Edited by Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
As New York City prepares to welcome the FIFA World Cup 2026™, New York City Tourism + Conventions is making it easy to find activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy across the five boroughs throughout the tournament. With eight World Cup matches including the Final at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), there are scores of fan events and viewing parties, soccer/football activations and popups, and groundbreaking cultural exhibitions. To plan your experience, visit nyctourism.com/worldcup26.
“New York City is ready to welcome visitors from around the globe for the World Cup, and our message is simple: come for the matches, stay for the culture,” said Julie Coker, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “Across the five boroughs, free fan events, cultural exhibitions, dining specials, hotel offerings and neighborhood gatherings will turn the tournament into a citywide extravaganza. Whether you’re attending a match or simply want to be part of the celebration, visitors will find endless ways to experience the World Cup across New York City’s vibrant communities.”
“The World Cup is a historic moment for New York City, and our priority is making it easy for New Yorkers and visitors to join in the fun, with or without a match ticket,” said Maya Handa, NYC World Cup Czar. “Official transportation will connect fans to New York New Jersey Stadium, while free fan events, local programming and small business activations will bring the tournament to the five boroughs. We look forward to making this a meaningful moment for residents, fans, neighborhoods and local businesses.”
“We are just weeks away from welcoming the globe to the biggest World Cup in history, and the energy across New York City is building every day,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee. “From Fan Events to small businesses and museums activations, we’re transforming all five boroughs into a celebration of the world’s game. These events will bring the excitement of the tournament into our communities, creating unforgettable moments for fans to come together and be part of history.”
· Group Stage Matches:
o June 13 at 6pm ET: Brazil vs. Morocco
o June 16 at 3pm: France vs. Senegal
o June 22 at 8pm: Norway vs. Senegal
o June 25 at 4pm: Ecuador vs. Germany
o June 27 at 5pm: Panama vs. England
· Round of 32 Match: June 30 at 5pm
· Round of 16 Match: July 5 at 4pm
· Final Match: July 19 at 3pm
World Cup Citywide Programming
NYC Tourism’s digital calendar of World Cup events + offers across the five boroughs is now live, highlighting special events, promotions and offers citywide. The calendar will continue to be updated with the latest events for fans from now through the end of the tournament. NYC Tourism’s World Cup content hub also includes this guide on where to cheer for teams playing in NYC.
The Five Borough Winners Special is New York City’s official citywide dining program for the World Cup offering $26 food and beverage specials and one-of-a-kind collectible borough cups at hundreds of bars and restaurants, from June 11 through July 19.
The World Cup Concierge, a digital map and real-time navigation tool, will launch on nyctourism.com/worldcup26 next week, featuring local businesses and their World Cup promotions.
TheNYC Neighborhood Passport is a citywide program encouraging locals and visitors to explore New York City’s immigrant communities, cultural institutions, small businesses and community events throughout the tournament, using a passport to collect artist-designed stamps at participating venues beginning on June 11.
Beginning June 1,the NYNJ Host Committee’s Welcome World Rewards Programwill allow visitors and locals to earn points by visiting participating small businesses across the City and checking in through a digital wallet. Fans who redeem enough points across the region will be eligible for exclusive merchandise, access to official NYNJ Host Committee fan experiences, and tickets to match experiences, including the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
NYC Tourism’s refreshed NYC Halal Travel Guidewill launch next week, spotlighting dining, accommodations and activity recommendations, including World Cup resources, for Muslim New Yorkers and visitors. New York City was the first US destination to launch a dedicated resource for Muslim travelers in 2022, working in partnership with the world-leading, halal-friendly travel authority Halal Trip/Crescent Rating.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Fan Events & Viewing Locations
Free Official NYNJ Fan Events across the five boroughs:
Queens: NYNJ World Cup 26 Queens Group Stage HQ, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (June 11–27). Daily programming and match viewings (easy access on the Long Island Railroad and Flushing 7 train).
Manhattan: NYNJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village, Rockefeller Center (July 6–19). Daily programming; extended hours during Finals Week
The Bronx: NYNJ World Cup 26 Bronx Fan Zone, Bronx Terminal Market (June 13–14). Matchday programming and local cultural programming
Brooklyn: Brooklyn Fan Zone, Brooklyn Bridge Park (June 13–July 19). Daily Programming and match viewings
Staten Island: NYNJ World Cup 26 Staten Island Fan Zone, Staten Island University Hospital Community Park (June 29–July 2). Daily programming and evening match viewings
Rockefeller Center: In addition to the fan village excitement on the plazas below,Top of the Rockhas been named theOfficial NYNJ World Cup 26 Viewpoint, offering a singular vantage point above it all, with sweeping 360-degree views that connect fans to NYC. Live match viewings will be screened from June 11 through July 19, along with a NYNJ World Cup 26 photo moment, discounts on FIFA store merchandise and more.
The FIFA Museum presented by Hyundai at Rockefeller Centerwill host “Legacies of Champions” showcasing nearly a century of FIFA World Cup™ history through a free immersive exhibition with free timed-entry tickets. Visitors with Top of the Rock tickets can add priority museum entry from June 11-19.
Hudson Yards, The Shops at Columbus Circle and Bronx Terminal Market: Related Companies has been named an Official Host City Supporter, with fan activations planned at Hudson Yards, The Shops at Columbus Circle and Bronx Terminal Market, including live match viewings, events and official merchandise. The Shops at Columbus Circle has also unveiled a countdown clock, marking the lead-up to the tournament’s June 11 opening match in Mexico City and continuing through the Final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
Sports & World Cup Inspired Cultural Offerings
American Museum of Natural History launched World Cup, World Cultures: Celebrating the Community of Science and Sport, with programming and experiences including FIFA World Cup 2026™ watch parties; a community celebration on June 13 to mark the first match played in the NY/NJ region; For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence, an exhibition of championship rings, trophies, medals, and jewelry from legendary athletes and teams; Goal Zone,an all-ages interactive soccer play space; a Global Sports Pavilion featuring large-scale photography and video celebrating iconic moments in sports from around the world, alongside trivia and hands-on educational activities exploring the science and culture of sport; and a neighborhood block party on July 11 culminating with a Manhattanhenge sunset.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) on the Upper West Side will celebrate the global spirit of the World Cup with various family-friendly experiences, for children 0-6, connecting the excitement of the world’s game to art, culture and play. Events throughout June and July include artmaking, cultural dance, educational sessions and more, and CMOM’s Huddle Hub will provide a space to read books about countries participating in the World Cup and learn about professional players.
In celebration of the World Cup coming to New York City, the Guggenheim will present Zidane, a 21st century portrait, June 11-July 19. The exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the film portrait capturing French soccer star Zinédine Zidane in real time during a 2005 match.
The Whitney Museum of American Art will celebrate the World Cup throughout the tournament with its Free Friday Nights and Free Second Sundays, as well as a 20% admission discount to visitors wearing their national team’s jersey or carrying home team memorabilia. Offerings include DJ sets inspired by global music traditions, art-making activities, tours and refreshments, all culminating in a special West Side Fest celebration (July 10–12) ahead of the Final match weekend. These activities coincide with the Whitney Biennial 2026, featuring artists from tournament host cities and countries around the world, shown alongside iconic American works by Hopper, Warhol and Basquiat.
Summer for the City at Lincoln Center will host World at Play, celebrating the global spirit of soccer with World Club DJ nights, curated by the legendary DJ Bill Coleman featuring DJs from around the world, freestyle pop-up soccer performers, family-friendly workshops, locally based food trucks on-site including drinks and international cuisine, and on select evenings, Film at Lincoln Center will present free open-air showings of soccer-related cinema classics.
The New York Botanical Garden will host its World Cup Garden June 13 through July 19, celebrating global culture through diverse plants, interactive displays and family-friendly programming, including World Cup Garden Kick Off Day on June 13 with crafts, lawn games and more.
The 9/11 Museum is hosting an exhibition, The World’s Game: Soccer and 9/11, through August honoring how the global soccer community rallied together during the 2002 FIFA World Cup where the US made a quarterfinal run, including fundraising matches and more.
The Paley Center will hostThe Global Game:Soccer in the United States and the FIFA World Cup™ June 11 through July 26, exploring the rise of soccer in the US alongside the global impact the World Cup including early involvement in FIFA to hosting the landmark 1994 tournament, and the growth of Major League Soccer. Presented in collaboration with FIFA, MLS, the US Soccer Federation, FOX Sports, and Telemundo/Peacock, the exhibit includes artifacts including game-worn jerseys from American soccer stars. cleats, signed memorabilia, archival footage, and iconic match moments. The Paley Center will also host watch parties throughout the tournament.
El Museo del Barrio will host a free World Cup Final watch party on July 19, in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere, with hands-on art activities for all ages including a live DJ set with a dynamic mix of deep house, techno and Latin rhythms. The event takes place during exhibition Sophie Rivera: Double Exposures—the museum’s first survey dedicated to the groundbreaking photographer.
The German Football Association will open the German House of Soccer for the first time during the World Cup, at Chelsea Industrial from June 11 through July 11, bringing German football culture to NYC, welcoming fans for select match screenings, panel discussions, events and more.
In an effort to promote hope and unity in an increasingly polarized world and encourage cross-cultural connection through a shared love of football during the World Cup, The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in Morningside Heights presents Peace Post, a mixed-media portrait collection featuring 198 global peace advocates—one from each sovereign nation—shining a light on individuals working toward positive change.
World Cup Food & Beverage Offerings
The Five Borough Winners Special is New York City’s official citywide dining program for the World Cup offering $26 food and beverage specials and one-of-a-kind collectible borough cups at hundreds of bars and restaurants, from June 11 through July 19.
Visitors can experience the World Cup alongside local fan communities at restaurants, bars, bakeries, and cafés across the five boroughs, including Senegalese spots Des Ambassades and Le Baobab in Harlem, Moroccan restaurants Merguez and Frites and Dar Lbahja in Astoria, Mexican favorite Tacos El Bronco in Sunset Park, and English pubs like Carragher’s in Lower Manhattan. See this local fan guide for more inspiration.
Bars and restaurants across the five boroughs will be screening matches live throughout the tournament. Visit Clinton Hall in the Bronx, FancyFree in Brooklyn, The Football Factory at Legends in Manhattan, Rivercrest in Queens and Ralph’s Sports Bar in Staten Island, and see this soccer bar roundup for more inspiration.
Platform by JBF x NYC Tourism will host a ticketed World Cup Dinner Series celebrating global matchups through one-night-only chef collaborations at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform in Pier 57. Dinner themes include:
Brazil vs. Morocco (June 9): Chefs Victor Vasconcellos of Berimbau Brazilian Table and Aneesa Waheed of Tara Kitchen will present a family-style menu blending Brazilian and Moroccan flavors.
England vs. Australia (July 8): Chef Ed Szymanski of Lord’s, Dame, and Crevette and chef Sam Lawrence of Bridges will collaborate on a menu inspired by modern English and Australian cooking.
Colombia vs. Argentina (July 15): Chefs Felipe Donnelly of Colonia Verde and Fernando Navas of Balvanera will present a multi-course South American dinner inspired by the classic fútbol rivalry.
Mexico vs. Korea (July 16): Chef Giovanni Cervantes of Carnitas Ramirez and chef Aaron Chang of Nōksu will collaborate on a seasonal menu combining coastal Mexican flavors and modern Korean technique.
World Cup Retail & Attraction Offerings
Macy’s Herald Square flagship store will host their World Soccer HQ, an immersive shopping experience with products from brands including adidas, Nike, Puma, and Lids, featuring jerseys, mini balls, accessories, and team gear. Fans can also take part in photo moments and interactive experiences including an adidas FIFA World Cup™ Collection event at the adidas Shop on the 35th Street Mezzanine with treats, gifts with purchase, and a meet-and-greet with New York Red Bulls player Cade Cowell.
Nordstrom and adidas will bring adidas @ The Corner to the Nordstrom NYC Flagship from June 4 through July 26, featuring an exclusive edit of adidas World Cup merchandise organized by country, weekly activations, gifts with purchase, sweepstakes, archive pieces, and weekend customization experiences.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt will open daily at 8 a.m. to better accommodate visitors during the World Cup, with extended evening access through midnight and last ticketed entry at 10 p.m.
Scenes NY in Greenpoint offers vintage soccer apparel, original teamwear and soccer-inspired streetwear rooted in NYC’s grassroots game and global soccer culture.
From June 9 through July 19, the Empire State Building Observation Deck will host the world’s biggest and most iconic soccer jersey collection from Classic Football Shirts in a four-floor display that features the best in soccer shirt design with more than 100 match-worn and rare jerseys from Messi, Ronaldo, Beckham, and other legendary players. A custom Empire State Building soccer jersey—inspired by the Observation Deck’s famed host uniforms—will be sold exclusively on the 86th Floor Observation Deck from June 9-23.
In celebration of the World Cup, Century 21 is offering $21 discounts on retail purchases of $100 or more through July 19.
Getting Around NYC
Visitors and New Yorkers can use public transportation to reach fan events and experiences across the region, including the MTA, NJ TRANSIT, PATH, Amtrak, NY Waterway, NYC Ferry, and Staten Island Ferry.
NYC Ferry Updates
NYC Ferry’s 2026 summer schedule runs through September 13. The expanded schedule includes more weekend trips, larger vessels on high-demand routes, expanded beach service, direct Governors Island shuttle service from Pier 11, and extended weekend service on the South Brooklyn route.
Five World Cup custom-wrapped NYC Ferry vessels will run through the end of summer, celebrating the diversity and identity of all five boroughs.
Rockaway Rocket service will return in early July from Long Island City and Greenpoint. Both cost $12 per person.
For more information, view the Mayor’s announcement.
Bike / Pedestrian Access Updates
A redesigned Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge will expand the bike and pedestrian connection from six to 10 feet. NYC DOT will also double the width of the southern crosswalk between the bridge and City Hall Park to create more pedestrian space. For more information, view the Mayor’s announcement.
Sixth Avenue (Manhattan)’s protected bike lane will be widened from six to 10 feet between 14th and West 31st Streets, with added pedestrian space between West 31st and West 35th Streets. For more information, view the Mayor’s announcement.
Transportation to NYNJ Stadium from NYC
Fans must use official options, including NYNJ stadium shuttle buses, NJ TRANSIT, limited rideshare or pre-purchased parking at American Dream as stadium parking is limited to FIFA-permitted vehicles only.
The Official New York New Jersey Stadium Shuttle will offer direct, round-trip bus service from Port Authority Bus Terminal, Midtown East, and Midtown North. Round-trip shuttle fares have been reduced to $20.
NJ TRANSIT rail tickets are available to FIFA match ticket holders through the NJ TRANSIT mobile app for a flat round-trip fare of $98. Tickets are limited to 40,000 per match day and must be purchased in advance. Fans traveling by rail from New York City will board at Penn Station New York, transfer at Secaucus Junction, and continue to the stadium.
Visit the New York New Jersey Host Committee’s website for official transportation details: https://nynjfwc26.com/getting-to-nynj-stadium/
World Cup Hotel Offerings & Experiences
Consider staying near Penn Station or Port Authority for easy access to the stadium. Nearby hotels include Aliz Hotel Times Square; Arlo Midtown;The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue; Moxy Times Square; Martinique New York on Broadway; New Yorker by Lotte Hotels; Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel; voco Times Square South.
Gansevoort Meatpacking is providing a special offer, The Football Suite, for guests traveling June 1 through July 31. Enjoy loft-inspired accommodations with football celebration props and relax between matches at the hotel’s iconic rooftop pool, with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
Loews Regency New York Hotel is offering a “Tailgate Rate Package” to sports fans from June 11 through July 5, whether they have tickets to a match or are just in town to cheer on their favorite team. The package includes two drink vouchers per room per stay and room upgrade based on availability.
Virgin Hotels New York is hosting The Kickaround which will transform Everdene terrace into a high-energy, football-inspired social hub where guests can play foosball (“table football”), enjoy live match screenings, DJs on select dates and themed cocktails. In addition, the hotel will offer two packages for guests from June 13 through July 19 including the “Suite Spot for the Match” package with complimentary cocktails, late checkout and $50 Uber credit, as well as the “Penthouse Kick Off package”, with spa treatments, access to hotel happenings on match days, merch and more.
The courtyard at Lotte New York Palace will transform into an open-air viewing destination at Summer Bar with matches featured on a large-format screen, paired with refreshing draft cocktails, chilled Champagne, and picnic fare.
MAD Bar & Lounge at NH Collection New York Madison Avenuewill show games throughout the tournament from June 11 through July 19, including a limited-time cocktail menu inspired by participating countries to complement the viewing experience. For those staying overnight, select suite categories offer direct views of the Empire State Building, where special lighting displays will coincide with match days.
The “Ultimate Fan Package” at Romer Hell’s Kitchen includes limited-edition Hell’s Kitchen Football Club soccer scarves (also available for purchase to the public), RHK baseball hats, and credit to the Neighborhood Cafe and So & So’s. During the tournament, the hotel’s Study will stream the matches for casual viewing, plus a discount on beer and wine from the Neighborhood Cafe while the games are on.
Bar Sprezzatura, theopen-air rooftop at Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square, will broadcast all matches with a limited-time “Beers Around the World” drink menu, while hotel guests can enjoy the Global Soccer Tournament package offering necessities for fans including Vacation sunscreen, a stadium-approved clear belt bag, and a bucket of beers from the Beers Around the World menu at Bar Sprezzatura.
Hyatt Regency Times Square will transform its Porte Cochere and hotel into a pop-up pitch with turf and a professional-grade netting for guests to engage in ‘Penalty Kicks in the Porter Cohere’. Stop by to juggle, shoot and maybe just meet a pro-player or two, during finals weekend. At Cue 48 restaurant, visitors can also enjoy themed menus on match days, inspired by the competing nations.
Park Central Hotel invites guests to enjoy matches screened on five large displays in the Twenty-Sevens lounge, alongside bespoke food and beverage specials offered during the tournament.
For all there is to see and do in New York City during the tournament, visit nyctourism.com/worldcup26.
New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) and convention and visitors bureau (CVB) for the five boroughs of New York City. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.
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