have decided to take soccer to the streets so that residents can enjoy it as a community. However, the scene of fans gathering outdoors won’t be the same everywhere, leaving Barcelona residents with options that are very different from those in neighboring cities.
The map of outdoor screens
For those looking for a stadium-like atmosphere without leaving their own city—or who are willing to take the train to a neighboring town— here is a list of all the cities that have confirmed the installation of giant screens, along with their schedules and special activities:Sabadell: The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. at the Amfiteatre del Parc de Catalunya. The city council is planning an “afternoon gathering” that will include a giant screen, bar service, and options to have dinner right there before kickoff.
Castelldefels: Starting at 8:00 p.m. in Teresa Claramunt Square. Their event goes beyond soccer and will feature a full-fledged pre-match party with music, a DJ set, and entertainment to get everyone fired up before the match is broadcast on their giant screen.
Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Badalona, and Sant Adrià de Besòs: The Besòs area is fully behind the national team, and these three cities have already confirmed they’ll have their own big screens:
- In Santa Coloma, Mayor Mireia González has announced that the event will begin at 8:00 p.m. in Plaça de la Vila, leading up to the match.
- In Badalona, attendees have been asked to gather at the exact time of the opening whistle (9:00 p.m.) in Josep Tarradellas Square, in the Gorg neighborhood.
- In Sant Adrià de Besòs, the screen will be set up in Plaça de la Vila, also for the start of the match at 9:00 p.m.
- Gavà will set up its screen in Jaume Balmes Square.
- Sant Feliu will set up its giant screen in Plaça del Vuit de Març.
- El Prat de Llobregat has called on residents to gather starting at 8:30 p.m. in Plaça Catalunya.
- Cornellà will broadcast the match from the Parc Esportiu Llobregat.
If you’re staying in Barcelona, the scene will be quite different. The Barcelona City Council has announced that it will not set up any giant screens in the streets or public squares to watch this semifinal, though it has not provided further information regarding a potential final.
