New York City will host a series of free fan events across all five boroughs during the 2026 World Cup, city and state officials announced Monday. The events are designed to give soccer fans access to the tournament's atmosphere without the high cost of match tickets.
Citywide Fan Experience
The fan fests will take place in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island, offering watch parties and entertainment tied to the tournament. Locations include Rockefeller Center, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Brooklyn Bridge Park, a shopping center near Yankee Stadium, and a minor league baseball stadium on Staten Island.
While MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host World Cup matches, public transit costs to and from games could reach $150, according to recent reports. A separate fan event at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey — home of the New York Red Bulls — will charge a $10 entry fee.
Leadership Backs Inclusive Access
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a known soccer enthusiast, unveiled the plans alongside New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Both Democrats emphasized the importance of making the tournament accessible to all fans.
"Every fan should be able to watch the greatest tournament on earth without dipping into their savings," Mamdani said. Similar fan festivals are being organized in other U.S. host cities ahead of the 2026 tournament.