World Cup 2026 fan festival guide: Full official events list for every host city
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said 'The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares'
FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on Thursday, June 11, as two games are scheduled for the opening day of the tournament both from Group A.
The first match would be between teams from Mexico and South Africa and the second one would be played between South Korea and Czechia teams.
The fans around the world are excited about the World Cup and the fan festivals justify their enthusiasm. FIFA fan festivals were established during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The idea was inspired by massive impromptu gatherings at the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea.
These festivals serve the purpose of enjoyment and unity among fans around the world as the crowds gather in these places to celebrate games, entertainment, food, music and local culture outside of the stadium.
In 2026, the craze is coming once again with the most expansive and diverse fan experience ever staged, covering all 16 host cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
According to Heimo Schirgi, chief operating officer for the 2026 World Cup, “These iconic locations will unite fans from around the world, while showcasing the distinctive spirit of each host city through football, music, food, culture and shared moments of connection. Together with additional fan gatherings across the continent, this FIFA World Cup will deliver the most diverse, vibrant and expansive fan experience ever staged.”
Entry criteria
Many official locations remain completely free to the public, however, the entry methods could differ depending on the criteria set by the specific host city. Alongside official FIFA fan festivals, unofficial watch parties and gatherings will also take place across all host cities.
Full list of official events by host city
Centralized venues
- Atlanta: Centennial Olympic Park
- Boston: City Hall Plaza
- Dallas: Fair Park
- Houston: East Downtown
- Kansas City: National WWI Museum and Memorial
- Los Angeles: LA Memorial Coliseum
- Miami: Bayfront Park
- Philadelphia: Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park
- Toronto: Fort York & The Bentway
- Vancouver: Hastings Park (PNE Grounds)
- Guadalajara: Plaza Liberación
- Mexico City: Zócalo
- Monterrey: Parque Fundidora
Multi-location zones
- San Francisco/Bay area: The watch parties and fan zones hosted across multiple locations
- Seattle: The zones distributed across 9 communities in Washington and celebrations will be allowed within city limits.
- New York/ New Jersey: Fan festivals spread across the five boroughs of NYC and the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. However, no central venue is decided.
