A Casual Fan’s Guide to Every World Cup Team Playing in New York
March 31, 2026
The 2026 World Cup is coming to New York! (Well, OK, to New Jersey.) Unfortunately, the USMNT isn’t playing any of its games here, so local fans might find themselves looking for another team to support. If you want the lowdown on the teams who are playing here in June and July — and the best place in Lower Manhattan to pair with their games* — look no further.
*Note that these spots may or may not actually be screening the games…more on actual viewing parties to come!
Brazil
In a word: Troubled
Brazil’s national team once ruled the world by playing with the carefree joy of a bunch of friends having a kickabout on the Copacabana. Those days are gone. While they still have sparkling individual talents, it’s been 24 years since they last won this tournament, and it’s hard to see that changing in 2026.
Where to go: Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse — all-day happy hour!
France
In a word: Favorites?
Spain are the consensus World Cup favorites, but we think France might be the better bet to win it all. The country is currently overflowing with young talent — as evidenced by the success of the all-conquering Paris Saint-Germain team — and in Kylian Mbappé, they have one of the world’s most lethal strikers.
Where to go: La Parisienne
Germany
In a word: Resurgent
One truism in soccer: never, ever write off Germany. They were champions in 2014, but failed to make it out of the group stage in 2018 and 2022. The callow talents who struggled in those tournaments are now older, wiser, and ready to prove that Germany are back in town.
Where to go: What’s more German than a beer garden? Head to Treadwell Park.
Morocco
In a word: Traumatised
In theory, Morocco should be riding high: they romped through World Cup qualifying unbeaten and as of now they’re the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). But the ongoing legacy of the AFCON final — they lost in extra time after star man Brahim Díaz took a penalty so bad that it spawned conspiracy theories that he missed deliberately, only for the result to be overturned by the Confederation of African Football — may haunt them, especially given the ongoing legal wrangling over the result.
Where to go: Grab a glass of Moroccan wine at Zizi Wine Bar.
Senegal
In a word: Combustible
Conversely, Senegal’s memorable on-pitch victory in that fractious AFCON final should buoy them coming into the World Cup, even if their coach’s decision to haul them off the field to protest a penalty decision has proven as ill-advised in the long haul as it appeared on the day. If everything remains tranquil off the pitch, the Lions of Teranga have the talent to go far on it.
Where to go: Senegal star and former Liverpool player Sadio Mané is remembered fondly at Carragher’s
Panama
In a word: Optimistic
This is Panama’s second ever World Cup, and it’s hard to see their ambitions extending any further than the group stage. But then again, every World Cup has a team that surprises; could it be Panama this time around?
Where to go: You might have to plump for a generalist sports bar, like the pleasantly gritty Nassau
Ecuador
In a word: Tough
Ecuador don’t score a lot of goals, but they don’t concede many, either. This approach was good enough for second place in South America’s brutal qualifying tournament, where they beat Brazil in their final match to cement their place at the World Cup.
Where to go: Young full-back Piero Hincapié plies his trade for Arsenal FC — so maybe try Beckett’s
England
In a word: Neurotic
Football’s coming home. Maybe. England have a strong squad, but as ever, the weight of expectation will be a burden, and you can bet the farm on the British press turning on German coach Thomas Tuchel if/when things go wrong.
Where to go: London & Martin
Tom Hawking is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor and football fanatic. Find him at his website.
photo: iStock
