Aussie Women of New York City are you ready to welcome the world to New York City?
The 2026 FIFA Soccer World Cup has finally arrived, and the big apple is at fever pitch with excitement!
The soccer World Cup has a special place in Australia’s collective memory.
Who can forget the penalty scored by John Aloisi against Uruguay that secured Australia’s spot in the the 2006 World Cup, returning us to the worlds greatest tournament for the first time in generations. It is the stuff of legend, a ‘where were you’ moment that lives with us forever.
Who can forget the packed pubs, bars, stadiums and lounge rooms during the 2023 Women’s FIFA World, when Matilda mania took over Australia and they went on their greatest run in the tournament’s history. Sam Kerr’s stunning goal in the semi-final against England is etched in our memories, as is the euphoria of winning the longest penalty shootout in World Cup history against France.
I can still remember being in Federation Square in Melbourne, watching the 2014 Brazilian World Cup on the giant screen, side by side with my fellow Melbournians as Tim Cahill scored a spectacular goal against the Netherlands. The Socceroos ended up losing that match but the thrill of standing with my fellow Aussies, cheering for the green in gold in a shared moment of exuberance and ecstasy, will never leave me.
And it is that shared experience, of the drama, the beauty, and the heartbreak that defines the world game. A sport that brings family, friends and strangers together as one.
The hopes and dreams of our nation now rest on a new group of players going into battle, led by captain Matt Ryan. The boys will lace up their boots, pull up their socks and start their campaign for glory this weekend . As the World Cup kicks off here in New York City, we’ve put together a quick guide to fanfests and watch party’s across the five boroughs.
Australia VS Türkiye – Sunday, June 14th-12:00AM
Australia kicks off their World Cup campaign this Sunday against Türkiye in Vancover and for fans who can’t make it to the game ( or afford the tickets), Old Mates Pub, “The Real Aussie Embassy” is throwing a watch party to cheer on the green and gold, reservations are going fast so get in quick and book your seat! Old Mates, 170 John St, New York, NY 10038
Australia vs USA – Friday, June 19th,–3PM
The big game against the host nation is sure to be a thriller!
The German House of Soccer is hosting a fan watch party on June 19th. The German House of Soccer is the German Football Association’s (DFB) official fan zone in Manhattan for the 2026 World Cup, and during the 39 day tournament will be hosting fan watch parties for various games. This is an official watchparty and is hosted by the Australian Consulate-General in New York and America Josh, and will be a fun one. Get there early and cheer the boys on with your mates and fellow Aussies. RSVP here https://aussiewatchparty.com/parties/german-house-of-soccer-new-york-aus-vs-usa – German House of Soccer–535 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
Australia vs Paraguay – Thursday, June 25th –10PM
Old Mates is the place to be again for our last group stage match. Get down there for some fish and chips, some ice cold beers and good fun!
Old Mates, 170 John St, New York, NY 10038
FANZONES
The NY/NJ Host Committee is also putting on free fan zones across the five boroughs for all games, which will feature family friendly entertainment, interactive games, local food vendors, merch and activities that highlight the cultural communities of New York City. With all 48 nations represented across the five boroughs, this is a great way to experience the melting pot that is New York City.
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 Queens Group Stage HQ
Dates: June 11–27 Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, inside Louis Armstrong Stadium, Flushing, Queen
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 Bronx Fan Zone
Dates: June 13–14 Location: Bronx Terminal Market, Concourse
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 Brooklyn Fan Zone
Dates: June 13–July 19 Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 Staten Island Fan Zone
Dates: June 29–July 2 Location: Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, St. George
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village
Dates: July 6–19 Location: Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan
Central Park FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Watch Party
Date: July 19 Location: Central Park.
The official coffee partner of the Socceroos during this world cup is Bluestone Lane, and you’ll see their stores decked out in the green and gold across the city. Grab a cuppa before the games and enjoy the atmosphere.
For more info about Aussie watch party’s here and across America, visit this site powered by AmericaJosh and Qantas https://aussiewatchparty.com/.
So whether you are a Aussie visiting the big apple for the first time or a expat living here, get out your vuvuzela’s, throw on your soccer jerseys, do your best Tim Cahill and Sam Kerr impersonations, and get ready to cheer on the Socceroos!