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FIFA World Cup 2026™ Overview
The tournament will run from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026, and will feature 48 teams and three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. New York/New Jersey (NYNJ) will host eight matches, including the final. See the full match schedule.
Other Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 5, 2025 | FIFA World Cup 2026™ Draw to learn which countries will be coming to NYNJ |
| January 11, 2026 | 6 Month Countdown |
| March 3, 2026 | 100 Day Countdown |
| May 25, 2026 | World Football Day |
How will FIFA World Cup 2026™ impact the NYNJ region?
The NYNJ region is estimated to generate $3.3 billion in economic activity through hospitality, tourism, and related sectors, with more than 26,000 jobs supported across states.
More than 1.2 million visitors are expected to travel to the region, with a projected $1.7 billion in spending across the regional economy.
Learn More About FIFA World Cup 26’s Impact
Resources for Small Businesses
Become a Vendor
Want to help deliver a world-class tournament experience? Submit your interest in becoming a vendor.
Boost Visibility
- Submit your business to be showcased on SBS’s small business directory, Shop Your City.
- Show that you are open for business! Display the Welcome World Badge in your storefront and/or on your website, flyer, uniforms, menus, or event signage (non-commercial).
- Submit your World Cup-inspired event for a chance to be featured on the NYNJ Host Committee website and promoted through social media, public relations, and marketing channels.
- Be a part of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ story: tag @FWC26NYNJ and use the following hashtags:
- #WelcomeWorldNYNJ
- #WeAreNYNJ
- #WeAre26
- #Somos26
- #FIFAWorldCup
Obtain Capital
Need flexible capital to power your business? Head to our online marketplace, NYC Funds Finder, to be matched with loans and grants that meet your needs.
Hire New Yorkers
Looking for incredible talent? Tap into our pool of 100,000+ candidates to identify New Yorkers to power your business during matchdays.
Serve a Global Audience
- Interested in throwing a public viewing event? The FIFA Public Viewing Platform will be opening shortly for small businesses to submit their requests for a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Public Viewing License, but submit your interest now and watch this page for updates.
- Connect with your local Business Improvement District (BID) or merchant organization on partnership opportunities with this tool.
Guidance on Public Viewing Events
Whether you’re a restaurant, retailer, artist, nonprofit, or neighborhood leader, there are opportunities to throw watch parties during FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Requires FIFA review and a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Public Viewing License
- Special non-commercial events: larger events for more than 1,000 people in spaces including but not limited to community centers, schools, and universities. There may not be any commercial benefits for the organizer.
- Commercial events: involving sponsorships, admission fees, or any other financial benefit.
Does not require FIFA review nor a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Public Viewing License
- Non-commercial events: those that occur as part of a venue’s usual course of business e.g., bars, restaurants, hotels; includes small-scale, community-driven events under 1,000 people. There may not be any commercial benefits for the organizer.
Event Permitting Guidelines
The Mayor's Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management (CECM) supports New Yorkers as they plan their events.
The Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) issues permits for events including street festivals, block parties, commercial or promotional events, and other events on the city’s streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian plazas.
Application Types, Deadlines, and Fees
| Event Type | Details | SAPO Permit Application Deadline | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza Events | An activity held within a pedestrian plaza that interferes or obstructs regular use of plazas. | 14-60 days ahead of the event | $1,000 to $31,000 - based on plaza level and event size |
| Street Events | An activity held on a public street, curb lane or sidewalk that interferes or obstructs the locations used by pedestrians or vehicles. | 14-45 days ahead of the event | Small: $3,100 Medium: $11,000 Large: $25,000 |
| Single Block Festivals | A nonprofit-sponsored community festival with vendors that requires closing one block for one day. | 90 days ahead of the event | 20% of the total fees paid by vendors to participate |
| Production Events | An activity without branding that occurs on a sidewalk or curb lane. | 10 days ahead of the event | With curb lane or sidewalk: $290/day, capped at $1,000 if over 3 days With curb lane and sidewalk: $700/day |
| Extra-large event | Up to $66,000 |
Note: To host an event on an existing Open Street location, you must have authorization from the current Open Street Partner to temporarily deactivate their location for the duration of your event. This requirement is waived if the permit application is submitted by an Open Street Partner for a civic/non-commercial event.
Preparing Your SAPO Permit Application
NYC small businesses may apply for a permit through SAPO's E-Apply system. Please include “FIFA 2026” in the Event Title or Event Description, and prepare the following documents as part of the application package:
- Site Plan
- Production Schedule
- Run of Show
- Insurance ($1 million / City of NY listed as an additional insured)
- Proof of nonprofit status, if applicable
- Vendor list
SAPO Permit Requirements and Restrictions
To host a Watch Party under a SAPO permit, you must obtain the proper licensing rights and proof of permission/approval must be uploaded to your SAPO application.
Executive Order 44: Alcohol Restrictions
- Not permitted on Pedestrian Plazas.
- Allowed in Streets where New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) and Health permits are required, and only in designated VIP areas or in designated areas within Street Fairs.
- Only a Sponsor’s Parent Company logo e.g., Anheuser Busch may be used, not the individual brand logo e.g., Budweiser.
- Both the SLA “One-Day Alcohol Event Permit” or “Catering Permit” permit can be used for SAPO events.
Executive Order 9: Sugary Drinks Restrictions
- The marketing, consumption and distribution of sugary drinks is prohibited on Pedestrian Plazas unless there is a concession in place. No restrictions on streets.
- Sponsors are permitted, but only the logo is allowed. Marketing and calls to action are not allowed.
Cannabis Restrictions
- The marketing, consumption and distribution of cannabis or byproducts of cannabis is prohibited on Pedestrian Plazas and Streets.
- Cannabis company/logos are prohibited as sponsors for events on Pedestrian Plazas and Streets.