Why Watching the Premier League Abroad Matters
For many football fans, the Premier League is more than just a league—it’s a weekly ritual. No matter where you are in the world, the urge to catch your club’s match never goes away. Whether you’ve just moved to Paris, are travelling through Tokyo, or working in Dubai, the question is always the same: where and how can I watch the Premier League abroad?
Watching the Premier League in France and Belgium
In France, Canal+ is the most frequently mentioned broadcaster. The challenge, however, is that the subscription packages are confusing. Fans often wonder: is the regular Canal+ enough, or do you need Canal+ Sport for all games? Many eventually give up trying to decode the website and simply head to a bar, where the atmosphere is far more rewarding anyway.
Belgium presents a slightly different problem. DAZN and Play Sports subscriptions are notoriously expensive—jumping from €33 to €45 per month. Some fans joke that it’s “almost half the price of a match ticket.” Unsurprisingly, many turn to VPNs or search for alternative legal subscriptions, desperate to find a more affordable way of watching the Premier League abroad.
Japan and the UAE: Missing Rights and Commentary Issues
In Japan, the frustration is even greater. DAZN once held Premier League rights, but no longer. Fans describe “frantically searching” for a reliable streaming service, scrolling through forums and social media in the hope of finding a solution. For them, missing matches isn’t just an inconvenience—it feels like a disruption to daily life.
In the UAE, the issue is not about access but language. Plenty of bars show the matches, but not always with English commentary. For expat fans, commentary in English is part of the experience—it makes the match feel familiar, almost like being back home. Unsurprisingly, one of the most common questions in Dubai forums is: “Can I watch the Premier League here with English commentary?”
The Power of Pubs: Watching in Europe’s Cities
Streaming is one option, but many fans prefer the buzz of a pub. In Amsterdam, Aston Villa fans look for bars to gather. In Paris, newcomers ask where they can watch Chelsea games. In Prague, supporters post about wanting the “best pub screening” for the weekend’s fixtures. Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Düsseldorf all have similar threads.
This isn’t surprising. Football is about more than the 22 men on the pitch—it’s the atmosphere, the shared emotion, and the sense of belonging. In a new city, you might end up hugging a stranger when your team scores, or clinking glasses with fellow fans after the final whistle. Those fleeting moments often mean more than the scoreline itself.
Switzerland and Austria: The Struggle for Legal Streaming
In Switzerland and Austria, the conversation often revolves around how to watch the Premier League legally. A fan staying just one night in Bern still wanted to find a sports bar. Another in Vienna asked which streaming service would show all of Arsenal’s games. Some even shared stories of being on a train, suddenly craving to watch a match, only to discover that local apps didn’t carry it.
For these fans, the Premier League has become what you might call a “portable need”—something you want access to no matter where you are.
More Than Football: A Global Community
Put all these stories together, and one truth becomes clear: the Premier League is no longer just England’s league—it’s a global cultural phenomenon. It brings people together in Paris bars, Tokyo apartments, Dubai cafés, and Munich beer gardens. It creates a shared language between strangers, whether they support Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester United.
So, the next time you’re abroad and desperate to watch a match, don’t be shy. Ask around, post on a forum, or wander into a pub. Chances are, you’ll find someone else doing exactly the same thing.
Because that’s the magic of football: no matter where you are, you’re never really watching alone.
