The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to New York City, and this once-in-a-generation event is worth getting hyped for, whether or not you are a fan of the beautiful game. Not only will New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium host group stage games beginning on Saturday, June 13, 2026, but it’s also been named the host site for the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Whether you have scored one of the elusive—and very expensive—tickets to catch the action on the pitch, the World Cup 2026 is still worth knowing about and celebrating, and we’ve got all the details on how you can catch World Cup fever this summer, from watch parties and fan fests to cultural celebrations. Be sure to bookmark our Family Activity Calendar, where we’ll track all the World Cup events, and read on for more details about what you can expect when the soccer stars arrive this summer.
World Cup 2026 in New York & New Jersey, At-a-Glance
In this guide, you’ll find:
- The full World Cup match schedule at MetLife Stadium, including the final on Sunday, July 19, 2026
- How to score tickets and need-to-know tips before you try
- Details on the official Fan Zone in Queens, Fan Village at Rockefeller Center (and what to expect with kids)
- New Jersey’s Flag Cities events and community fan fests in the Garden State
- Where to watch the action at local bars and neighborhood watch parties
- Transportation tips for getting to MetLife Stadium
- How to make the most of World Cup fever without a ticket
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Why the World Cup 2026 Is Such a Big Deal for NYC and NJ Families
The FIFA World Cup has been held every four years since 1930 and is arguably the biggest sporting event on the planet. In 2026, the tournament expands to 48 teams and is played at 16 cities across North America, ranging from Vancouver to Mexico City and Los Angeles to Boston. The World Cup has only been played in the United States once before—in 1994, making this a once-in-a-generation sports spectacle right in our backyard.
MetLife Stadium will be known as New York New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup. Photo by Brian via Adobe Stock
What World Cup Matches Are Being Played at MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium, which will be known as New York New Jersey Stadium during the event per FIFA rules, hosts eight matches in total. They are as follows:
Saturday, June 13, 2026: Brazil vs. Morocco, 6pm
Tuesday, June 16, 2026: France vs. Senegal, 3pm
Monday, June 22, 2026: Norway vs. Senegal, 8pm
Thursday, June 25, 2026 Ecuador vs. Germany, 4pm
Saturday, June 27, 2026: Panama vs. England, 5pm
Tuesday, June 30, 2026: Round of 32, Teams TBD, 5pm
Sunday, July 5, 2025: Round of 16, Teams TBD, 4pm
2026 World Cup Final: Sunday, July 19, 2026, Teams TBD, 3pm
How to Get World Cup 2026 Tickets—and What Families Should Know
Tickets to the 2026 World Cup matches have been on sale for months via FIFA’s official site. A series of “draws” was held beginning in the Fall of 2025. Currently, a “last-minute sales phase” is underway—though local matches are sold out.
The secondary market is an option, and FIFA offers reselling on its site. A quick search revealed inventory for most of the New York New Jersey Stadium games.
Resale sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats also offered some availability, but the bottom line is that inventory is limited, and the prices reflect that, so set your expectations accordingly.
How Much Do World Cup 2026 Tickets Cost?
Though face-value tickets start at $60 for early group stage games, you’ll be hard-pressed to find them. Our cursory search of the FIFA site and secondary markets this week yielded a few tickets to local games for as little as $120, though most started between $300-500. If you’re hoping to see the World Cup Final at New York New Jersey Stadium, current prices soar from $5,000 to more than $130,000 per ticket.
Is the World Cup Good for Young Kids to Attend in Person?
For die-hard sports fans, it’s hard to argue against attending a game in person if you have the means. Seeing a World Cup, in your own backyard, is a bucket-list item. But, before you drop your cash on tickets, give the logistics a good, long look. Between the transit time to get there (more on that below) and the crowds, a World Cup game is probably a better bet with tweens, teens, and those who are truly into soccer than families with tots and a casual interest in the game.
You Don’t Need a Ticket—Here’s How to Catch World Cup Fever
If the prices turned you off to attending in person, we’ve got good news: There’s plenty to do beyond the stadium to enjoy the magic of this once-in-a-generation sporting spectacle. Here’s where you can enjoy the magic of the World Cup 2026 without spending a fortune on match tickets.
The Official Fan Zone Queens: What Families Need to Know
Held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, fans can head to the world’s borough to cheer for their favorite team on the big screen at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Enjoy live game casts and themed activations during select group stage games. This event celebrates the world’s game in the world’s borough, and showcases local food, official merchandise, and family-friendly entertainment. Programming runs from Wednesday, June 17-Sunday, June 28, 2026.
How to get to the Fan Zone in Queens: Taking the train to the Fan Fest is easy! Catch the MTA’s 7 line or the LIRR’s Port Washington Branch. From either train, exit at the Mets-Willets Point Station.
Tickets to the Queens Fan Zone: Book your FREE tickets online via Ticketmaster in advance.
The Rockefeller Center Fan Village: A Family Must-Do this Summer
Manhattan families and visitors alike can head to Rockefeller Center for the New York New Jersey World Cup 26 and Telemundo Fan Village, which runs from Saturday, July 4-Sunday, July 19, 2026. The iconic ice rink transforms into The Pitch, a soccer field in the shadow of some of Manhattan’s tallest buildings. It serves as the centerpiece for live match viewing experiences. Be sure to walk the Champions Garden nearby, where the eight World Cup-winning nations and legends of the game are honored. More engaging fan activations pepper the plaza.
How to get to the Rockefeller Center Fan Village: Located in the heart of Rockefeller Center, take the B, D, F, or M trains to 47-50th Street Rockefeller Center. It’s easily walkable from Times Square and Grand Central Terminal, too.
Tickets to the Rockefeller Center Fan Village: Tickets are not required, and admission to this fun fan experience is FREE.
More Interactive Fan Zones in NYC
Organizers have announced additional fan zones in each of NYC’s five boroughs.
Originally, a mega fan fest was scheduled for Liberty State Park, but it was canceled due to logistical concerns. In its place, the Garden State is hosting a series of Flag Cities events, smaller-scale celebrations set for game days in smaller locations across the state. These events, sponsored by Goya, include live entertainment, international cuisines, vendor villages, interactive soccer experiences and watch parties that look like supersized, soccer-themed street festivals.
Flag Cities Schedule
Friday, June 12, 2026, on Columbus Drive in Jersey City
Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Overpeck Park in Bergen County
Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Mulberry Commons in Newark
Friday, June 26, 2026, in Downtown East Rutherford
These Flag Cities events will require a ticket. Bookmark the event website for updates.
New Jersey’s Sports Illustrated Stadium is set to host a fan fest during the World Cup. Rendering courtesy of FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Organizing Committee
World Cup 26 Jersey Fan Hub
Harrison’s Sports Illustrated Stadium is a key hub for fan activities and watch parties, hosting a series of watch parties, live entertainment, brand activations, and more on select dates throughout the tournament’s run. Admission to the Fan Hub is completely FREE, but tickets must be booked online in advance. Fans can take in select matches right from the field’s pitch, with viewing on a 60-foot screen, or visit the Hype House with its 20 big-screen televisions.
How to get to the Jersey Fan Hub: Sports Illustrated Stadium is within easy walking distance of the Harrison PATH stop.
Tickets to the Jersey Fan Hub: Admission is FREE, but tickets must be booked online in advance.
Dream Fan Fest at American Dream Mall
Situated within walking distance of New York New Jersey Stadium, the amenity-packed American Dream Mall is going big with its World Cup programming, staging a 39-day-long Dream Fan Fest. Details are still taking shape, but the entertainment complex promises everything from water park parties to celebrity appearances, supersized watch parties, brand takeovers, and more.
Best Bars and Restaurant Watch Parties in NYC for Families
Many New York City restaurants and bars are legendary spots to watch a soccer match. While we don’t have exact details on programming, these local watering holes are likely to be good bet to watch a game. Keep in mind, daytime viewing is likely to be more kid-friendly, while evening hours will attract a more raucous, happy hour crowd. Find more options for 21+ destinations to visit with kids in our roundup of family-friendly, adult-focused venues here. It’s a good bet many screens citywide will be tuned to the action!
Smithfield Hall – Chelsea
The self-described home of football in NYC, Smithfield Hall offers seating indoors and out, and has 35 screens offering wall-to-wall sports action. Its menu is an ode to classic American comfort food.
Salinte Bar – The Bowery
Irish to its core—there are four Guinness drafts on tap—Slainte offers a projector screen and 14 TVs, plus a full menu of Irish staples in a friendly atmosphere that welcomes groups big and small. Book your reservations online in advance.
Avenida – Midtown West
Enjoy the indoor-outdoor appeal of this rooftop venue. It plans to show every World Cup Match—regardless of time zone—and serves delicious Mexican eats to accompany the action. A cold margarita for mom and dad, plus kid-pleasing tacos and 20 screens streaming the action sounds like a pretty perfect soccer outing in my book.
The Rutherford – Midtown West
Located just next door to Avenida, The Rutherford is a more classic sports bar experience, with cuisine to match. Nosh on steak sandwiches, Buffalo chicken bites, or nachos while you track the action across 15 screens, plus three large-scale projection TVs. Craft cocktails are a specialty here, so you can drown your sorrows or indulge in celebration.
More Local Watch Party Spots in NYC for Families
The Paley Center – Midtown Manhattan
This family-friendly Midtown museum plans to stream all 105 World Cup 2026 matches live on its big screens. While you’re there, explore its history-laden display.
American Museum of Natural History – Upper West Side
Spend the opening weekend of the World Cup celebrating at this local institution. On Saturday, June 13, 2026, games are screened in multiple museum areas. While you’re there, enjoy the newly opened For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence exhibition and the interactive Goal Zone, where you can play soccer-themed games and pose with wax statues of the game’s biggest stars. The exhibits are on display all summer long, and more watch parties are planned for the duration of the tournament.
Brookfield Place – Battery Park City
The famed Winter Garden gets a made-for-the-World-Cup makeover from Sunday, June 28-Sunday, July 19, 2026. Stop by to let kids play on the indoor pitch, hit the arcade zone, or linger for viewing parties. Adults can indulge in a beverage from the pop-up beer garden on-site.
El Museo del Barrio – East Harlem
Catch the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from this East Harlem museum. In addition to the action on the pitch, you can enjoy live DJ sets, kid-friendly programming, like hands-on art, and the museum’s ongoing exhibition from photographer Sophie Rivera.
Central Park Finals Watch Party – Central Park
You’ve seen the New York Knicks watch parties go viral from the Great Lawn, so it’s only natural that Central Park is pulling out the stops for the beautiful game and the World Cup’s big final on Sunday, July 19, 2026. A lottery will be held for the 50,000 tickets, though they are completely FREE, so you’ve got nothing to lose by entering.
Getting to MetLife Stadium with Kids: Everything You Need to Know
Public transit is your friend for the World Cup 2026 in New York, in fact, there is no parking and no tailgating in the lots surrounding the stadium on game days. The nearest parking is at American Dream Mall—it’s limited and costs $225. If you haven’t purchased yours yet, you’re likely out of luck!
Instead, plan to take trains, buses, or rideshares to the game. NJ Transit is planning to run a bus to the stadium every 30 seconds during the four-hour window before and after each match. In addition, money is being poured into opening a new bus terminal at the stadium, upgrading bus-only lanes, and exits.
Train riders can take New Jersey Transit to Secaucus Junction and transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line much in the same way they do for other major events at the stadium. One big change, however: Penn Station access will reportedly be limited to ticket-holders in the hours leading up to each game. This could cause a major headache for commuters, so plan accordingly.
Another option: Ride-share apps will have a designated lot at the Meadowlands Race Track.
Transit times from Penn Station to MetLife range from 30-60 minutes, though you’ll want to allow plenty of time to account for the crowds. Our best advice: Leave plenty early, pack plenty of snacks, and plenty of patience.
World Cup 2026 NYC: Practical Tips for Families
New York City in the summertime is always a draw for tourists, but the summer of 2026 is likely to be even more crowded. Beyond the World Cup, New York City is also an anchor site for America 250, which centers around the Fourth of July. Adding more chaos to the mix are the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals run and a possible blockbuster Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding in Midtown.
Despite the crowds and chaos, we expect all these happenings to bring some special perks and fun to the city all summer long!
Keep your eyes peeled for some family-friendly perks, including the citywide Five Borough Winners Special dining program. Think of it as Restaurant Week for the football fan—and cheaper. For $26, you can taste cuisine from hundreds of locally owned bars and restaurants. Each meal comes with a collectible World Cup tumbler.
Be sure to stop by a local public library branch to collect a NYC Neighborhood Passport, then collect artist-designed stamps as you patronize local businesses that represent the cultures of the World Cup participants.
If you’re coming from out of town, bookmark our NYC Visitors Guide for all our need-to-know tips, and save time to explore the rest of the city outside of the matches! We’ve got tips for navigating public transit, a curated 3-day itinerary of family fun, and the destinations we always hit when our family visits.
If you’re still searching for accommodations, time is of the essence. Book one of these family-friendly hotels in NYC ASAP.
Beyond bookmarking our Family Activity Calendar, you should also bookmark the New York-New Jersey Host Site to stay abreast of any new fan fests, changing guidance on transportation, and all things World Cup 2026 in NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions About the World Cup 2026 in NYC
Where is the World Cup 2026 being played in New York?
The World Cup 2026 is being played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The stadium will be rechristened the New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the event to comply with FIFA rules.
How many World Cup matches are at MetLife Stadium?
Eight matches are scheduled for the New York New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup, beginning with a group match on Saturday, June 13, 2026, and ending with the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
When is the World Cup Final 2026 and where is it?
The World Cup Final 2026 will be played at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
How do I get World Cup 2026 tickets?
World Cup tickets can be purchased online via the FIFA official site, its secondary marketplace, or resellers like SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats.
Is there a FREE World Cup fan fest in NYC?
Yes! Rockefeller Center is planning to host a weeks-long installation on its plaza with watch parties, fan activations, and a mini-pitch on the famous Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink.
What is the Fan Zone Queens at the World Cup 2026?
The Queens Fan Zone is set to take over the Billie Jean King USTA Tennis Center early in the World Cup, from Wednesday, June 17-Sunday, June 28, 2026. Admission is FREE, but you must reserve tickets in advance. Fans can expect watch parties, merchandise for purchase, live entertainment, international eats, and more.
How do I get to MetLife Stadium for the World Cup?
Public transportation and ride shares are the only options for getting to New York New Jersey Stadium. On-site parking is not allowed. Bookmark the transportation page on the host site to stay updated on transportation options for the World Cup 2026.
What are the best neighborhoods in NYC to watch the World Cup?
The best neighborhoods to watch the World Cup in NYC are likely those with diverse, soccer-loving populations. We recommend Jackson Heights, Queens, and Arthur Avenue, in the Bronx.
Is the World Cup 2026 good for kids and families?
World Cup fever will be hard to resist this summer in NYC! The World Cup hasn’t been played on American soil since 1994, so the fact that the NY metro area is hosting its biggest game is a huge deal! Expect plenty of activations to get locals and visitors alike hyped about the prospects!
What is Flag Cities 2026 in New Jersey?
Flag Cities is New Jersey’s street festival-like celebration of the World Cup. These one-day-only events are popping up in locales all across the Garden State to give locals a fun place to celebrate the World Cup with fellow soccer fans.
Do I need a ticket to attend World Cup fan fests in NYC?
Yes, many of the fan fests require tickets, though they are mostly FREE to attend. Click through to our links for details on how to book. Rockefeller Center’s fan fest is FREE and open to the public. We expect more smaller-scale celebrations to pop up as the matches draw near!
What World Cup matches are best to attend with kids?
The best World Cup matches to attend with kids are the ones you can get tickets to! Group stage matches will likely cost much less than the finals, but if you can’t snag tickets (or the prices are too rich), you can still enjoy the World Cup 2026 in other ways in New York and New Jersey.
