The 2026 World Cup Organizing Committee for New York-New Jersey, teaming up with the United States Tennis Association, will turn the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens into a dedicated soccer hub next summer for 11 days.
From June 17 to 28, this iconic venue will serve as the World Cup Fan Zone, with Louis Armstrong Stadium hosting fans eager to watch selected group stage matches on screens.
This marks the third fan gathering the committee has revealed in a year, with other events also set to take place at Jersey City’s Rockefeller Center and Liberty State Park.
Fans attending the Queens Fan Zone and Liberty State Park will need to buy a $10 ticket, while admission to the Rockefeller Center Fan Village will be free.
“We aim to create an event that connects fans to the larger world, highlighting the boroughs as diverse, vibrant communities united by culture and sport,” said Alex Lasry, the committee’s CEO, in a statement. “This venue will be a melting pot where the world comes together, and we’re thrilled to craft an unforgettable experience.”
According to organizers, the Queens Fan Zone will offer live game broadcasts, engaging entertainment, and interactive activities, along with local food vendors.
However, the official announcement did not specify which group stage games would be shown.
Details about tickets for the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will be available early in 2026.
As preparations ramp up for the World Cup—co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—ticket pricing has become a significant topic of discussion.
The upcoming tournament is projected to be one of the costliest in World Cup history, with high-profile matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium, where the final will take place.
FIFA has recently stated that, in response to growing concerns over ticket prices, it plans to lower costs for loyal fans.
Tickets priced at $60 will be provided for each game, sent to the relevant national federations, which will then decide how to allocate them.
At an event in October, Lasry emphasized that the World Cup experience extends beyond stadium matches. The organizing committee aims to ensure that everyone can enjoy the tournament through various events happening across the region.
“There will be many people who can’t make it to the stadium. We want them to engage with the World Cup, to be part of it and savor the excitement,” he remarked. “It’s not solely about what happens inside the stadium; it’s also about the opportunity to participate in all the surrounding festivities, making it accessible for everyone.”
