Football fever is back at KAUST!

Following the success of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Fan Zone, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone is returning to campus.

From June 11 to July 19, 2026, Discovery Square will transform into a vibrant hub of football, entertainment, and community spirit every day from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

More than just match screenings, the Fan Zone will bring the KAUST community together through interactive experiences, prediction challenges, exciting activations, and shared moments that make every game unforgettable.

June 11 to July 19, 2026

6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Discovery Square

LIVE MATCH STREAMING

Experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup in a shared community setting through the live streaming of matches at Discovery Square and other locations.

Whether you prefer the energy of a large outdoor crowd or the comfort of an indoor venue, there is a viewing option for everyone.

Match Schedule

Discovery Square

Main Fan Zone Venue
Arabic Commentary
All FIFA matches at all times

Discovery Cinema

Indoor Venue
Arabic Commentary
6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily
Cinema kiosk open daily until 1:00 a.m.

Sports Lounge

Indoor Venue in Harbor Walk
English Commentary
6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily
Ideal for smaller groups

PREDICTION CHALLENGE

Campus and Community (C&C) invites all KAUST residents and staff to take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Prediction Challenge.

Participants will predict the outcomes and scores of group-stage matches throughout the tournament.

Who Can Participate?

KAUST Residents
KAUST Staff

Prizes

The top four participants with the highest scores will win exciting prizes.

Whether you're a football expert or simply enjoy the thrill of predicting results, this challenge adds another layer of excitement to every match.

Note: the Prediction Challenge will be open only from 10:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 10.

Join the Prediction Challenge

Daily at the Fan Zone

The Fan Zone is much more than match screenings. Every evening, visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive activities designed to bring football fans of all ages together.

GAME ZONE

The Game Zone is a high-energy activity area packed with football-inspired games, friendly competition, and interactive experiences.

It is free and open daily throughout the tournament.

Activities include:

Foosball

Challenge friends and family in classic table football matches.

Table Tennis

Fast-paced fun for players of all skill levels.

Football Billiards

A football-themed twist on a traditional game where players use footballs instead of pool balls.

Target Goal Challenge

Put your accuracy to the test and see how many points you can score.

Connect 4 Basketball

A unique combination of basketball and strategy where every shot counts.

PS5 FIFA Championship Pod

Compete against fellow community members in FIFA video game matches and prove your virtual football skills.

Saudi National Team Corner

Celebrate Saudi football through themed activities, displays, and interactive experiences dedicated to the national team.

CREATION STATION

Take Home a Piece of the Tournament

Create personalized souvenirs that will help you remember your FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone experience.

Please note that fees apply to Creation Station activities.

Create Your Jersey

Choose your design and personalize your own football jersey using custom heat-press printing.

Paint Your Ball

Unleash your creativity by designing and painting your own football. Take your finished creation home as a memorable souvenir from the tournament.

PHOTO BOOTHS AND 360 EXPERIENCES

No FIFA Fan Zone experience is complete without photos.

Visitors can enjoy multiple immersive photo experiences across the venue including a GOOOAAL Photo Backdrop, Player Cut-Outs, Giant Trophy Experience, and dynamic 360 Experience.

Share your photos and moments from the Fan Zone using #KAUSTKickOff26 with us on Instagram @KAUST.Life.

FOOD AT THE FAN ZONE

Some restaurants at Discovery Square and Harbor Walk will be open for extended hours during the World Cup Period to be celebrate the festivities with the community. Please check the operating hours of the restaurant or café before you visit in link below.

Operating Hours

Additional entertainment experiences will take place during select tournament milestones and key matches. Featured entertainment includes:

Roaming Football Musicians: bringing football-inspired music, energy, and excitement to the Fan Zone.
Interactive Characters: Unique performers will interact with visitors, host mini challenges, pose for photos, and create memorable experiences throughout the venue.

See Schedule below

🗓️
Opening Ceremony
Thursday, June 11
From 6:00 p.m.

🗓️
Saudi Arabia vs Spain
Sunday, June 21
From 6:00 p.m.

🗓️
Round of 16
Saturday, July 4
From 6:00 p.m.

🗓️
Quarter Final
Thursday, July 9
From 7:30 p.m.

🗓️
Semi Final
Tuesday, July 14
From 9:0 p.m.

🗓️
Final Match
Sunday, July 19
From 6:00 p.m.

FIFA World Cup 2026

Fan Zone at KAUST

June 11 to July 19, 2026 | Discovery Square

Watch. Play. Create. Celebrate.

LIVE MATCH STREAMING

Discovery Square

Discovery Cinema

Sports Lounge

PREDICTION CHALLENGE

Who Can Participate?

Prizes

Daily at the Fan Zone

GAME ZONE

Foosball

Table Tennis

Football Billiards

Target Goal Challenge

Connect 4 Basketball

PS5 FIFA Championship Pod

Saudi National Team Corner

CREATION STATION

Create Your Jersey

Paint Your Ball

PHOTO BOOTHS AND 360 EXPERIENCES

FOOD AT THE FAN ZONE

Special Entertainment Days

Contact

Contact Us