Organizers and local authorities have confirmed that five official fan zones will be set up across New York during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all sites accessible for free to the public.
The announcement was made on April 27, 2026, and includes locations across all five boroughs of New York City. Among the venues are the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, a park near the Brooklyn Bridge, and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.
Additional fan zones will be located at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, home of the New York Red Bulls, although entry there will cost $10 for attendees over the age of 12.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that the decision to make most fan zones free was intended to ensure accessibility, arguing that football should be available to all fans regardless of income. He also highlighted the importance of shared viewing experiences during major global events.
The initiative is expected to attract over one million visitors to the New York–New Jersey region during the tournament, generating an estimated $3 billion in economic impact.
However, the announcement comes amid controversy over transportation costs. Fans attending matches at MetLife Stadium, which will host eight World Cup games including the final, will face significantly increased train fares of around $150 round-trip, compared to the usual $11 fare.
Local officials have called on FIFA to contribute to transportation costs, but the governing body maintains that its revenues are allocated toward global football development and member federations.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the largest edition of the tournament to date.