Soccer has deep roots in the region. From the days of Pelé at the New York Cosmos in the 1970s to the current passion for NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls, the beautiful game has long found a home here. New York is a melting pot of cultures, many of which brought their soccer traditions with them, giving the city an unrivaled diversity in both fandom and footwork. It’s also a media and cultural hub, and you can expect an electric World Cup atmosphere in every borough, neighborhood, and bar.
Whether you’re flying in from overseas, road-tripping from another part of the US, or a local looking to soak in the action, here’s your ultimate guide to where to eat, stay, and play in NY and NJ during the 2026 FIFA World Cup finale.
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Whether you’re in town for the World Cup or just looking to immerse yourself in the city’s rich soccer culture, there are plenty of places to explore. From iconic stadiums to historic soccer sites, NYC and NJ offer a variety of experiences that keep the soccer energy going off the field.
Soccer legend Pele playing at Randall’s Island in the 1970s. Photo: NYC Cosmos
New York City and New Jersey boast a deep soccer history that fans should explore. Start at Randall’s Island, where soccer legend Pelé played with the Cosmos in the 1970s. The island still hosts local tournaments and soccer events today. Then head to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, where the international community regularly gathers for pickup games and soccer culture thrives. Also worth a visit are iconic venues like Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, and Yankee Stadium, where NYCFC splits its time for home matches.
Photo: New York Red Bulls
Even if you’re here for the World Cup, you can’t ignore the MLS vibe. Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ is one of the league’s premier soccer-specific stadiums. Check if the New York Red Bulls or Gotham FC — yes, the region is lucky enough to have two MLS teams and one NWSL team — are hosting any events, open training sessions, or meet-and-greets during the tournament period. The regular seasons will be put on pause for the event, but you may still find players who aren’t in the World Cup at the stadium training before the NY World Cup matches take place.
Sports Illustrated Stadium: 600 Cape May St., Harrison, NJ 07029
Photo: New Jersey Hall fo Fame
While you’re in the area, check out the New Jersey Hall of Fame, also in New Jersey, celebrating the state’s most influential athletes, entertainers, and leaders. Visitors are greeted by the “Wall of Fame,” where illuminated LED displays introduce more than 15 years of inductees, from Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein, Whitney Houston, and Bruce Springsteen. It’s extremely interactive and hands-on, allowing guests to sing next to holograms of legends like Gloria Gaynor or Frankie Valli, or conduct “interviews” in a recreated TV studio. Tickets are $25 for non-New Jersey residents and available online.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame: 1 American Dream Way, Court G, Level 3, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Photo: ms_pics_and_more/Shutterstock
During the NY World Cup matches, fan zones and massive watch parties will pop up across the region, creating a buzzing atmosphere. The official fan zone for the city will be at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, but organizers said they haven’t ruled out hosting events in Central Park, too. And there will likely be watch events around Times Square, for anyone interested in outdoor viewing. The fan zone in Liberty State Park will have a large screen where fans can gather, watch the matches, and join the collective energy of cheering for their teams. Expect lively, international crowds, food vendors, and even cultural performances that add to the experience. The official fan zone in each city is perfect for experiencing the global passion of soccer, no matter which country you’re rooting for.
Liberty State Park: 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Photo: Christopher Moswitzer/Shutterstock
Off the pitch, New York and New Jersey have plenty to offer for soccer fans and visitors alike. From skyline views at the Top of the Rock or Edge NYC to world-class art at MoMA or the Met, NYC’s iconic experiences capture the city’s spirit. Take a stroll along the High Line, or hop on the free Staten Island Ferry for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty. Across the Hudson, New Jersey’s American Dream mall just minutes from MetLife Stadium has an indoor ski slope, DreamWorks Water Park, and shopping galore.
In a city where the global game is celebrated on nearly every corner, eating and drinking becomes part of the fan experience. From pubs packed with passionate supporters to restaurants that serve as unofficial home bases for national teams, the New York metro area offers plenty of ways to stay fueled and plugged into the action.
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Just a short walk from Penn Station, Smithfield Hall is ground zero for soccer culture in Manhattan. Far from your average sports bar, it’s a full-on football hub. The walls are lined with scarves from clubs around the world, and the multiple screens ensure you never miss a minute, no matter how many matches are on. During the World Cup, expect the bar to be packed with supporters’ groups from various nations, especially those from Europe and South America. Smithfield is also the official NYC bar for Chelsea FC and hosts regular Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League watch parties throughout the year. The bar food menu covers the basics like wings, sliders, burgers, but the real draw is the atmosphere: chanting fans, international accents, and bartenders who can talk tactics between drink orders.
Smithfield Hall: 138 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
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Sitting near the Empire State Building, Legends is a classic for international matches. And beneath that is The Football Factory, a shrine to the game and one of the most authentic soccer viewing experiences in the US with a deeply committed crowd. It’s the go-to venue for fan groups from Italy, Portugal, Nigeria, and Japan, among others, and often hosts multiple watch parties at once, each with its own corner of the bar.
During World Cup season, the energy is palpable, and you’ll find crowds singing national anthems and swapping jerseys. If you want to feel like you’re watching the final from a pub in Europe, this is the closest you’ll get in NYC.
Legends/The Football Factory: 6 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001
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Black Horse Pub in Park Slope blends Brooklyn cool with serious soccer passion. It’s a favorite among English expats and hardcore Premier League fans (especially Tottenham Hotspur supporters) and during major tournaments, it transforms into a mini stadium of its own. The bar doesn’t just show games; it lives them. Expect early morning openings, fans in full kits, and volume levels that rival MetLife Stadium. The bar is co-owned by a pair of soccer lovers who’ve made it a mission to create a communal space for the sport. The menu is hearty and British: think fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and a full English breakfast on weekends.
Black Horse Pub: 568 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Photo: Booking.com/Arlo NoMad
Finding the right place to stay can keep you close to the excitement and reduce time spent in transit. Whether you’re heading to MetLife Stadium for the final or soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere, NYC offers plenty of options for fans looking to be at the heart of the action.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
The Ace Hotel blends vintage style with modern energy in NYC’s NoMad neighborhood. It’s a popular hangout for creatives and travelers alike, with a lively lobby bar that’s hosted World Cup watch parties in the past. Rooms start around $330 per night in the summer.
Affordable, social, and well-located on the Upper West Side, HI NYC Hostel is a great option for fans traveling in groups or solo. The outdoor courtyard, communal kitchen, and organized events make it easy to meet fellow travelers and connect with fans from every corner of the world. It’s a great place to stay if you just need a place to crash and make friends, rather than a private luxury room. Beds start around $70 per night in the summer.
The Arlo in Midtown Manhattan is a sleek, centrally located boutique hotel ideal for fans looking to stay connected to the city’s energy. With compact, modern rooms and floor-to-ceiling views, it’s a stylish base just steps from subway lines, soccer bars, and fan zones. Rooms start around $300 per night in the summer. 