New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the NY and NJ Host Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup announced free official fan events in all 5 boroughs of New York City, ensuring that even more New Yorkers can enjoy the upcoming World Cup matches and programming free of charge.
The Hochul administration has committed $20 million in state funds to support World Cup-related activities throughout New York City.
The announcement adds to the governor’s previous initiative on the organization of Great game viewing parties across the stateas well as its recent measure that allows more bars and restaurants to organize activities outside their usual premises during the course of the World Cup.
“New Yorkers are ready to welcome fans from around the world for the 2026 World Cup, and we are making sure that everyone who calls this city home will be a part of this historic event,” Hochul said. “These free fan events, taking place in all 5 boroughs, bring the excitement of the game to every New Yorker and community, supporting our small businesses and uniting New Yorkers.”
For his part, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented, “As I look back on my first World Cup, some of my most meaningful memories took place not inside the stadium, but in the fan zones, surrounded by thousands of people united by a pure love of the game.”
«That is precisely what we are building here: a World Cup that belongs to New Yorkers. By bringing these free fan events to each of the districts, we ensure that everyone can share in that joy.”
For his part, Alex Lasry, Executive Director of the 2026 NYNJ World Cup Host Committee, said, “The goal of these events is to welcome the world to New York and New Jersey, and showcase the best of our region.”
“As the sports and entertainment capital of the world, we are creating fan experiences that are affordable, accessible and authentically representative of New York and New Jersey; “experiences aimed at both visitors and – just as importantly – residents who call this region home.”
The following are the official free NYNJ fan events in all 5 boroughs:
– QUEENS:
NYNJ 26 World Cup Queens Group Stage Venue
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows
From June 11 to 27
Daily programming and match viewing
– MANHATTAN:
NYNJ 26 and Telemundo World Cup Fan Village at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
From July 6 to 19
Daily programming; Extended hours during finals week
– THE BRONX:
NYNJ World Cup 26 Bronx Fan Zone
Bronx Terminal Market
June 13 and 14
Programming for match days and local cultural programming
– BROOKLYN:
Brooklyn Fan Zone
Brooklyn Bridge Park
From June 13 to July 19
Daily programming and match viewing
– STATEN ISLAND:
NYNJ World Cup 26 Staten Island Fan Zone
Staten Island University Hospital Community Park
From June 29 to July 2
Daily programming and viewing of matches at night
Ready to receive the Cup
Justin Brannan, New York State Senior Director of Major Event Operations, said, “New York is ready to host the World Cup this summer, but this one should be for everyone. For Governor Hochul, this means ensuring that working families, small businesses and communities in every corner of this great state can participate in this global celebration of the “king of the game.”
“By cutting through red tape and funding local communities to host free public screenings—from Brooklyn to Buffalo—and investing in long-term initiatives like NY Kicks to bring concrete resources to the most underserved neighborhoods, Governor Hochul will ensure that the benefits of this once-in-a-lifetime moment are shared by all, not just a few.”
Meanwhile, Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development, said, “The World Cup is more than a global sporting event; It is a powerful economic opportunity for New York. By promoting free fan events in all five boroughs and supporting game viewing parties across the state, Governor Hochul is uniting the excitement of this global tournament with the energy of neighborhoods and communities across the Empire State.”
“While only one team will take home the World Cup trophy, the real winners of the event are the small businesses, restaurants and local attractions that share in the benefits of this historic moment.”
Throughout the State
Governor Hochul announced that the state will host two large-scale public viewing events on Long Island and in the Hudson Valleybringing together thousands of people to watch the games in real time.
For more information, including how to sign up to receive notifications about future New York State announcements related to the World Cup, visit the New York State website. I LOVE NY.
Besides, Silo City and Canalsideboth in Buffalo, will host USA Soccer Watch Parties as part of twelve World Cup activations funded in seven regions of the state.
Governor Hochul also announced that event organizers can hold off-site activations throughout the World Cup by applying for a World Cup One-Day Permit through the New York State Liquor Authority.
Bars and restaurants will be able to use the World Cup One-Day Permit process to take advantage of adjoining outdoor spaces and host events during the tournament, unlike the current limit of a maximum of four days.
Additionally, Governor Hochul is working with the Legislature to authorize a temporary extension of permitted operating hours during the World Cup, allowing bars, restaurants and other eligible dine-in establishments to remain open as long as live games are broadcast.
As part of the FY 2027 budget, the governor has also promoted “NY Kicks,” a new initiative aimed at expanding youth access to soccer by investing in new soccer facilities and community programs in disadvantaged areas across the state.
Likewise, “NY Kicks” promotes Governor Hochul’s initiative entitled “Get Offline, Get Outside” (Unplug, Get Outdoors), which encourages New Yorkers to disconnect from their electronic devices and spend time outdoors in their communities, activating public spaces across the state and creating shared, active experiences for families.
