World Cup 2026: The Mamak Guide to watching every match

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens this Friday, 12 June, at 3am Malaysian time. That is not a typo. The tournament is hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada — which means most group stage matches kick off between midnight and noon in Malaysia. For most fans, that is not a problem. Because in Malaysia, we have the mamak.

The Mamak is ready — and so are the screens

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Mohamed Mosin Abdul Razak says preparations are already underway. Some outlets are upgrading to larger LED screens and projector systems to create a stadium-like atmosphere. Others are improving sound systems, adding extra tables and chairs, and preparing outdoor viewing areas for larger crowds.

The stakes are real. When early reports suggested Malaysia might not secure World Cup broadcasting rights, Presma warned that the industry could lose up to RM50 million in business. The government stepped in, and the rights are confirmed — RTM and Unifi TV will broadcast all 104 matches.

Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association secretary Hussein Ibrahim put it simply: “Local football fans have always preferred coming to mamak restaurants to watch matches on giant screens because of the good outdoor atmosphere.”

He also noted something every Malaysian fan already knows: the time difference means some matches will be watched over breakfast or early lunch at the mamak — which, honestly, sounds perfect.

Where to watch in KL and Selangor

NZ Curry House, Jalan Ampang — If your ideal football setup involves teh tarik and roti canai at 4am, NZ Curry House is the move. Open 24 hours, it sits minutes from the Petronas Twin Towers. Few backdrops are more Malaysian.

Restoran Aliff, Sri Petaling — One of the most talked-about mamaks in Klang Valley, Restoran Aliff serves football fans around the clock. Beyond the usual nasi lemak and roti canai, you can try viral menu items like Roti KLCC and Tom Yam Coke while cheering on your team.

Hallaway PJ, Bandar Sunway — A rooftop hotspot in Bandar Sunway screening matches from 12 June on a massive outdoor cinema screen. For fans who want atmosphere with their football.

Bar Roca, Medan Damansara — Bar Roca is planning special openings for major fixtures, additional projector screens, and a breakfast menu for fans surviving the overnight football marathon. Because some games run from 3am straight through to morning.

Healy Mac’s Irish Bar — With several outlets across KL and Selangor, Healy Mac’s is one of the easier places to plan a watch party. The Changkat Bukit Bintang and Jalan P. Ramlee branches screen even early morning games from 9am onwards.

Restoran Al-Safa — A classic mamak spot open 24 hours with multiple outlets around KL and JB. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect from a proper mamak watch party — casual, lively, and filled with people stretching one teh tarik across an entire match.

If You’re Watching at Home

RTM and Unifi TV have the rights. Here are your options quickly:

Free: MyTV (connect a UHF antenna to your IDTV, or buy a DVB-T2 decoder for older TVs), RTMKlik app (free download, any internet provider, supports Chromecast), or the MyGOV Malaysia app (requires MyDigital ID registration).

Paid: Unifi TV full season pass at RM60 (RM50 for existing subscribers), or a daily pass at RM20 from 12 June.

First matches to circle

Friday 12 June kicks off with Mexico v South Africa at 3am and South Korea v Czechia at 10am — the latter being the most mamak-friendly start time of the tournament. Argentina v Algeria lands on Wednesday 18 June at 9am. England v Croatia is Thursday 19 June at 4am. Brazil v Morocco on Sunday 14 June at 6am.

The Final is on Monday, 20 July at 3am. Mark it now.

The simplest advice? Just go to your nearest Mamak

You do not need a list. You do not need to book a table. You do not need to plan ahead.

Just walk into the nearest mamak this Friday at 3am — or Saturday morning over roti canai and teh tarik — and there will almost certainly be a screen on, a crowd gathered, and someone already arguing about the referee.

That is the Malaysian way. While the English have their pubs, Australians have their clubs, and Americans have their sports bars, Malaysians have the mamak. Open 24 hours, cheap food, cold drinks, loud opinions, and football on a big screen. It has been this way for decades and the World Cup only makes it louder.

No subscription needed. No reservation required. Just show up.

Schedules may change — check RTMKlik and Unifi TV for the latest updates.