The World Cup is nearly upon us. The competition returns to the United States for the first time since 1994, descending upon the tristate area and bringing legions of fans along with it. It's great for local businesses, less so for locals.

From June 11 to July 19, a total of eight games, including the competition’s final, will take place at East Rutherford, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium – also known by its temporary name, New York-New Jersey Stadium. Moving around the city during the games is sure to be a headache, with transit officials encouraging some commuters to work from home so as to avoid the upcharges and general chaos. Tickets to the games are exorbitantly expensive and difficult to get your hands on, even if you’re willing to pony up.

For genuine soccer lovers and anyone else looking to enjoy the athletic occurrence that has long been a rare opportunity for a moment of global unity, the amount of gatherings can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you cut through the noise. We’ve waded through the ugly fliers and confusing Eventbrite listings to bring you the most significant places, spaces, and parties to be aware of ahead of kickoff.

The official World Cup fan zones

The City of New York and FIFA are collaborating to bring free World Cup fan events to every borough. In a press release, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the point is to make the Cup feel more accessible to all.

“When I think back on my first World Cup, some of my most meaningful memories weren’t in the stadium, they were in the fan zones, surrounded by thousands of people brought together by a pure love of the game,” said Mamdani. “That’s what we’re building here: a World Cup that belongs to New Yorkers. By bringing these free fan events to every borough, we’re making sure everyone can be part of that joy.”

Universal joy is easier said than done, but the offerings are free, so no money will be lost checking them out for yourself.

Here are the details on all four NYC hubs (there will also be a fifth, at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey), which will be able to host thousands of fans for watch parties:

  • The Bronx's fan zone will be located at the sprawling Bronx Terminal Market, which will host matchday and local cultural programming on June 13 and 14.
  • The Queens fan zone at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park's USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center – out by the Queens Night Market, “Men In Black” spaceship towers and The Panorama – will offer daily activations from June 11 to 27.
  • In Manhattan, the Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center opens for viewing parties on July 6 and will continue hosting them through July 19. This is sure to have the same energy as the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Consider if where you want to watch is in the middle of Manhattan. No judgements!
  • Brooklyn’s over 25,000-square-foot fan zone will be located at Brooklyn Bridge Park, which will host daily programming for over 3,500 fans from June 13 to July 19. There will be a beer garden, a small-side soccer pitch featuring three-on-three games and performances from dance-pop artist PinkPantheress and rapper Larry June, among others.
  • Fans on Staten Island can watch games at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park from June 29 to July 2. It’s very close to the ferry if you want to take a day trip.

Big World Cup events

In addition to the borough fan hubs, there are other groups and venues planning activations for soccer fans this June and July. Here are a few of the biggest parties and places to attend, as well as some other significant programming.

Fanatics Fest: This four-day, final weekend watch party at the Javits Center includes a pre-match press conference with the final teams, a walk of fame in which “athletes, celebrities, and legends” will strut down the center of the show floor, a stage dedicated to hosting experts’ conversations on soccer, a self-guided “interactive experience” for card collectors, a Tailgate Zone of food trucks, exclusive merch, and proximity to the most passionate fans.

Airbnb: While the short-term housing platform may not have much of a presence in NYC anymore, it will be hosting a number of World Cup experiences here, including a jersey customizing event and a fan night with U.S. soccer stars Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy, for those impatiently awaiting next year's Women’s World Cup.

The Whitney: The museum will be hosting a number of all ages, sports-themed events at its Meatpacking location. There will be artmaking events, DJ sets and performances inspired by participating nations. The museum’s usual free entry times will be expanded to 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and second Sundays (so, June 14 and July 12). Patrons can expect more or less the same highbrow-but-fun vibe the institution generally offers.

Battery Park City : As part of its 2026 summer programming, Battery Park City will be hosting watch parties for the June 12 match and then every match from round 16 through the final. The June 12 kick-off screening will be paired with a family-friendly tailgate party, including a performance by the Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band.

Perelmen Arts Center: The Perelman Performing Arts Center (also known as PAC NYC) will be hosting open-air watch parties on the terrace of its 6 World Trade Center space. There will be food and drinks from in-house PAC restaurant Metropolis by chef Marcus Samuelsson (with a one beverage purchase per person requirement.)

The best World Cup bars

Chances are good any bar with a TV will have it tuned to the games. For those seeking a more casual watch party, here are six local spots where fans will flock that also boast neighborhood flavor and ambiance.

Soccer Tavern (6004 Eighth Ave., Sunset Park)

This longtime pub and former speakeasy has been slinging drinks since Prohibition – 1929, specifically. When Soccer Tavern was built, Brooklyn's Eighth Avenue was saturated with Scandinavian businesses, and Norwegian soccer fans can still find community here even though today it’s predominantly an Irish bar. Both flags fly out front.

Michelle’s Lounge (2294 Bedford Ave., Flatbush)

This longtime local joint doesn’t just offer old school energy but it’s also a hub for those rooting for Panama. Mamdani even gave it a shoutout in a December Instagram post.

Black Forest (733 Fulton St., Fort Greene & 181 Smith St., Carroll Gardens)

This elevated German pub will be hosting watch parties at both of its locations, promising patrons it will show every major match, along with select games at its sister bar Fritz, a cocktail bar located next door to the Fort Greene location. There will be a cover charge for matchday admission that includes food and drink credits and a welcome beer depending on the ticket level. All tickets are available online, and walk-ins are also welcome on a first-come basis. Good for big parties and those desirous of sausage.

The Dram Shop (339 9th St., Park Slope)

Named for the old timey word for a liquor-selling establishment, this watering hole has been humbly holding it down in Park Slope for nearly 20 years. It’s no beer hall but it’s got a pool table, plenty of TVs, and a grown up frat house energy. They’ll be showing all World Cup matches with sound on seven screens (and a projector!) and are offering various daily meal deals including half-price burgers, two-for-one tacos and a $48 four-course meal.

Beija Flor (38-02 29th St., Long Island City)

Named for the Portuguese word for hummingbird, Beija Flor is all about Brazilian food and culture, and hosting live music on the weekend. The airy, sit-down corner restaurant will be raising caipirinhas to Brazil all tournament long.

The Red Lion (151 Bleecker St., Greenwich Village)

This Village standby is known for hosting live music into the wee hours, but it will be opening on 11 a.m. every match day. World Cup games will be screened on over 10 HD screens come June and July. Folks looking to ensure a seat should consider reserving a table online ahead of time.

Family-friendly World Cup programming

In schools and on the streets, here’s where to watch with the youngest fans in your life.

Soccer Streets: Also known as World Cup Field Days, this city-sponsored program will temporarily transform streets outside 50 schools across the boroughs into traffic-free “soccer streets” where children can enjoy soccer pitches, art stations, and block-party celebrations. The 50 schools – including East Williamsburg's P.S. 18, Hollis' P.S. 35Q, and Belmont's P.S. 32 – are all already part of the city’s Open Streets initiative, which allows them to shut blocks off from cars on certain occasions.

NYC Neighborhood Passport: Meant to incentivize patronage of city institutions, this program offers stamps in a custom passport to those who visit participating organizations including the New York Botanical Garden, the New Victory Theater, Historic Richmond Town and the American Museum of Natural History.

The Paley Center For Media: Founded by CBS creator William S. Paley in 1975, the Paley Center For Media is a nonprofit that hosts a museum dedicated to TV, radio shows and commercials and also hosts myriad panels, events and screenings. In honor of the World Cup, it’s hosting a variety of family friendly programming, an exhibit on the rise of soccer in the United States and live watch parties of all matches in its freshly renovated theaters.

American Museum of Natural History: In addition to hosting watch parties on the big screens in the LeFrak Theater, Cullman Hall of the Universe, and the Global Sports Pavilion in Futter Gallery beginning June 11 (all free with any museum admission), the Natural History museum will also have three drop-in activities exploring the science and culture of sport beginning May 28. This includes a learning lab for those ages 8 and up on the biomechanics of the human body, and hands-on activities about geometry in sports on select days in the Global Sports Pavilion.

Host your own party!

If you want to go big, you’ll need to get a license from FIFA and a permit from the relevant NYC agency to make it official. No permit required for having friends over and watching from the couch.