The 2026 FIFA World Cup is about to completely take over the five boroughs, and let’s be real, not all of us want to drop a bag on stadium tickets.
Thankfully, you can still get in on the ultimate global celebration without spending a dime.
Mayor Mamdani and NYC Tourism + Conventions just announced a massive new citywide initiative, and it is entirely designed to help locals and tourists explore our vibrant cultures and hidden gems for free.
Snag your ‘NYC Neighborhood Passport’
Get your walking shoes ready because this is basically a giant scavenger hunt across the city!
Launching on June 11, you can pick up a physical “NYC Neighborhood Passport” booklet at absolutely any public library branch across the five boroughs.
Your mission is to collect completely unique, artist designed stamps scattered at hundreds of public events and small businesses.
Local NYC artists with roots in countries like Colombia, Ghana, Korea, and Brazil crafted these stamps to reflect both the participating teams and the beautiful diversity of our neighborhoods.
Celebrate global cultures right in your backyard
The tournament is not just happening at MetLife Stadium!
The true magic of the World Cup is coming directly to the streets of Corona, Flatbush, Astoria, and Sunset Park.
Instead of dealing with massive crowds, you can explore free film screenings, dance performances, and epic block parties in cultural hubs like Little Senegal, Little India, and Little Caribbean.
Major neighborhood staples are all getting in on the fun to hand out stamps. You can expect to visit participating spots like:
- American Museum of Natural History
- Brooklyn Public Library
- Queens Museum
- New York Botanical Garden
- El Museo del Barrio
You will also have the chance to add your personal connection to the game to a nationwide storytelling campaign called “Already Home.”
📍 See the full list of participating locations here.
Your ultimate digital guide to the tournament
Finding the absolute best watch parties and local promotions is about to be a total breeze.
Starting May 27, a brand new events calendar and interactive digital map will go live on the NYC Tourism website to guide your summer adventures.
This interactive hub will point you straight to the best free and low cost programming across the city.
And don’t forget to keep an eye out for our ever-updating list of best things to do during the World Cup in NYC here.
