A great watch party isn't about spending a fortune — it's about getting the few important things right so everyone's comfortable, can see the screen, and can hear the roar when it goes in. Here's the complete checklist for hosting the World Cup at home in the UK this summer, and what to rent rather than buy.
The short answer
The four things that make or break a watch party are the screen, the sound, the seating, and the snacks. Sort those and the rest is detail. Anything you don't own, you can rent locally — far cheaper than buying kit for a few weeks of football.
The big screen
The single biggest upgrade to any watch party.
- Projector + screen for the proper cinema feel — ten-foot football in the garden or living room. (See how to rent a projector for the World Cup.)
- A large TV if you'd rather keep it simple — borrow a bigger one for the occasion if yours is small.
- Test your stream the day before so there are no nasty surprises at kick-off.
✅ Rent if you don't own: projector, screen, or a larger TV.
The sound
Football without sound is just exercise. The crowd, the commentary, the roar — it all matters.
- A Bluetooth speaker lifts a TV's weak built-in sound instantly.
- A small PA if you've got a garden full of people.
- Position it behind the crowd, facing the screen, for the best effect.
✅ Rent if you don't own: Bluetooth speaker or PA system.
The seating
People are here for 90+ minutes — make it comfortable.
- Folding chairs for a crowd (rent these by the item — usually a pound or two each).
- Bean bags or floor cushions for a relaxed setup.
- A table or two for food and drinks.
✅ Rent if you don't own: folding chairs, extra tables.
The setting
The little touches that turn a room or garden into a venue.
- A gazebo — British summer insurance against rain for garden parties.
- Festoon lights or lanterns for once the sun goes down.
- An outdoor extension lead (proper outdoor-rated) for any garden electricals.
✅ Rent if you don't own: gazebo, party lighting.
The food and drink
Keep it easy — you want to watch the match too.
- Crowd-pleasers: finger food, a big bowl of crisps, pizzas, a BBQ if the weather holds.
- Plenty of drinks in a cool box or two — borrow extra if you're short.
- Prep before kick-off, not during. Nobody wants to miss a goal at the hob.
✅ Rent if you don't own: BBQ, cool boxes, extra glassware.
The "don't forget" list
The small stuff that quietly saves the day:
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Backup stream (phone/tablet) | If the main feed drops |
| Chargers & spare batteries | Remotes and devices die mid-match |
| Bin bags | Easy cleanup after |
| Weather plan | A gazebo or an indoor fallback |
| Spare seating | Someone always brings a friend |
How to pull it together
You almost certainly don't own all of this — and you shouldn't buy it for a few weeks of football. Rent what you're missing from people nearby:
- Browse what's available: things to rent on Rentify.
- Can't find it for your dates? Post a request and local owners come to you.
- Bundle from one host where you can — fewer trips, less hassle.
For more on the party side, see our party and event equipment guide. And if you own a projector or speakers, you can flip this round and earn money renting them out during the tournament.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for a World Cup watch party at home?
The essentials are a big screen (projector or large TV), good sound (a Bluetooth speaker or PA), comfortable seating, and easy food and drink. Add a gazebo and lighting for garden parties. Rent anything you don't already own.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy party equipment for the World Cup?
For a few weeks of football, renting is far cheaper. A projector, screen, speaker, chairs and a gazebo would cost hundreds to buy and then sit unused. Renting the same setup locally costs a fraction and leaves nothing to store.
How do I set up a projector watch party in the garden?
Wait until dusk for a clear picture (or use a brighter projector), set the screen against a fence or wall, position a speaker behind the seating, and use an outdoor-rated extension lead with cables kept tidy. Always have a backup stream on a phone.
Where can I rent watch party equipment near me?
Browse equipment to rent on Rentify for projectors, screens, speakers, gazebos and seating. If nothing's available for your dates, post a request and nearby owners can offer theirs.
How far ahead should I organise a watch party?
For big fixtures, sort your kit early — popular items like projectors get booked up fast during the tournament. A few days' notice is sensible; more for the standout matches.
The bottom line
A brilliant World Cup watch party comes down to a big screen, good sound, comfy seats and easy food — not a big shopping spree. Rent what you're missing, prep before kick-off, and enjoy the match with the best setup on your street.
Hosting the football? Find watch party gear to rent near you →
Rentify is an independent rentals marketplace and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with FIFA or the World Cup.