Short answer: the easiest ways to find someone to watch football with in Malta are to join the local supporters club of your team, which often meets at a club bar for big matches, to go to a local game, or to post a plan to watch a specific match at a public bar, with a set number of seats and “pay your own”. Football is hugely popular on the island, so finding fellow fans is rarely the hard part; finding the right group and place is.
Malta has a long tradition of following English and Italian football, and many of the big clubs have their own supporters clubs on the island. Watching a match with other people is also one of the easiest plans to share with strangers: you have something to talk about for ninety minutes, and nobody minds a few silences while the ball is in play. This guide covers the options and how to set up a match-watching plan.
Where to find someone to watch football with in Malta
Supporters clubs
Many of the big English and Italian clubs have supporters clubs in Malta, and several are officially recognised by their clubs. For example, Liverpool’s own website has featured the Official LFC Supporters Club Malta, based in Mosta, and Tottenham’s website has covered club legends visiting supporters in Malta. Manchester United’s Malta supporters club is one of the oldest in the world. Supporters clubs often show matches at their own premises or a partner bar and organise trips, so they are the natural first stop if you support one of these teams. Check each club’s own pages for membership and match-day arrangements.
Local football
Malta also has its own leagues, and the national team plays at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali. Going to a local match is a different experience from watching the Premier League on a big screen, and a great way to meet locals who love the game.
Bars that show matches
Plenty of bars across the island show big matches. Which match a bar shows depends on the bar, the competition and the rights it has, so always check with the bar before you plan around it.
A plan with people you have not met
If you do not support one of the big clubs, are new to Malta, or just want to watch a particular game with a small group, post a plan. You choose the match, the bar and the number of seats, and fans ask to join. For other ways to meet people around shared interests, see how to find people to hang out with in Malta.
How to post a match-watching plan
On MeetNow, a host posts a plan at a public place with the date, time, number of seats and who pays; people ask to join with a short note; the host picks who comes, and accepted guests get a group chat. For a match:
- Choose the match. Name the teams and the competition.
- Check the bar. Confirm with the bar that it will show that match, and ask whether you can reserve a table.
- Set the meeting time. Twenty to thirty minutes before kick-off gives everyone time to order and say hello.
- Set the seats. Three to six people works well at a bar table.
- Choose “pay your own”. Each person orders and pays for their own drinks and food.
- Say who you support. A plan for fans of one team and a plan for “neutrals welcome” attract different people. Both are great; just be clear.
- Read the notes and choose your group. You can limit who can join, for example by gender or age range, if you want.
Joining someone else’s match plan? Read how to ask to join a plan.
Example plan description
Watch the derby at a bar in Gżira. Saturday, meeting 20 minutes before kick-off. Table for 5, pay your own drinks and food. I’ve checked with the bar that they’re showing the match. Fans of either side welcome, friendly banter only. Say which team you support and how long you’ve followed them.
Tips for a good match night with new people
- Arrive early. Big matches fill bars quickly; a reserved table makes everything easier.
- Keep the banter friendly. Rivalry is part of the fun, but new people should feel welcome whoever they support.
- Talk at half-time. The break is the natural moment for introductions and a fresh round.
- Plan the next one. If the group clicked, suggest the next match before you leave.
Enjoy the bar more than the match? Our guide on meeting new people for drinks in Malta has more ideas.
Safety box
Safety box. Meet at a busy public bar, tell a friend where you are going and with whom, keep your drink with you, arrange your own way home, and leave if the atmosphere turns or you feel uncomfortable. On MeetNow, the host chooses who joins and anyone can block a user. Read is MeetNow safe?.
FAQ: watching football with new people in Malta
Which football teams are popular in Malta?
English and Italian clubs have large followings in Malta, and many of the big clubs have supporters clubs on the island. Local Maltese football has its own loyal fans too.
How do I find a supporters club for my team in Malta?
Check your club’s official website or social media for recognised supporters clubs in Malta; several big clubs feature their Malta branches.
Who pays at a match-watching plan?
Usually “pay your own”: each person pays for their own drinks and food at the bar.
Can I bring a friend to a match plan?
Each person asks to join individually, and the host decides who comes. Your friend can ask to join too.
Want to turn this into an actual plan? MeetNow is a free app for meeting people in person: a host posts a plan at a public place, says who pays (host pays, split, pay your own or free) and picks who joins. It is live on the web now, starting in Malta, with the phone apps on the way: open MeetNow and see the plans near you.
