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 Fan Zones with screenings and interactive events, including live watch parties at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, and family-friendly activities at Bronx Terminal Market.
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, For the Win, which features 70 iconic sports artifacts. Looking for something more interactive? Practice your soccer skills in play areas at the Goal Zone. Kids can also sign up for learning labs to explore the science of sports or the human body. And if you just want to watch soccer, you’re in luck: between June 11 and June 30, select World Cup matches will be up on big screens just about every day.
Free for children under 3, members of the US military and caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities
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 special soccer-related programming, from sports-focused artmaking for all ages to live performances of music inspired by the countries competing in the tournament.
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 arts-and-crafts activities, including painting a team banner, creating a soccer-inspired superhero and making finger puppets to cheer on their favorite teams. They can also watch and take part in special one-time cultural events. For example, on June 6, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company will host an interactive dance workshop to share the customs of Mexico, one of the host countries of the 2026 World Cup.
Free for children under age 1
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 movies about soccer (including a documentary about Brazilian soccer legend Pelé) and short-form dance films about sports. Or witness the best of NYC’s soccer freestylers dazzle with their unique blend of dance, athleticism and acrobatics. On the final match day, party with your family at Lincoln Center, where you can build your own foosball table at a soccer-inspired “create-a-thon” led by Canadian DJ and artist Kid Koala.
These are free events; first come, first served
The Africa Center
June 11
In partnership with El Museo del Barrio, The Africa Center will host a free afternoon screening of the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa. This program highlights the dynamic cultural legacies of Africa and Latin America as well as soccer’s ability to bring the world together. Before the watch party, make sure to peruse the center’s photography exhibit and stop by the on-site café.
This is a free event
The Paley Center for Media
June 11–July 26
This summer, the Paley Museum will become a hub of soccer appreciation. Enjoy live broadcasts of all 104 matches in the museum’s renovated theaters, with both English- and Spanish-language coverage. Make sure to check out a major exhibit documenting the rise of soccer in the US, featuring historic items, sports memorabilia and more. Families will get a kick out of the practice field, where soccer lovers of all ages can work on skills like dribbling and target shooting.
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 Zidane: a 21st Century Portrait (directed by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno) on a continuous loop. The 90-minute video portrait follows the French soccer legend Zinédine Zidane in real time over a single match played on April 23, 2005, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
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 Legacies of Champions installation inside 50 Rockefeller Plaza features objects spanning the history of the World Cup, from the inauguaral tournament in 1930 up to the current moment. On display will be jerseys from all teams competing in this year’s cup, historic trophies and more. Don’t miss out on the outdoor Fan Village at the Rock from July 6 to July 19.
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—check out the lineup.
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 the World Cup Garden, featuring beautiful plants from countries participating in the tournament. While the garden is open, you’ll find stadium-themed drinks and bites for purchase to get you even more excited for soccer. On Kick-Off Day, June 13, you can play foosball, get temporary team tattoos for the whole family and more.
Free admission for children under age 2
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 17-day festival at Industry City, Brooklyn’s sprawling creative-commercial complex along the waterfront. Fans of soccer can watch live matches, while tech enthusiasts can track real-time performance data in the games they’re watching at designated pop-up stations. More interested in the vibes? You’re in luck. There’ll be global street food and chef pop-ups; live DJ sets and musical performances; and art of all kinds, from fashion to murals to artist-led workshops.
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 official Staten Island Fan Event, which is active from June 29 to July 2. After that, consider Snug Harbor, home to the Staten Island Children's Museum, the Staten Island Museum, the Noble Maritime Collection and a botanical garden. The Staten Island Museum will be hosting watch parties on July 9, 10 and 11, which include free snacks, face painting, art activities and a scavenger hunt. On July 18, there will be a picnic-style World Cup Bronze Final Screening at Snug Harbor's South Meadow, complete with food trucks and a large outdoor screen.
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, click here.
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 watch party of the tournament’s final match. The viewing will be accompanied by arts and crafts for all ages, as well as music by a DJ spinning a lively mix of techno, house and Latin beats. Before you leave, remember to stop by the museum’s latest photography exhibit.
This is a free event
Find more ways to join the World Cup party by clicking here!