The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ has kicked off, and New York City is ready to celebrate in style. Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, along with the city’s borough presidents, has announced a roster of more than 100 free watch parties, inviting New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the world’s game together.
These watch parties, spread across all five boroughs, will take place in parks, plazas, marketplaces, and theaters. The initiative is a collaborative effort by the New York City economic development Corporation (NYCEDC), the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), and the city’s five borough presidents, with grants from NYC Tourism + Conventions.
Transforming Public Spaces into Celebration Hubs
The city is turning its public spaces into vibrant hubs for World Cup enthusiasts. From the Brooklyn Army Terminal and MADE Bush Terminal to La MarquetaEssex Marketand Moore Street Marketthese locations will host free watch parties, live programming, and community events.
Soccer is played in streets and plazas across the worldsaid NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. In honor of the people’s game, we will be transforming our streets and plazas into family-friendly, World Cup celebrations where New Yorkers can join each other to watch matches and enjoy programming that celebrates the incredible diversity of our city.
Community Spirit and Global Celebration
The Bronx Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson, expressed enthusiasm about the watch parties, stating that they are an amazing opportunity to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and strengthen the sense of community. The Bronx, known for its multicultural population, will host watch parties that incorporate World Cup-themed activations into the Summer Concert Series.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso emphasized the significance of the World Cup coming to New York City for the first time, ensuring that all Brooklynites have access to watch these historic matches. He thanked NYC Tourism + Conventions for their generous funding and encouraged Brooklynites to watch a game with their neighbors at one of the many watch parties across the borough.
Iconic Venues and Free Access
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal expressed excitement about welcoming the world to the greatest borough in the greatest city on Earth. He is thrilled to partner with NYC Tourism to host two World Cup watch parties at iconic venues: the United Palace in Washington Heights and SummerStage in Central Park. Each venue will feature a live screening, food, and refreshments.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. highlighted the importance of making the World’s Game accessible to all in The World’s Borough. He is proud to work with trusted community-based organizations to ensure that Queens families from Long Island City to Rockaway can enjoy the World Cup celebrations.
The release of the full list of watch parties came just one hour before the kickoff for the 2026 world Cup. The first watch parties are already underway at locations like Maimonides Park in Coney Island, Pilot House Bar & Grill in the Rockaways, Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing, Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park, and Paseo Park in Jackson Heights.
All details of the city’s World Cup events can be found here.
