The Ultimate NYC Guide for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Events, Watch Parties & Waterfront Adventures
Are you going to miss out on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup? Well, the good news is that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is also coming to the NYC area! It’s expected to be a widely popular event. New York City will be buzzing with energy as fans from all around the world come together to see the best in soccer (football, for international viewers). New York-New Jersey is officially one of the host cities, and they’re ready to grow the game once again.
What follows is a guide to help visitors experience the tournament, along with some of summer’s hottest NYC activities. For example, Sea the City offers one-of-a-kind water adventures such as jet skiing or taking a relaxing ride on our hot tub boat.
FIFA World Cup Matches in NYC: What to Know
MetLife Stadium is located a mere five miles west of NYC. As a multi-purpose stadium, this East Rutherford, NJ, spot will happily provide a home for eight matches, including the final match on July 19, 2026. Currently, you can express your interest in tickets to this location, which puts you first in line when they become available.
There are several public transportation options you can take such as the train to Meadowlands Rail Station or Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express. Although driving is technically another option, it’s expected that parking spaces will fill up quickly.
Fan zones are expected to pop up in a number of places, including throughout NYC. Each one will provide a different fun experience that helps put fans into the role of a world-class soccer player.
Celebrate in Style with a Sea the City Jet Ski Tour
In between enjoying 2026 World Cup events, there will also be plenty of time for you to take in what makes the NYC area so special. Sea the City’s jet ski tours provide the perfect way to get away from the crowds and let loose on the Hudson River. You’ll feel your adrenaline pumping as you crank your jet ski up to 55 MPH. Plus, you’ll be treated to some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks from a completely different perspective.
Spring and summer in NYC offer the best water conditions too. The Mighty Hudson River’s clear waters and lack of traffic congestion make it a dream to jet ski across. Take advantage of this to not only enjoy an exhilarating ride, but to also take in NYC’s glorious skyline. Once you add in all the well-known landmarks, it becomes a thrill seeker’s absolute best way to see the city – hence our name, Sea the City!
Notable landmarks include:
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Wall Street Heliport
- Staten Island Ferry Terminal
- Governor’s Island
- Verrazano Bridge
- Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island
- World Trade Center
- And much, much more!
NYC World Cup Viewing Parties & Fan Zones
Although dates and places haven’t been announced yet, it’s a fair bet that NYC will host several outdoor screenings of the 2026 FIFA Cup. These are expected to be held in a wide variety of locations, including plazas and parks. Additionally, screenings will be held at bars and restaurants that have an outside sitting area.
Another thing to look forward to is the Official FIFA Fan Zones. The first confirmed spot is Liberty State Park in Jersey City, which will be open for all 104 games of the tournament. In other words, you can watch games there that are being played in Mexico City, Vancouver, and the San Francisco Bay Area, just to name a few. Fan zones are expected to have large screen TVs, interactive activities, and food and beverage vendors.
The three prime areas for FIFA Fan Zones are Bryant Park, Hudson Yards, and Domino Park. It is highly likely that these locations will be chosen, due to their ability to host humongous crowds.
Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup in NYC Sports Bars
NYC is home to approximately 240 sports bars, along with a total of almost 1,900 pubs and bars. Out of all these bars, three stand above the rest for soccer watching:
- Legends
- Smithfield Hall
- Carragher’s
Legends is home to the Football Factory (and we mean soccer) in the heart of Manhattan. Even when it’s not time for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Football Factory hosts more than 100 different live soccer games per week. They’ve also got 20 big screen televisions, which means you won’t have to miss any of the action.
Smithfield Hall is a sports bar with a special focus on international football games. Be sure to check their daily schedule to confirm what games they’ll be showing on their 34 inside and outside TVs. They only have 27 tables, though, so get there early to watch the FIFA World Cup in NYC and beyond.
Finally, Carragher’s is a soccer themed sports bar that pays homage to Liverpool UK. Make a reservation early if you want to catch one of the games here, though, as soccer matches typically fill up very fast. As a special note, whenever Liverpool FC is playing, Carragher’s bans the opposite team’s jerseys.
Now, let’s move on to three major neighborhoods:
- East Villages
- Midtown
- Williamsburg
The East Village neighborhood is well-primed for nightlife. In fact, music venues, old school bars, and a variety of performance spaces dot the landscape. However, daytime visitors will get a more laid-back feeling as they wander the streets filled with hip restaurants and cocktail lounges.
Midtown Manhattan is always a busy place. Iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center abound, and you’re likely to see tourists everywhere. Midtown also provides easy access to nearby Times Square.
Williamsburg is where all the hip people go. Look around its streets, and you’ll notice the young and fashionable everywhere. Between the fantastic waterfront views of Manhattan, noteworthy street art, and trendy cafes, you should go there if you’d like to see and be seen.
Take a Relaxing Break on a Hot Tub Boat Tour
NYC is electric on its own, so you know it will be hopping when the NYC FIFA 2026 games begin. Taking a break from the high energy is a good idea, especially during a non-game day. When you’re ready to relax and get away from it all, why not book a tour on the one-of-a-kind Sea the City hot tub boat?
Our 2026 season begins on March 29, which means this is the ideal opportunity for FIFA World Cup fans. Our hot tub boat provides scenic skyline views. Plus, you can book the entire boat for a private party. While you’re resting in the bubbling waters, you can also drink your BYOB beverages (beer, wine, hard seltzer, and champagne only, please). And, of course, we’ll pass by some of the city’s most impressive landmarks, including:
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Statue of Liberty
- Governor’s Island
- Battery City Park
- One World Trade Center
- And much, much more!
Explore NYC’s Soccer History & Culture
Unfortunately, the National Soccer Hall of Fame relocated from New York to Texas in 2018. But this doesn’t mean there aren’t several important soccer related places to go to in the city. For instance, pickup games abound at NYC parks like Pier 40 and Prospect Park.
The soccer culture in NYC continues to grow as excitement about the 2025 and 2026 FIFA World Cup Games builds to a fever pitch. NYC is uniquely situated as one of the biggest cities in the world, and it also has a well-known history of major sporting events. Therefore, it’s no surprise that FIFA would bring the games here, along with the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival. In fact, the World Cup fan experience in NYC is expected to rival, or even beat, similar events around the world.
Experience NYC’s Best Summer Attractions
It seems like everywhere you turn in NYC, you’ll find another hot summer attraction. Of course, the most iconic places are iconic for a reason, so they provide an excellent place to start. Be sure to view:
- Central Park
- Brooklyn Bridge
- The High Line
- NYC ferries
These spots are almost certain to offer close access to fan zones or MetLife Stadium, thereby offering soccer fans the perfect way to spend time between matches. After all, if you’re coming to the area for the FIFA World Cup events in NYC, it makes perfect sense to also go sightseeing.
Eat Like a Local: International Flavors for Every Fan
One of the really good things about the World Cup final in NYC is that no matter where you come from, you’re going to find some of your favorite dishes. Let’s look at a few specific restaurants that are certain to please visitors.
- Brazilian BBQ – Rainhas Churrasaria, Churrascaria Plataforma, or Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse.
- Argentinian Empanadas — Criollas | Baked Empanadas – Columbus Circle Underground Market, Sabor Argentino NYC, or Empanadas – Bien Argentino.
- German Beer — Reichenbach Hall, Heidelberg Restaurant, or Max Bratwurst und Bier.
You’re also highly likely to find food from your home country at festivals, on food trucks, and in multicultural neighborhoods. Plus, there will be easily located food options for vegans, people on the keto diet, and those who are gluten free.
Take a Night Tour of NYC’s Landmarks by Water
In addition to riding a hot tub boat or taking a jet ski tour in the daytime, you can also enjoy them as the sun begins to set. Take this opportunity to enjoy the post-game celebrations by having amazing views of the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Freedom Tower lit up at night. You’ll never forget it, and you’ll be so glad you went!
Visit the links below to schedule your ideal experience:
BOOK NOW – Celebrate the 2026 World Cup with Sea the City’s Jet Ski and Hot Tub Boat Tours. The perfect way to explore NYC during the biggest event of the summer.
2026 FIFA Schedule in New York City
Of all the cities you could visit during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, no other location offers the same unbeatable atmosphere as NYC. It truly doesn’t matter whether you’re a lifelong fan or will be watching soccer for the first time; either way, you’ll be hooked once you’ve seen the FIFA World Cup. Also, New York City’s energy, culture, and outdoor experiences can’t be beat!
While you’re in town, don’t miss your chance to explore NYC by water.
Book your jet ski tour or hot tub boat tour today!
FAQs
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup in NYC?
NYC has several soccer-centric sports bars, including Legends, Smithfield Hall, and Carragher’s. Alternatively, there will be several pop-up fan zones at parks such as Bryant Park.
Is NYC hosting any 2026 World Cup matches?
Yes! The New York-New Jersey area will host eight different games at MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, NJ. This location is a mere five miles west of NYC.
What else is there to do in NYC during the World Cup?
NYC offers a wide abundance of activities such as exploring landmarks and cultural attractions. Furthermore, you can see NYC from a completely different angle by taking a jet ski tour or a hot tub boat tour from Sea the City.
How do I book a Sea the City Jet Ski or Hot Tub Boat Tour?
Booking a spot with Sea the City is extremely easy! Simply go to our website to check availability and secure your booking online.