The New York and New Jersey FIFA World Cup Host Committee has announced that the Big Apple will play host to free fan events throughout the duration of the tournament.
These events will be divided amongst the city’s five boroughs, providing soccer fans the opportunity to watch games live, enjoy cultural programming, interact with local businesses, and take in other “interactive experiences” on game days.
Among those to release a statement in conjunction with this announcement was Mayor Zohran Mamdani, an avid and outspoken soccer fan.
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“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,” he said.
“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.”
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul also commented on the announcement, saying, “New Yorkers are ready to welcome fans from across the world for the 2026 World Cup and we’re making sure everyone who calls this city home is part of this historic event.
“These free fan events across all five boroughs bring the excitement of the game to every New Yorker in every community — supporting our small businesses and bringing New Yorkers together.”
Meanwhile, the city’s World Cup Czar, Maya Handa, said that by creating these events, they were showing their “commitment to making New York City the best host city in North America.
“By expanding free programming across all five boroughs, we are ensuring that local restaurants and small businesses share in the benefits of the World Cup.”
The first of the fan events will be held in Queens throughout the group stage at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows. This will kickstart on the day of the opening game in Mexico City between El Tri and South Africa on June 11 and run through the 27th, and will include daily programming as well as game broadcasts.
Next to open its gates will be the Bronx’s Fan Zone at the Terminal Market, running for just two days from June 13 to the 14th, including gameday programming as well as local cultural programming.
June 13 will also mark the beginning of the Fan Zone at Brooklyn’s Bridge Park, providing daily programming and game broadcasts for six days.
Staten Island will then join the fray on June 29 from Staten Island University Hospital Community Park through July 2 with daily programming and game broadcasts in the evenings.
Finally, Manhattan will close out proceedings between July 9 and the 19th, when the final will be held in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium. The NYNJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village will set up shop at the Rockefeller Center, offering daily programming with the hours to be extended during the week of the final.