The world's game is coming to the Big Apple this summer as New York City prepares to put on its hosting hat for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although the action will take place across the Hudson River at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, NYC will be the star attraction for many football fans.
It all starts with five-time World Cup champion Brazil battling Morocco on June 13. NYC is the site of four additional group stage matches before hosting a trio of knockout round clashes culminating with the final on July 19.
Before a new champion is crowned, here's how to make the most out of your World Cup trip to America's City.
Things to Do During the World Cup in New York
Travelers to New York and New Jersey can look forward to multiple free-to-attend fan events at a handful of dedicated zones throughout the five boroughs this summer.
Fans can watch their favorite countries play from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows (June 11-27), as well as Rockefeller Center (July 6-19), Bronx Terminal Market (June 13-14), Brooklyn Bridge Park (June 13-July 19) and Staten Island University Hospital Community Park (June 29-July 2).
Beyond the soccer passion, New York is home to a handful of the world's most sought-after and top-rated attractions, from the Empire State Building and Central Park to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. (Photo Credit: Rebecca Chamblee)
Want to be entertained? There's always an exciting production to catch at Broadway. Don't forget about bucket-list sites to tour like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and world-class museums worth checking out like the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Travelers looking to start their summer celebration early can head to town a few days in advance of the World Cup for The Governors Ball Music Festival taking place the first weekend in June featuring headliners like Lorde and A$AP Rocky.
The tournament will also coincide with NYC Pride Month festivities celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and concluding with the highly anticipated NYC Pride March and PrideFest on June 28.
Where to Stay for the World Cup in New York
New York isn't a destination short on stellar accommodations, so travelers will have their pick of awesome places to stay this summer.
Nonetheless, there are some notable standouts like The Penny Williamsburg. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, this is great for groups seeking a longer trip as it offers a residential-style stay convenient to Williamsburg’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
Corner Junior Suite at The Knickerbocker. (Photo Credit: The Knickerbocker)
In Midtown, there's The Knickerbocker. Close to Grand Central Station and most major subway lines, it boasts a rooftop bar, elevated accommodations, and easy access to nearby sports bars and city hotspots.
The Dominick in SoHo, meanwhile, offers an exclusive game-day experience with its Penthouse Playoff Package that includes a one-night stay for up to four guests in its penthouse suite with panoramic city views, in addition to an elevated in-suite watch party for up to 12 guests complete with an open bar, game-day bites, team-themed décor and private round-trip transportation to the stadium if necessary.
Other elite accommodations to consider include Gansevoort Meatpacking, which has introduced an ultra-luxe $30,000 match-day package built around the England-Panama game at MetLife Stadium on June 27. The package features a two-night stay in the Duplex Penthouse, premium match tickets, and private helicopter transfers, among other exclusive perks.
Messi Suite at Hard Rock Hotel New York. (Photo Credit: Hard Rock Hotel New York)
For a music-infused stay, book a room at the Hard Rock Hotel New York in Times Square, which is introducing the one-of-a-kind Messi Legendary Suite, a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience exclusively designed in collaboration with Leo Messi for stays from June 10 to July 31, 2026.
There's also the Park Lane New York at Central Park South. It's the official hotel partner of the New York City Football Club and a favorite among soccer superstars like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
What to Eat for the World Cup in New York
New York City is a foodie's paradise, so take your pick. Still, there are some quintessential dishes visitors can't go without, including wallet- and street-friendly foods like bagels and pizza.
Russ & Daughters has been serving up unbeatable bagels, smoked fish, caviar and more delicious eats for over a century and has become a cultural icon that World Cup fans won't want to miss.
Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side. (Photo Credit: Adobe/Mat Hayward)
Hudson Bagel is another great place to fuel up with a delicious bagel paired with your favorite cream cheese or toppings in the morning. Plus, that'll put you in Manhattan's famous Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, which is renowned for its stellar restaurants.
This part of the city offers a flavor to suit everyone, from French, Italian and Mediterranean to Thai, Vietnamese and Mexican. Must-try spots like Mom's Kitchen and Bar and LumLum are just a stone's throw away from one another, but that can be said of most restaurants in this part of town, so be sure to pace yourself.
When it comes to finding that classic NYC slice, award-winning staples like Bleecker Street Pizza in Greenwich Village, Joe's Pizza and Una Pizza Napoletana on the Lower East Side jump out, especially for first-time visitors who may not have an established favorite stop.
Bleecker Street Pizza in Greenwich Village. (Photo Credit: Adobe/deberarr)
Hungry travelers can also venture to Brooklyn to try several new and exciting offerings from ambitious chefs, including Greenpoint's Border Town, specializing in flavors from Northern Mexico, and Zoli, a noteworthy seafood restaurant making the most of a converted warehouse on Maujer Street.
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