Paley Museum Gears Up for 2026 World Cup Celebrations

The Paley Museum is getting into the spirit of summer soccer by unveiling a series of events to celebrate the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

This monumental event will see MetLife Stadium hosting eight games, including the final, effectively placing soccer in the spotlight within the U.S. along with co-hosts Mexico and Canada.

As part of the festivities, the museum is planning various events, such as a red carpet preview for “Kick Off the FIFA World Cup on FOX Sports.” Notable figures like Fox Sports analysts, U.S. soccer legends Alexi Lalas, Carli Lloyd, and Stu Holden, along with Mexican soccer star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, are set to make appearances.

On May 21, Fox Sports host Rob Stone will lead the event, which includes an advance screening of a new documentary titled “Summer of ’94,” reflecting on the U.S. Men’s National Team’s journey in 1994.

From June 11 until the final match on July 19, the museum will host watch parties for every World Cup game in its newly renovated theater, broadcasting in both English and Spanish.

There will also be an immersive exhibit called “The Global Game: U.S. Soccer and the FIFA World Cup,” running from June 11 through September. This exhibit explores the development of soccer in the U.S., from its early FIFA involvement to the impactful 1994 tournament and the growth of Major League Soccer.

Items featured in the exhibit will include game-worn jerseys, autographed memorabilia, archival footage, and interactive experiences designed for engagement. Visitors should expect a mix of historical artifacts and modern media installations.

“The excitement of this global event will unfold in our theater with the energy of each live game, alongside incredible exhibits,” said Maureen J. Reidy, president and CEO of the Paley Center for Media.

There will also be soccer-themed games and virtual reality experiences available at the PaleyGX Gaming studio. Mark your calendars; a live gaming tournament is set for Sunday, June 14.

This announcement aligns with numerous events planned in New York and New Jersey as the World Cup approaches.

Recently, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani revealed plans to establish five free fan zones across the boroughs during the World Cup, including locations at the USTA’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and Rockefeller Center.