When the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives in the New York metropolitan area this month, Long Islanders won’t need tickets to MetLife Stadium to feel part of the action. Local venues are already preparing for what could become one of the region’s largest shared celebrations in decades.
This year’s World Cup — the largest international soccer tournament — will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Matches will be played across North America, including at eleven stadiums on U.S. soil. Close to home, MetLife Stadium, Gillette Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field will see action, although during the tournament, the venues will be known as New York/New Jersey Stadium; Boston Stadium; and Philadelphia Stadium, respectively.
Games will be played between June 11 and July 19. This is the first tournament to feature an expanded, 48-team format. 12 groups with four teams each will complete in the earliest stage of the tournament, before teams advance to the Round of 32, the Round of 16, and lastly, the final stages of the tournament.
New York/New Jersey will host the finals on July 19 at 3 p.m.
While MetLife is slated to become a centerpiece for the tournament, regionally, soccer fans can expect festivals, viewing parties and tourism events, all catered around the World Cup.
Nassau County viewing party
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that Nassau County Parks, Recreation and Museums Department and The Island FC will host a public viewing event for the United States and Australia FIFA World Cup 26 match on June 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.
The free, ticketed event will feature a live broadcast of the match, giveaways, family-friendly activities and concessions. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for viewing on the theatre grounds. Free parking will be available in parking fields 6 and 6A.
Fans must register for free tickets at TheIslandFC.com or NassauCountyTourism.ticketspice.com.
“Nassau County is proud to partner with The Island FC to bring this exciting event to Eisenhower Park,” Blakeman said. “FIFA World Cup 26 is the biggest sporting event in the world. This is a great opportunity for residents and families to come together to celebrate the game and enjoy a world-class community experience right here in Nassau County.”
The event marks the first official community activation hosted by The Island FC as the club prepares for its inaugural professional season.
“This is about more than watching a soccer match; it’s about bringing Long Islanders together around the beautiful game,” said Travis Lamprecht, president of business operations for The Island FC. “Long Island has an incredible soccer culture and deep passion for the sport at every level. We’re proud to partner with Nassau County on our first community event and create an experience that feels welcoming, energetic, and truly representative of this community.”
For updates, visit TheIslandFC.com or NassauCountyNY.gov.
Stony Brook viewing party
Free ticket registration is open for the New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience on Long Island, set for June 12 at Stony Brook University’s LaValle Stadium.
The free public viewing event will feature live broadcasts of two FIFA World Cup matches on the stadium’s video board — Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m. and USA vs. Paraguay at 9 p.m. Fans can request tickets online for one or both events.
The evening match will be preceded by an 8 p.m. performance from rock band Third Eye Blind.
Organizers said the event will include interactive soccer experiences, entertainment, food and beverage offerings, and other programming celebrating Long Island and communities across New York State.
“I am proud of our efforts to bring the World Cup — a truly global moment — directly into communities across New York State, which includes opening the ticket registration today for the New York State United 2026 World Cup Watch Experience on Long Island,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “By creating free, family-friendly viewing events across New York, we’re making it easier for families, fans and communities to come together, celebrate the world’s game and create lasting memories — while continuing to invest in the future of youth soccer in the state.”
“This event will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the incredible moments and history that come with the World Cup,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. “I can’t think of a better place than Stony Brook University to host the watch party.”
More information and ticket registration are available on the event website.
Who are you supporting?
The U.S. Men’s National Team will play its first game on June 12 against Paraguay, at 9 p.m. It’ll then face Australia at 3 p.m. on June 19 and Türkiye on June 25 at 10 p.m.
U.S. fans can expect to see stars including Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, among other big names, strive to lead the team deep into the tournament.
For a full list of matches, and to learn how to follow the U.S. or a different country’s team, visit FIFA.com.
