7 Fun Things to Do in New York City – 2026 World Cup Edition
Looking for fun things to do while visiting NYC for the World Cup?
We are so excited that the World Cup will be held at cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico this year including right here in New York/ New Jersey. If you are planning a trip to join the roar of the crowd at the games and fan events, here is our 2026 World Cup guide to make the most of your visit with seven fun things to do in New York City.
Attend a World Cup Game
P.C.: metlifestadium.com
Being there in person for a World Cup game in New York/ New Jersey is sure to be a memorable, once-in-lifetime experience. The games will take place at Metlife Stadium (aka New York New Jersey Stadium) in East Rutherford which is just a short NJ Transit train or shuttle bus ride from Midtown, Manhattan. Group stage games are scheduled on June 13, 16, 22, 25 and 27 and the knockout stage games will be on June 30 and July 5 and the World Cup final game is on July 19. We are also excited about the World Cup final halftime show starring Shakira, Madonna and BTS!
Go to World Cup Viewing Parties and Fan Events
P.C.: nynjfwc26.com
There will also be free World Cup viewing parties and fan events across all five boroughs. From June 11 to 27, UTSA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will be the Group Stage HQ where you can watch all the group stage matches. In addition, there will be fan villages/ fan zones: Bronx Terminal Market from June 13-14, Brooklyn Bridge Park from June 13- July 19, Rockefeller Center, Manhattan from July 6- 19, SIUH Community Park, Staten Island from June 29- July 2.
Watch the July 4th Fireworks
P.C.: Wikipedia, Standard2211
As the World Cup builds towards the final game, New York City and the United States will also be celebrating two huge anniversaries, the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 50th anniversary of the July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza. This means that this will be the biggest show ever and the fireworks will span both the East River by the Seaport District and the Hudson River so there should be great viewing spots across New York City.
Meet Superstar Athletes at the Fanatics Fest NYC
P.C.: fanaticsfest.com
Fanatics Fest this year is partnering with Fifa and the World Cup. It will take place around the final game, from July 16- 19 at the Javits Center. It is one of the biggest sporting fan conventions where you can meet, get autographs and take pictures with athletes from not only soccer but other sports like basketball, baseball and pro wrestling.
Get the Inside Foodie Scoop on an Ahoy New York Food Tour
New York City has so many amazing restaurants to try so you may be looking for a fast, stress-free way to check out some of the most popular foodie neighborhoods. An Ahoy New York food tour will be perfect before, after or even during the week of a World Cup game. We have tours all June and July including the Chinatown & Little Italy Food Fest, Tasty Global Bites – A Culinary Journey Through Nolita and Market 57 Food Hall Food Tour. They all highlight what makes New York City so special and feature plenty of yummy tastings.
Check out the New Exhibits in NYC Museums
P.C.: nytransitmuseum.org, Nina Boesch
New York City is renowned for its world class museums like the Met, Guggenheim Museum and the New Museum. Some exhibits we are looking out for this summer include the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit at the MoMA and an art exhibit revolving around using Metrocards in clever ways at the New York Transit Museum in Grand Central.
Relax in a NYC Park
Finally, you might need some time to just slow things down and relax during your visit. Luckily, New York City is also renowned for its beautiful parks. Some must see parks including the Highline and Brooklyn Bridge Park for their breathtaking views, Central Park for its history and scale and Bryant Park for their free events and daily activities like concerts, shuffleboard and board games.