Get ready for the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams from around the globe competing in 104 matches across North America. The global soccer tournament is coming to the City, with eight matches—including the final—taking place in New York New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Can’t make it to the stadium in person? Not to worry—there are plenty of ways to catch soccer fever right here in the City. Each borough is hosting official
Cultural institutions around the City will host events too, so there is no shortage of opportunities to watch and celebrate the world’s most popular sport with fellow fans. Here’s a short roundup of events, ordered from earliest to latest. Many are free, but ticket reservations are required in some cases and generally recommended.
World Cup, World Cultures Celebration. Photo: Alvaro Keding & Daniel Kim. Courtesy, AMNH
American Museum of Natural History
Through July 11
An abundance of World Cup–themed programming awaits you at the City’s leading science museum. Want a classic museum experience? Enjoy a new exhibit,
Free for children under 3, members of the US military and caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities
Courtesy, Whitney Museum of American Art
Whitney Museum of American Art
Through July 12
Before or after you head to World Cup watch parties around the City, take in the best of American art that the visionary Whitney Museum has to offer. During periods with free admission (Friday nights and Second Sundays), there will be
Free entrance every Friday night from 5–10pm; and all day on second Sundays (June 14, July 12)
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Through July 19
Those looking for fun activities to do with the little ones can head to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, which has transformed into a zone of soccer-related creativity, cultural celebration and movement-focused play. Most weekends, kids can enjoy a number of
Free for children under age 1
Summer for the City World at Play at Lincoln Center. Courtesy, Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center
Through July 19
This summer, Lincoln Center will offer a wide range of free programs, from family-friendly fun to experimental artistic celebrations of soccer—and even mash-ups of the two. At Hearst Plaza, watch
These are free events; first come, first served
The Africa Center
June 11
In partnership with El Museo del Barrio,
This is a free event
The Paley Center for Media
June 11–July 26
This summer, the Paley Museum
Free for children under age 12
German House of Soccer
June 11–July 11
If you love German football or culture, this is the place for you. Operated by the German Football Association, this Chelsea spot will make its debut during the 2026 World Cup. A public viewing area will feature broadcasts of select matches, with German beer and food (think pretzels, bratwurst and potato salad) for purchase. Don’t forget to walk through the gallery, which will display one of the most important trophies in the history of German soccer.
Free for children under age 2
Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno, Zidane, a 21st century portrait, 2006. Courtesy, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Guggenheim New York
June 11–July 19
Walk the iconic spiral ramp at this world-class museum and take in its special exhibits of contemporary and modern art. To celebrate the World Cup, the museum will present the documentary film
Free for children under age 12; pay-what-you-wish each Tuesday and Sunday between 4 and 5:30pm
Legacies of Champions at Rockefeller Center
June 11–July 19
Co-hosted by the FIFA Museum and Hyundai Motor Company, the
This is a free event
World Cup Parties at Battery Park City
June 12 & July 5–July 19
On June 12, Wagner Park will host its first watch party, when the United States takes on Paraguay at the start of the Group Stage. A family-friendly tailgate party featuring the Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band will get you pumped for the match. A few weeks later, you can watch all matches from the Round of 16 through the Final on a big screen at locations in The Battery, State Street and Battery Place. There’ll also be games, music and more—
All events are free
New York Botanical Garden
June 13–July 19
The World Cup is the perfect occasion to appreciate diversity of all kinds—including biodiversity. Check out
Free admission for children under age 2
South Bronx United at Macombs Dam Park. Photo: Laura S. Fuchs
Bronx Block Party World Cup Festival with South Bronx United
June 19
Bring a lawn chair and a picnic blanket with you to this local neighborhood block party at Macombs Dam Park, hosted in partnership between youth league South Bronx United and the NYNJ FIFA World Cup Host Committee.
This is a free event, but registration is required.
Juneteenth NYC 2026: Rooted in Strength
June 20
Experience one of Brooklyn’s largest and liveliest Juneteenth festivals during NYC’s summerlong celebration of global soccer culture. Juneteenth NYC 2026, taking place in Linden Park in East New York, features a vibrant parade, cultural fashion show, soccer clinics for kids, live performances of music, dance and poetry and much more. Black-owned businesses will sell international food and craft items to thousands of attendees. You won’t want to miss this free, family-friendly commemoration of Black freedom and global unity.
This is a free event
House of Goal at Industry City
July 3–July 19
There’ll be something for everyone at this
This event is free to attend, but registration is required
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
July 9–11 & July 18
A quick (and free) trip on the Staten Island Ferry is a great way to take harbor views before heading to the
The event is free, but registration is suggested.
Fanatics Fest
July 16–July 19
This massive fan festival returns to Javits Center for the third year, gathering hundreds of athletes and many thousands of sports lovers. Expect autograph sessions, meet and greets, sports-card trading and the like. Timed with the last weekend of the World Cup, this year’s Fanatics Fest will host the official pre-match press conferences for the final match, with both teams taking the stage. On the final match day, attendees can watch a livestream of the tournament’s conclusion here, surrounded by other passionate fans.
One-day children’s tickets, including fees, are $34.94. For multiday bundles and adult ticket pricing,
Photo: Wilfredo Barreto Rosario. Courtesy, El Museo del Barrio
El Museo del Barrio
July 19
The galleries at this leading Latin American museum in East Harlem will transform into a space for community and cultural exchange. Wear your favorite team’s jersey to a free
This is a free event
