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World Cup Fever: Watching 'The Beautiful Game' in NYC

Watch parties, fan zones, and more

Not having a ticket for a match won't stop you from the excitement of the World Cup. There are Fan Zones in all five boroughs, plus plenty of gathering spots on the Jersey side as well. Bars and restaurants all across New York (and NJ) will be lighting up big screens for high-energy watch parties. Here are our top picks for where  to enjoy the games with fellow fans (allegiances noted in red where connections are strongest). 

MIDTOWN

stout nyc

The city’s highest density of pubs has to be in Midtown Manhattan, where soccer fans congregate at all hours when matches are playing in distant time zones. A top destination for watch parties is Stout (pictured above), with prime locations, massive arrays of HD screens, and traditional pub atmospheres that mirror the intensity of being there live. In Midtown, look for Stout Penn Station (215 W. 35th St.), Stout Grand Central (60 E. 41st St.), and Stout Bryant Park (109 W. 39th St.) If you’re in Lower Manhattan, steer yourself to Stout Financial District.

Other Midtown possibilities include:

The Ainsworth Midtown – 45 E. 33rd St. 

The Churchill – 45 E. 28th St., England

Everdene Terrace at Virgin Hotels New York City – 1227 Broadway

Football Factory at Legends – 6 W. 33rd St.

Hibernia Bar – 401 W. 50th St.

Jack Demsey’s – 36 W. 33rd St.

Jack Doyle’s – 240 W. 35th St., Ireland

Long Acre Tavern – 146 W. 47th St., Team USA

McHale’s Bar & Grill – 251 W. 51st St.

Mustang Harry’s – 352 Seventh Ave.

Side Door – 151 E. 57th St.

UPPER EAST SIDE

East End Bar & Grill – 1672 Third Ave.

Hendrickson’s – 1122 First Ave.

Jones Wood Foundry – 401 E. 76th St., England

Meller’s Sports Hub and Grill – 1702 Second Ave.

Plug Uglies UES – 1495 First Ave.

Treadwell Park – 1125 First Ave.

UPPER WEST SIDE

Amsterdam Ale House – 340 Amsterdam Ave., English Premier League

Blondies Sports – 212 W. 79th St.

Bodega 88 – 573 Columbus Ave., Latin America

Dive Bar – 732 Amsterdam Ave.

The Gin Mill – 442 Amsterdam Ave.

Jake’s Dilemma – 430 Amsterdam Ave., Team USA

Lion’s Head Tavern995 Amsterdam Ave.

The Throwback – 710 Amsterdam Ave., Team USA

CHELSEA

City Winery New York City (25 11th Ave. at Hudson River Park) brings together great bites, wine to match, and views to remember. There’s live music and comedy on two stages here nightly, plus they’ll be setting up big screens for all the World Cup action.

Other Chelsea options include:

The Ainsworth Chelsea – 122 W. 26th St.

Bounce Sporting Club – 55 W. 21st St.

Flannery’s Bar – 205 W. 14th St., Ireland/English Premier League/Chelsea FC

La Nacional – 239 W. 14th St., Spain/Real Madrid/Barça

Smithfield Hall – 138 W. 25th St., Manchester United

GREENWICH VILLAGE

Houston Hall

The rustic design and soaring ceilings of Houston Hall (222 W. Houston St.) create a perfect backdrop for the match—even better when it’s projected on the beer hall’s 12-foot screens. A lively crowd digs into empanadas, truffle fries, crispy wings, and jumbo Bavarian pretzels, joined by a variety of craft beers on tap.

Other Village options:

Amity Hall80 W. 3rd St., English Premier League

The Red Lion – 151 Bleecker St.

EAST VILLAGE/LOWER EAST SIDE

11th St. Bar – 510 E. 11th St., AS Roma/Serie A

The Ainsworth East Village – 64 Third Ave.

Bowery Beer Garden – 93 Bowery

Loreley Beer Garden – 7 Rivington St., Germany

O’Hanlon’s – 349 E. 14th St., Arsenal 

Sláinte Bar and Lounge – 304 Bowery

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Beckett’s – 48 Stone St. English Premier League 

Carraghers – 17 John St., Liverpool

Industry Kitchen – 70 South St.

London & Martin Co. – 6 Stone St., English Premier League

Stout NYC – 90 John St.

Treadwell Park Downtown – 301 S. End Ave.

Watermark Beach – 78 South St., Pier 15

NEW JERSEY

Sport and nightlife come together at Club26 at Harborside (210 Hudson St., Jersey City). Every match night will come loaded with DJs, tasty bites, premium drinks, and special VIP guests. If you take your eyes off the game you’ll find stunning waterfront views looking across to Manhattan. There’s rooftop energy after dark. Other Jersey watch party spots include:

Blu on the Hudson – 1200 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken

Legends FC – 102 York St., Jersey City

Madd Hatter – 221 Washington St., Hoboken

Mulligan’s Pub – 159 First St., Hoboken

Pilsener Haus & Biergarten – 1422 Grand St., Hoboken, Germany/Central Europe

Redd’s Restaurant & Biergarten – 317 Liberty St., Carlstadt

QUEENS

Bar 43 – 43-06 43rd St., Sunnyside, Arsenal, NYCFC 

Boca Juniors Restaurant – 81-08 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, Argentina

El Basurero – 32-17 Steinway St., Astoria, Colombia

La Gran Uruguaya – 85-02 37th Ave., Jackson Heights, Uruguay

La Roja de Todos – 132-01 14th Ave., College Point, Chile 

Rivercrest – 33-15 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, American Outlaws/Team USA

BROOKLYN

Banter – 132 Havemeyer St., Williamsburg

Bar Tabac – 128 Smith St., Cobble Hill, France

Berry Park – 4 Berry St., Williamsburg

Black Horse Pub – 568 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, England

Brooklyn Bowl – 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg

Kent Ale House – 51 Kent Ave., Williamsburg

Miss Favela – 57 S. 5th St., Williamsburg, Brazil

The Monro Pub – 481 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, Liverpool FC

Socceria – 46 Norman Ave., Greenpoint

FAN VILLAGES NYC

Rock Center Fan Village

30 Rockefeller Plaza | July 6–July 19
The official NYNJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center brings World Cup excitement to the heart of Manhattan. In addition to interactive experiences, family-friendly programming, and brand activations, highlights include:

Champions’ Garden: Rock Center is a masterpiece of urban design, with Art Deco flourishes throughout. The landscaped Channel Gardens will honor the eight nations that have won a FIFA World Cup, with tributes to legendary stars. 

The Pitch: Rock Center’s iconic ice rink has been transformed into a high-tech soccer pitch. Expect celebrity exhibitions and youth clinics.

Big Screens: Live match broadcasts provide a place for fans to come together.

Top of the Rock is home to the NYNJ World Cup 26 Official Viewpoint Experience, with live soccer matches streaming on the Observation Deck through the finals on July 19th.

NYNJ World Cup 26 Queens Group Stage HQ

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center | June 11–June 27 

In the “World’s Borough,” the home of the US Open transforms into a soccer headquarters. During the Group Stage matches, look for an immersive celebration of the world’s game.

Brooklyn Fan Zone

Brooklyn Bridge Park | June 13–July 19

Sprawling along the East River, city settings don’t come much more scenic than this. Expect match day energy complemented by food, music, and programming that reflects Brooklyn’s standing as a cultural capital. 

Bronx Fan Zone

Bronx Terminal Market | June 13–14

Look for a high-energy, community-driven scene with local food, family-friendly experiences, and cultural programming.

Staten Island Fan Zone

SIUH Community Park | June 29–July 2

The baseball stadium here is home to the minor league Staten Island FerryHawks, sited near the ferry terminal with views across New York Harbor. The activation here will be a relaxed, family-oriented fan scene.

Jersey Fan Hub

Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, NJ

June 14–July 15
If you’re not holding a ticket for a New York New Jersey Stadium match, this is a pretty great alternative. The official New Jersey fan experience is set right on the pitch of the 25,000-seat stadium of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls. A massive 60-foot screen shows live matches. The Fan Hub will be open 16 days: eight Group Stage and eight Knockout Stage dates. Opening day is a Family Day celebration with Kidz Bop Live. New to the stadium is the entertainment space Hype House, with 20 massive TVs and a 360-degree bar.

39 DAYS OF NON‑STOP SOCCER MAGIC AT NEW JERSEY'S AMERICAN DREAM

Just a blink from NYC on the New Jersey side is American Dream, a unique mix of shopping and recreation. The largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere is here; Nickelodeon Universe takes inspiration from the network’s favorite shows, from Dora the Explorer to PAW Patrol. Bring a swimsuit for DreamWorks Water Park, North America’s largest indoor waterpark, where one of the world’s tallest hydromagnetic water coasters is joined by more than 40 rides, slides, and attractions. That’s on top of shopping, dining, skiing, and so much more, all less than 5 miles from Times Square. Starting Thursday, June 11th, American Dream is transforming into the ultimate soccer celebration destination. Think massive viewing events, original programming, celebrity drop‑ins, brand takeovers, water park parties, and many, many surprises.

Activations and Attractions

The Soccer Factory. A museum dedicated entirely to Diego Maradona.

The Messi Experience. Nine immersive installations use 3D visuals, holograms, and AI technology to put you in Lionel Messi’s shoes.

Viewing parties. Catch the matches on giant screens.

Pre-game marches. Federations from Brazil, France, Germany, and Morocco will host pregame hype events before fans march to New York New Jersey Stadium.

Celeb spotting. Major stars and soccer legends are slated to make appearances.

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ, 833-263-7326, americandream.com

OTHER JERSEY EVENTS

World Cup Fan Festival, Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City June 12 

World Cup Concert, American Dream, East Rutherford June 13

World Cup Fan Festival, Overpeck Park, Bergen County June 14

World Cup Skills Day, Taylor Park, Millburn June 20

World Cup Fan Festival, Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus June 21

World Cup Fan Festival, Mulberry Plaza, Newark June 24

World Cup Fan Festival, Downtown East Rutherford and Rutherford, June 26 

World Cup Final Viewing Party, Taylor Park, Millburn July 19

WORLD CUP AT HUDSON YARDS

AL FRESCO WATCH PARTY

A great communal gathering point is The Backyard at Hudson Yards. A 30-foot outdoor screen shows movies and sports and you can expect World Cup matches to be in the mix. The plaza is huge so there’s plenty of room to spread out. (While you’re here, don’t miss the Vessel, an intricate structure with flights of stairs leading to unique views of the city. One of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise stores is also here, in the Public Square and Gardens.)

  • FIFA World Cup 2026™ watch parties with matches broadcast on the spectacular 30-foot outdoor screen through the July 19th finals; full schedule here
  • Two FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Merchandise Stores: Level 3 of The Shops and at the Public Square & Gardens
  • One-of-a-kind fan events including Fly Your Flag at Vessel and Spot the Bag  for a chance to win tickets to the finals party at Edge
  • Adidas TRIONDA – FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Match Ball Showcase through June 19th
  • Home of Football: Home & Away, June 22nd through July 19th, bringing together historic jerseys, trophies, photos and film from the never-before-seen Manzano Family Collection

WORLD CUP WATCH PARTIES AT INTREPID

The Intrepid Museum will host public watch parties for more than 50 World Cup matches on Pier 86, providing a dramatic and unique setting to cheer on your favorite team. Fifteen large screens will be set up between towers two and three on the Pier; food and beverage will be available for purchase. The 39-day tournament runs from June 11th through July 19th. Visit IntrepidMuseum.org for the complete schedule of World Cup matches that will be shown and more information.

DINE AND CHEER

david burke tavern bar

Even celebrity chefs are getting in on the action. David Burke Tavern highlights modern American cuisine, often with show-stopping presentations. During matches, there will be beer promotions and giveaways from international brands. Two-for-one restaurant Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke, with a formal dine-in brasserie on one side and a more casual to-stay area on the other, will be hosting match parties all through the tournament.

WORLD CUP AT THE LIBRARY

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 games for free at the New York Public Library. From kick off on June 11 through the final on July 19, NYPL branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island will have free showings of World Cup games, with select branches showing games in Spanish.

FOOTBALL AND PIZZA

For a family-friendly take on FIFA, check out the “Only in NYC World Cup Pizza Experience” inside the country’s largest pizzeria. A historic church is the grand setting for John's Pizzeria of Times Square. They're hosting intimate 40-seat viewing parties where every $50 ticket includes a $50 food and drink credit. Children are welcome. Enjoy the match with $25 Truly Wild Berry, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, and Peroni buckets, $20 Stella Artois pitchers, and an electric match-day atmosphere. Check the website for additional special drink events and match-day promotions.

AL FRESCO BROOKLYN WATCH PARTIES

The Industry City Concert Bandshell is a great option in Sunset Park. It's free but tickets are required, meaning crowd size is manageable. They have a full array of games scheduled and there are tons of food and drink options nearby.

CITYWIDE ACTIVATIONS

Public Markets: the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is turning some of the city’s iconic public markets and historic spaces into free watch party hubs.

  • June 25: MADE Bush Terminal (Sunset Park, Brooklyn) – Indoor match viewing paired with outdoor community programming, music, arts and crafts, and local organizational tabling.

  • All Match Days: La Marqueta Market (East Harlem, Manhattan) – Live match viewings during regular market hours.

  • Select Match Days: Essex Market (Lower East Side, Manhattan) – Live match viewings featuring rotating DJs and food vendors.

  • All Match Days: Moore Street Market (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) – Live match viewings with local DJs, market vendors, and community organization tabling on select days.

MANHATTAN

  • June 27 (5:00pm): Central Park SummerStage (Enter at 69th St & 5th Ave) – Live viewing of the Panama vs. England match, paired with food, drinks, and community engagement hosted by CityParks Play. No tickets or registration required (first-come, first-served).

  • June 27 (7:30pm): United Palace (4140 Broadway, Washington Heights) – Live screening of the Colombia vs. Portugal match featuring soccer demonstrations by local youth, a live DJ, food, drinks, and neighborhood organization tabling.

BROOKLYN

  • June 17 (6:00pm): The Post BK (100 Dobbin St, Greenpoint) – An immersive indoor soccer experience featuring live screenings of Panama vs. Ghana and Colombia vs. Uzbekistan. Includes jerseys, netted goals, halftime entertainment, and live performances by Los Rakas, Flama, and DJ Mista Sinesta.

  • June 19 (1:30pm): [NEW] Maimonides Park (1904 Surf Ave, Coney Island) – A special Juneteenth "Brooklyn Mundial" fan fest in partnership with the Brooklyn Cyclones. Features a live screening of USA vs. Australia and a youth soccer clinic with Brooklyn FC.

  • June 19 (5:30pm): El Santo (1053 Flushing Ave, Bushwick) – An indoor/outdoor watch party for Brazil vs. Haiti featuring a virtual goalie booth, light food, and live entertainment from Eli Heffi, DJ De La Cieba, and Kaila Bule with a Haitian drumming group.

  • June 26 (6:00pm): Mr. Fire Bar & Grill (3175 Fulton St, Cypress Hills) – A concert-style viewing experience for Japan vs. Sweden and Turkey vs. USA with halftime entertainment and live sets by DJ Toshi and Rockness Monsta.

  • July 11 (5:00pm): Brooklyn Borough Hall (209 Joralemon St, Downtown Brooklyn) – A massive World Cup Semifinal watch event featuring a live match screening, community resource tabling, family-friendly activities, and a youth soccer clinic.

QUEENS

  • June 14, 21, & 28: New York Hall of Science (Flushing Meadows Corona Park) – The "World's Cup in the World's Borough" Soccer Sundays series, produced by the Queens Night Market. Features match screenings on large LED screens alongside international food vendors and a cash bar. (June 14 at 1pm/4pm/7pm; June 21 at 12pm/3pm/6pm; June 28 at 3pm).

  • July 11 (Afternoon & Evening): Queens Botanical Garden (43-50 Main St, Flushing) – Outdoor Quarterfinal match screenings with completely free admission to explore the botanical gardens.

  • July 14–15 (3:00pm): Pilot House Bar & Grill (1-90 Beach 69th St, The Rockaways) – A community watch party on the lawn to cheer on the high-stakes Semifinals, featuring family-friendly games, patio access, and giveaways.

  • July 19 (3:00pm - Finals): Queens Borough Hall (1 Claire Shulman Way, Kew Gardens) – A massive live viewing of the World Cup Finals on giant LED screens, featuring local street food eats in partnership with the Street Vendor Project.

  • July 19 (3:00pm - Finals): MoMA PS1 (22-25 Jackson Ave, Long Island City) – A World Cup Final courtyard screening co-sponsored by the LIC Partnership, timed perfectly to coincide with the opening of the museum’s newest exhibition.

THE BRONX

  • July 12 (1:00pm): Orchard BeachThe kickoff of the borough’s popular Sunday Summer Concert Series, integrated with food, music, and local vendor markets.

  • July 15: 161st Street Business Improvement District (Between Grand Concourse & Jerome Ave) – Live match screening right in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, hosted in partnership with the 161st Street BID.

STATEN ISLAND

  • July 19 (Finals): Midland BeachCelebrate the crowning of the world champion with a massive World Cup Finals live viewing on the beach, featuring rides, live entertainment, interactive games, and food vendors.

WORLD CUP ACTIVATION

Photo: Alvaro Keding/© AMNH

The American Museum of Natural History is also getting on the World Cup bandwagon. In addition to current exhibition For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence, matches are shown on big screens throughout the museum—from beneath the sphere of the Hayden Planetarium in the Cullman Hall of the Universe to the Global Sports Pavilion in Futter Gallery, and on the 40-by-60-foot screen in LeFrak Theater. The museum is also extending hours during select matches, including for exhibitions, experiences such as the Goal Zone, the Hayden Planetarium Space Show, and dining and retail.The full schedule of watch parties, which are included with any admission, is listed online at amnh.org. This week’s schedule includes: 

Monday, June 15

Tuesday, June 16

Wednesday, June 17

Thursday, June 18

Friday, June 19

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Sunday, June 21

WORLD CUP WATCH PARTIES @ THE LOUNGE AT SMOKE JAZZ CLUB

Smoke Jazz Club is putting its passion for music into the World Cup. There will be watch parties at Smoke's outside cafe along with happy hour specials (4-6pm), bites, and a complete dinner menu.

2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer Schedule at The Lounge @ SMOKE:

  • Wednesday, 6/17 @ 6:00 PM — England vs Croatia

  • Wednesday, 6/17 @ 9:00 PM — Portugal vs Playoff Team

  • Thursday, 6/18 @ 6:00 PM — Canada vs Qatar

  • Thursday, 6/18 @ 9:00 PM — Mexico vs South Korea

  • Friday, 6/19 @ 6:00 PM — Scotland vs Morocco

  • Friday, 6/19 @ 9:00 PM — Brazil vs Haiti

  • Saturday, 6/20 @ 6:00 PM — Germany vs Ivory Coast

  • Sunday, 6/21 @ 4:00 PM — Brazil (Group C Match)

  • Sunday, 6/21 @ 9:00 PM — Germany (Group E Match)

About the Author

Ethan Wolff is the author of numerous guidebooks to New York, having covered the city for more than two decades. He has written for New York Magazine, BlackBook, and Details, among others. In addition to his work as the editor of City Guide, Ethan covers NYC’s talk and lecture scene for the website Thought Gallery. He lives with his wife and two daughters in the Windsor Terrace neighborhood of Brooklyn.

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