This summer, in FIFA World Cup Host Cities across North America, tourists and locals alike will gather and celebrate the world’s most loved sport.
FIFA is spreading the 2026 World Cup across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this June and July. The sports organization requires all locations to have one or more areas (besides the stadium) where people can come together in competition and camaraderie as the 48 teams play. FIFA has included fan festivals as part of its official program in host cities since the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
What To Expect?
Every festival will be unique, balancing the host city’s local flair and residents with representation and inclusion of a global community of visitors celebrating. Regardless of where you attend, visitors can expect a good time filled with unifying high energy.
Prepare for a mix of immersive experiences, music, food, drinks, performances, and local vendors. Of course, fans can expect live watch parties of the matches on big screens. Whether you have a longtime love of the game or you’re just there for the vibes, FIFA Fan Festivals will have a place for you. Also, anticipate a mix of areas with family-friendly energy and adults clinking beers (and cheering – or booing).
Are FIFA Fan Festivals Free To Attend? Do I Need A Ticket?
FIFA Fan Festivals are free to attend, meaning anyone and everyone (locals, visitors, World Cup ticket holders, etc.) can all get in on the action. While there will be plenty of free things to do, visitors will have to pull out their wallets for food, drinks, and merch.
What Else Should I Know About FIFA Fan Festivals And Celebrating The World Cup?
Some FIFA Fan Festivals will be longer than others. Certain locations are only open to the public on select days.
In February, New York/New Jersey canceled its FIFA Fan Festival at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Instead, the states are hosting two Fan Zones. The first will be in Queens, NY, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (June 17 through June 28). The second will be at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, NY (July 4 – 19, 2026). MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is hosting the Final on July 19. The joint host cities note on their website that “additional Fan Zones and pop-ups” will be announced, and those interested should keep their eyes peeled for updates.
Seattle is hosting several “Fan Celebrations” in different locations. San Francisco’s arrangements are yet to be disclosed.
Below, see information on FIFA Fan Festival venues in each city.
Canada
Mexico
- Monterrey – Parque Fundidora
- Guadalajara – Plaza Liberación
- Mexico City – Zócalo, aka the Plaza de la Constitución
The United States
- Atlanta – Centennial Olympic Park
- Boston – City Hall Plaza
- Dallas – Fair Park
- Houston – East Downtown neighborhood, aka EaDo
- Kansas City – National WWI Museum and Memorial
- Los Angeles – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Exposition Park
- Miami – Bayfront Park
- *New York/New Jersey – USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and Rockefeller Center (see note above)
- Philadelphia – Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park
- *San Francisco Bay Area – to be announced.
- *Seattle – Seattle Center, Pacific Place, Waterfront Park, and Victory Hall (SODO)
