NHL supporters follow the postseason updates closely, but let’s face it, hockey is overshadowed by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The TV ratings are astronomical, star power on the fields and in the stands is phenomenal, and watch parties take place at familiar places, like the Florida Panthers’ home arena in Sunrise.
The Panthers may be enjoying their hockey offseason, but several of them are keeping a close eye on the action - this time, on the soccer field. Moreover, before the global event opened on June 11, the Florida Panthers players shared their picks.
Who will win the 2026 World Cup
Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, and Uvis Balinskis believe that Spain will be the newly crowned champion. Eetu Luostarinen chose Argentina, and Matthew Tkachuk picked France.
Interestingly, before the soccer competition, Spain was considered one of the top choices by many experts and fans. But as the tournament has progressed, France has been an unbeatable machine, reminding us of the Panthers’ 2023–2025 seasons. So, in less than two weeks, the Cats players will have their internal winner.
Watch parties at the Panthers' land
Not only has Amerant Bank Arena hosted three Ariana Grande concerts, but it has also partnered with Broward County to host football watch parties, with three matchups already broadcast on a Jumbotron. It was a bit odd to see concrete flooring instead of an ice surface. But it’s the hockey offseason, so the arena doesn’t have its typical environment.
While the final FIFA game will take place on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, any Florida resident or visitor can watch it at the Panthers’ home stadium in Sunrise. The entrance is free but requires online registration. It’s a good option for anyone who wants to have fun, enjoy some contests and freebies, and watch a game on a huge screen.
The Panthers’ captain went a step further and attended the FIFA World Cup contest between Brazil and Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium. Sasha Barkov is a known sports fan who likes to attend the NBA and college basketball games, as well as tennis and golf tournaments. So, it’s not surprising to see the 2026 IIHF World Champion enjoying his football time in Miami. He occasionally attends soccer games in Europe too.
Another football fan is defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, who even brought the Stanley Cup to an MLS game last summer.
Coincidentally, Sam Reinhart’s last Instagram post features him swapping jerseys with German soccer legend Thomas Müller, who joined the MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps last August.
Surely, many more players attend FIFA World Cup games, but they keep a low profile to enjoy their summers off. But one thing is clear: even when the ice is gone in South Florida, the competitive spirit remains.
For a few weeks this postseason, the Panthers are trading pucks for soccer balls - and watching to see which teammate made the best World Cup prediction.
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