The countdown is on to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which is a perfect excuse to throw a party! The action happens from June 14 to July 15 in Russia, so now’s the time to start planning the celebrations and sending out your invitations. And don’t forget to invite your friends from opposing teams, for some friendly competition!

Setting the scene

It’s time to break out the team colours and a national flag or two for party décor. Of course, if you’ve invited supporters of the opposing team, you can create different areas in your party space to celebrate each – and keep the worst of the patriotic rivalry on the field!

You’ll also need soccer decorations, and lots of them. Search for party decoration suppliers in your area and you’ll find soccer-themed invitations, paper plates, cups, napkins and flag toothpicks. Go crazy with balloons and streamers to create a festive vibe, and get everyone to come in their team jerseys.

Aim to create the atmosphere of a big sporting event in your space with some music and a selection of drinks. And don’t forget to have a few real soccer balls handy too, for when everyone’s inspired to have a kick in the backyard or at the park. The kids will love it and so will soccer-mad adults!

Organising activities

If you want to do more than have a casual kick around, you can organise everyone into teams and buy blow up goals to suit your backyard or a local park. If you’re serious about your soccer, and so are all your friends, why not consider hiring a five-a-side pitch? You can go for gold pretending to be pros!

If you don’t have enough outdoor space, consider bringing the soccer indoors by hiring a big screen for the party and challenging your friends to a computer game or two. And make sure you DVR the match if it’s on in the early hours, so you can watch in prime time! Set up plenty of seating around the screen, including a few beanbag chairs and floor cushions, and ensure there’s enough room for your guests to jump up and cheer their team on.

Choose fun catering

No one wants to spend hours making food when everyone is buzzing with pre-match anticipation. Plus, a soccer celebration calls for something much more fun! A hot dog cart  brings the sports vibe to match your décor, and you won’t have to lift a finger.

You can feed a few close friends or enough people for a couple of soccer teams, and they’ll love the juicy dogs paired with soft fresh buns and a choice of delicious home-style relishes.

Hot dogs are also ideal to eat in one hand – there’s no plates or chairs and tables required. Best of all, clean up at the end will be a breeze.

Everyone loves watching the beautiful game, so good luck to your favourite team, and cheers to celebrating this year’s Soccer World Cup!