Where to watch the World Cup in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral

The official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, named Telstar 18.

In Bonita Springs, soccer plays a large role in the community. 

The city has seven soccer fields, four of them at Marni Fields along Interstate 75 southbound at East Terry Street. 

Sunday — four days before the much-anticipated 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia kicked off — a local soccer league bent it like Beckham. 

All day, teams of adult men ran up and down fields. They are part of the Bonita Springs Soccer League, which also includes women’s and youth teams.

League organizer Juan Romero, 58, a Bonita Springs resident and longtime soccer player, said he no longer plays the sport but is helping to influence the growth of the soccer culture in Bonita. 

He's a founder of the Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament, one of the city's largest soccer events, which took place earlier this year. Twelve teams, some traveling from Sarasota or Naples, competed at city soccer fields near the Bonita Springs YMCA.

More:Bonita Springs Mayor’s Cup ends day with new Mexican sister city

More:Team spirit: Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament brings people together

When the World Cup rolls around, Romero said, he's rooting for Mexico, his birthplace. On Sunday, June 17, Mexico is up against 2014 World Cup winner Germany. He also typically roots for the U.S. team, but the country didn't qualify this year. 

"Soccer is culture for Mexico and parts of Central America. Everyone is ready to watch," Romero said. "Germany is going to be a difficult team."

But he's optimistic, and he plans on watching most of the matches alongside his family and friends. He said the event is a fun, cultural experience that unites people of all backgrounds.

Whether you're a soccer fan or not, you can take part in the global event right here in Southwest Florida. Many bars and restaurants are opening early for some matches, even offering food and drink specials from Thursday, June 14, to July 15. 

More:FIFA World Cup 2018: Complete schedule of games, how to watch

Here's where to watch in Southwest Florida

The French Brasserie Rustique

Dine in and watch one or every game at the Fifth Avenue French eatery. When France takes the ball, The French will offer complimentary brasserie Kronenbourg beer with the purchase of an appetizer. 

When does France play? 11 a.m. June 21 (France vs. Peru); 10 a.m. June 26, (France vs. Denmark)

Where is The French? 365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples

Something else: Reserve your spot by calling 239-315-4019 or visiting resy.com/cities/nps/the-french-brasserie-rustique

Info: thefrenchnaples.com/

Gustitos Peruvian Bakery & Cafe

Gustitos Bakery: PERU VS Denmark

Cheer for Peru when the team takes on Denmark, all the while enjoying authentic cuisine at the family-owned bakery in Naples.

When does Peru play? Noon on Saturday, June 16 (Peru vs. Denmark)

Where is Gustitos? 5417 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples

Something else: No reservations necessary. Regular menu offered. 

Info: 239-254-8115

The Pub Naples

Sip a special World Cup tea at the pub in Mercato while watching a match at the bar. Team England? Cheer on your team as they compete against Tunisia (2 p.m. Monday, June 18), Panama (8 a.m. June 24) and Belgium (2 p.m. June 28). 

The Pub is opening at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 14, for the kickoff event and opening earlier for certain matches. Checkexperiencethepub.com/ for hours.

Where is Pub Naples? 9118 Strada Place, North Naples

Something else: When you watch a match, you can score pub rewards. All you have to do is keep track of every visit on your pub's scorecard. Grand prize is a $250 gift card.

Info: 239-594-2748

The Brass Tap 

Two locations — in North Naples and Estero — will give away fun prizes from Carlsberg, the official beer of the English team during matches. 

Where is The Brass Tap? North Naples, 895 Wiggins Pass Road; Estero, 23111 Fashion Drive, Coconut Point mall, Estero

Info: www.brasstapbeerbar.com/default.aspx

United Ale House

Visit this Fort Myers British pub, open for every game. Food and drink specials will be available. Opening early for certain games.

Where is United Ale House? 2236 First St., Fort Myers

Info: www.facebook.com/unitedalehouse/

GameTime

Enjoy specialty tapas — chorizo sliders, potato skins and cheese curds — and drink specials during every match.

Where is GameTime? 10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers (Gulf Coast Town Center)

Info: Visit www.gametimeplayers.com/world-soccer-cup-2018/ to see schedule. Certain matches include music from local radio stations. 

Felipe's Mexican Taqueria

Felipe's is hosting Futbol Fiesta! at its Park Shore Plaza location. Fans are invited to cheer on the Mexico National Football Team as it takes on Germany, South Korea and Sweden. Felipe's is offering a special spread that includes Mexican breakfast burritos, Bloody Marias, Micheladas, Kahlúa and Coffee, and Tequila Sunrises. Games to watch: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 17, Mexico vs. Germany; 10:30 a.m. June 23, Mexico vs. South Korea; 9:30 a.m. June 27, Mexico vs. Sweden.

Where is Felipe's? 4255 U.S. 41 N., Naples 

Info: Follow on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/events/192757814685885/

Lehne Burger

Watch the games at the Cape Coral eatery. Patrons can take part in Budweiser happy hour "2 for 1" deals during matches. 

Where is Lehne Burger? 1232 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral

Info: Follow on Facebook, Lehne Burger the original

Cafe Brazil Restaurant 

Watch Brazil take on Serbia (June 27) at the Fort Myers eatery giving out prizes and playing live music for every Brazil game.

Where is Cafe Brazil? 3940 Metro Pkwy Ste. 111-112, Fort Myers

Info: Follow on Facebook, Cafe Brazil

Pelican Larry's Raw Bar & Grill

Watch the World Cup at Larry's surrounded by more than 50 TVs. Doors open early for morning games. Specials include 30 wings with a free pitcher of beer. 

Larry's three Naples locations: 1046 Pine Ridge Rd.;  7785 Davis Blvd.; and 8855 Immokalee Rd.

Info: www.PelicanLarrys.com

Here's what you need to know about World Cup

  • The United States hosted the tournament in 1994.
  • But the U.S. team didn't even qualify to compete in 2018. There are 32 teams in the World Cup, but more than 140 countries miss out on qualification each time. 
  • Germany took the World Cup title four years ago in Brazil.

Want more on World Cup? Follow on FIFA.com

USA TODAY reporter Martin Rogers contributed to this report.

Did we miss any watch parties? Email features@naplesnews.com, and we'll add it to the list.

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