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New York will be at the heart of the 2026 World Cup. For the tournament, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium – just across the Hudson River from Manhattan – will be rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium and will host eight matches, including the final. But to really experience New York City over the World Cup, you’ll need to go beyond match day – and beyond Manhattan.
This guide covers the essential things to do in New York during the World Cup, from browsing vintage finds at the Brooklyn Flea to eating your way around Queens – and plenty more between matches.
For when you want to watch the World Cup in New York
Where to watch on the big screen: Fan zones will pop up across all five NYC boroughs, with major setups at Flushing Meadows in Queens (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center), Brooklyn Bridge Park, Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, Bronx Terminal Market and Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. Expect big screens, big energy and the biggest crowds. For a calmer watch, head to neighborhood bars in Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Park Slope) or Lower Manhattan, where things feel more local and less hectic.
Sports bars and pubs: New York has no shortage of great soccer bars. Banter in Williamsburg is a Brooklyn favorite known for opening early for big games and for drawing a lively, international crowd. It’s the kind of place where strangers are celebrating together by halftime. Bar Bruno in Carroll Gardens also has a laid-back Euro-Mexican café vibe, a deep love for soccer and frozen margaritas.
Pre-match spots: Start with sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge – it’s quieter, cooler and at its most striking. Then ease into the day in Central Park or along the Hudson River waterfront before heading into the crowds at New York New Jersey Stadium.
What to book in advance: With the World Cup in town, and the Fourth of July falling right in the middle of it, New York will be especially busy. Plan ahead for popular experiences, such as sunset slots at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and tours of the Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden. Restaurants are another priority. If there’s somewhere you want to try, reserve as early as possible using apps like Resy.
How to get around: Public transportation is the easiest way of getting around New York. The subway runs 24/7 and is the fastest option for most journeys, with buses and ferries useful for shorter or more scenic routes. You can tap-to-pay with your phone or contactless card. The city is also highly walkable, especially Manhattan, where many key sights are close together. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find, but traffic can be heavy, so they’re often slower than the subway. Public transportation is essential for getting to the World Cup Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line.
For when you want to avoid the fan zones
1. Experience a quieter side of Central Park
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The North Woods
For a side of Central Park most visitors miss, head north. Away from the park’s southern landmarks, like Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields, the North Woods feels almost hidden, with forested trail, a winding stream and a waterfall offering a cooler, more peaceful corner of the park.
Insider tip for visiting the North Woods
Enter around 110th Street for the quickest access, and go in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Opening hours
6:00 AM–1:00 AM every day
2. Spend time wandering around Brooklyn
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Brooklyn
When most visitors think of New York, they think of Manhattan – but Brooklyn is the place to explore between matches. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge, taking in the sweeping Manhattan skyline views over the East River, then step into neighborhoods that have a much more local vibe. DUMBO’s waterfront paths offer views of that iconic NYC skyline, while nearby Brooklyn Heights is lined with classic brownstones and quieter, tree-lined streets.
Insider tip for visiting Brooklyn
If you’re in NYC for the weekend, make time for the Brooklyn Flea market in DUMBO. Set beneath the Manhattan Bridge from March to December, it’s well worth a browse for vintage finds.
3. Reset at Little Island
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Little Island
When you need a break from the crowds, Little Island is an easy escape. Set on the Hudson River at Pier 55 – with access via the South Bridge at 13th Street or the North Bridge at 14th – this sculptural park has brought new life to a historic stretch of waterfront. It’s steps away from where Titanic survivors came ashore in 1912 as well as countless other immigrants who arrived in the city. Today, it’s a place to pause and take in the views across the water to Lower Manhattan. It’s compact enough to explore in under an hour on match days, but easy to linger longer.
Insider tip for visiting Little Island
Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience, and check the schedule for free performances in the 700-seat amphitheater – the stage juts out over the Hudson.
Opening hours
March 8–May 24 and September 8–October 31: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM every day
May 25–September 7: 6:00 AM–midnight every day
November 1–December 31: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM every day
4. Take in the view from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
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SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
If you’re only in NYC for the World Cup, the quickest way to take it all in is from above. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends NYC views with a playful, immersive experience 93 floors up. Think mirrored floors, shifting light and terraces overlooking Manhattan. It’s one of the easiest ways to see the whole city at a glance.
Insider tip for visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Book for just before sunset to catch the shift from day to night and see the skyline both ways. For an extra thrill, ride Ascent, the glass-bottomed elevator that lifts you even higher above the skyline.
Opening hours
9:00 AM–midnight every day (last entry 10:30 PM)
5. Make a stop at Smorgasburg
In summer, New Yorkers eat outdoors, and Smorgasburg leads the way. This open-air food market – with more than 70 vendors – pops up in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and at the World Trade Center, serving everything from tacos and dumplings to classic New York desserts. It’s casual, lively and easy to dip into between plans or matches.
Insider tip for visiting Smorgasburg
Go early for shorter lines and the best choice (popular vendors sell out) and bring cash, just in case.
Opening hours
World Trade Center: Thursday–Friday, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Williamsburg: Saturday, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Prospect Park: Sunday, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
6. See the city from the water
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Harbor cruise
When summer hits New York, the water is where the city feels most relaxed. Circle Manhattan on a harbor cruise for a breezy, more laid-back way to take it all in, looping the island under its many bridges and more than 100 skyline landmarks, including a close pass by the Statue of Liberty.
Insider tip for taking a harbor cruise
Sit on the outer deck for views and photo opportunities, especially as you pass the Statue of Liberty – and bring a light layer, as it can be noticeably cooler on the water.
7. Eat your way around Queens
If you’re serious about eating well in NYC, Queens is hard to beat. It’s the city at its most diverse, with neighborhoods shaped by communities from across Asia and Latin America – all reflected on the plate. In Flushing, home to New York’s largest Chinatown, you’ll find everything from dumplings to regional specialties, often in long-running, family-owned spots.
Insider tip for dining in Queens
In summer, visiting the Queens Night Market is a must. It hosts over 100 vendors every Saturday and is one of the easiest ways to experience the borough’s diversity in one place.
8. Catch the action at the Barclays Center
The focus may be on soccer this summer in NYC, but the city’s sports scene extends far beyond the pitch – and Barclays Center in Downtown Brooklyn is a big part of that. Home to the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty basketball teams, it’s best experienced at full capacity. In June and July, you can catch the Liberty playing at home, or opt for a behind-the-scenes tour that takes you through the locker rooms and onto the arena floor.
Insider tip for visiting the Barclays Center
Make a stop in DUMBO before the game, especially Washington Street, for an unforgettable skyline view of the city.
New York World Cup guide: FAQs
Which World Cup matches will be held in New York?
The New York New Jersey Stadium (aka MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey) is one of the main venues of the 2026 World Cup. It will host eight matches, including the final on July 19. Action kicks off with group-stage games from June 13 to June 27, featuring soccer heavyweights Brazil, France, Germany and England.
How do I get to MetLife Stadium from New York City?
The easiest way to get to MetLife Stadium during the World Cup is on public transportation, and it’s what officials are encouraging. There will be no general parking on-site for any of the matches, and it isn’t possible to walk there from NYC.
From Manhattan, take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line. The journey typically takes 30–45 minutes. Trains will be busy, and fares are expected to be significantly higher than usual – nearly 12 times the regular price.
Buses and rideshares will also be available, with high-frequency services planned before and after matches to move large crowds. Expect busy conditions, especially at Secaucus Junction, where most fans will transfer.
What kind of weather can you expect in New York during the World Cup?
New York in June and July is warm to hot, with temperatures typically around 77–90 F (25–32 C). Humidity can be high, especially in July, so lightweight, breathable clothing is key. Expect long, sunny days, with the occasional summer thunderstorm, though they usually pass quickly.
What local dishes should I try in NYC during the World Cup?
Off the pitch, NYC’s food scene is just as much a highlight as the matches. Start with New York’s classic dishes – a pizza slice, a bagel with lox or a hot dog. If you’re here to eat well, don’t miss Smorgasburg or the Queens Night Market, where you can work your way through a wide mix of global dishes.
What New York areas should I stay in during the World Cup?
Manhattan is the most convenient base for sightseeing when you’re not at the game, especially Midtown and Lower Manhattan. Brooklyn – particularly neighborhoods like Williamsburg or DUMBO – offers a quieter, more local feel. Prioritize staying near good transit links to make the journey to the stadium as easy as possible.