ONLY IN AMNEWYORK
UBS Arena will host a 2026 FIFA World Cup watch party for the United States men’s national team’s group-stage game against Australia and the Haiti vs. Brazil clash on June 19.
The matches, which kick off with the Americans at 3 p.m. ET and the heavyweight Brazilians at 9 p.m., will be shown on the venue’s HDR scoreboard, with a full matchday-like experience featuring activities created in collaboration with the New York Islanders, Mets, and NYCFC.
“UBS Arena was built to be a premier destination for world-class entertainment and community connection,” Islanders and UBS Arena president of business operations, Kelly Cheeseman, said. “We are incredibly excited to open our doors to soccer fans across the New York Metro area to experience the energy of the international soccer showcase. This watch party is a testament to the power of sport in bringing people together, and we look forward to hosting a vibrant, inclusive celebration alongside our partners at the Mets and New York City FC.”
Tickets for each match will be available for $10 and will go on sale at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
UBS Arena/Dennis DaSilva
A full slate of interactive events throughout each match will begin with the playing of each participating team’s national anthem, as well as “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to honor Juneteenth. Graphic-based features will be shown around the arena during the matches, celebrating and educating about the holiday.
Face painting, flag giveaways, t-shirt tosses, merchandise and prize pack opportunities, and performances by the Fogo Azul drumline during the Brazil match will also highlight the event. Additional talent performances are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Both the Islanders and NYCFC will also have interactive activities, while the Mets will be represented by their mascots, Mr. and Mrs. Met, and the Queens Crew dance team.
“This summer represents an incredible opportunity to celebrate the global game right here in New York, and we are excited to help bring that energy to fans across the region,” NYCFC vice president of marketing, Lauren Scrima, said. “Soccer has a special way of connecting people across cultures, communities, and generations, and we’re proud to partner with UBS Arena to create a memorable match day experience for families and fans across the New York Metro area.”
The US is one of three co-hosts (Canada, Mexico) for the 2026 World Cup, and the June 19 match against Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle will be its second in Group D play. The Stars and Stripes open their tournament on June 12 at SoFi Stadium outside of Los Angeles against Paraguay.
Brazil is the favorite of Group C, with its match against Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia the second of its opening-stage slate. The five-time champions open their World Cup at MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets, on June 13 against 2022 semifinalists Morocco.
For more on the World Cup, visit AMNY.com