Here's the tech you need for the ultimate home fan zone
The biggest tournament in world football is nearly here! And to join the party, there's no need to travel halfway around the world. With the right tech, you can turn your living room or garden into a full-blown fan zone.
For your football watch party shopping list: a screen that really helps capture the excitement and football stadium-style sound. We've got some tech to help keep the drinks frosty and some smart home appliances that'll help the day go off without a hitch. Follow our watch party checklist and you'l soon be lifting the trophy for best tournament host…
No cold drinks. No football watch party!
Football is best with draught beer, and now you can serve pub quality beer at home with Philips PerfectDraft beer machine. PerfectDraft keeps your favourite beer and cider chilled to the perfect temperature and your guests happy. But it's much smarter than your average beer machine. Upgrade to the Pro model to get more handy features through the app: choose the ideal temperature, see how much is left in your keg and use rapid cooling mode for even faster chilling. All without sacrificing your seat.
Echo Show 8 = your Assistant Manager
Hosting a watch party comes with plenty of admin. What time's the match on? What's the score in the other game? That's why there's no substitute for the Echo Show 8. It'll keep you up to date with live group tables, kick off reminders and match updates - all at a glance. You can also just ask. Just say “Alexa, show me the Group D table” or “Alexa, remind me when England kicks off” when you've got your hands full.
And this is where your smart home can really help out on the day. Pair it with a video doorbell and you can check on food deliveries and late arriving guests without missing that crucial early goal.
Big-screen football with stadium sound
Inside viewing
One of the great things about a pub or fan zone is that big screen experience. Samsung's latest OLED & QLED TVs are set to feature AI Soccer Mode, which automatically adjusts picture and sound settings. Combine that with AI Motion Enchancer Pro, and it's all about making that fast flowing football look and sound its best.
Outside viewing
If you want to watch the match outside, Samsung Freestyle projectors turn into a real football festival - they're both portable and easy to set up. Add a soundbar with Dolby Atmos and you can choose between crisp and clear commentary or a boosted crowd noise.
Get the lighting right with smart home tech
Flags on faces are a nice touch. But smart lighting that lets you floods your space in team colours takes it up a notch! And you could go a step further. Between Phillips Hue Scenes and Alexa Routines, you could customise flashing goal celebrations or dim the lights for those high-pressure penalties.
Half-time snacks sorted
Ninja Foodi Double Stack
When the half-time whistle blows, speed is everything. A Ninja Foodi Double Stack whips up crispy crowd-pleasers.
De'Longhi Magnifica Evo
And if it's one of those ties that drags on, an espresso from a De'Longhi Magnifica Evo should keep everybody perky!
Mini fridges
Mini fridges are a great shout to keep drinks ice-cold until full time.
Pre and post-match fun
Hands-on games are always a great shout for kicking off the party - or keeping it going after the final whistle. The EKO Folding Football Table lets you put on your own fun footie tournament on a much smaller scale. It's quick to set up then easy to fold away once you're done. Going outside, garden golf and other games are perfect for half-time or full-time. Best part? These kinds of games pretty much run themselves. So that's one less thing for you to keep an eye on..
Ultimate football watch party FAQs
Can I use a projector to watch football outside?
Yes — portable projectors are ideal for garden viewing, as long as you've got stable Wi-Fi and lower ambient light for the best picture.
What are some food ideas for a football watch party?
Quick-cook snacks like wings, sliders and wedges work best, so you're not stuck in the kitchen during key moments.
What are some drink ideas for a football watch party?
Chilled draught beer, soft drinks on hand and hot drinks for late kick-offs keep everyone covered from start to finish.
