Want to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in a big way (short of being in MetLife Stadium)?
Free ticket registration is open for a free July 19 public viewing of the live match broadcast at Westchester County’s Kensico Dam Plaza, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said on Wednesday, June 24.
The cup final will start at 3 p.m. For the Kensico Dam Plaza viewing events, doors will open at noon. Registration is required to enter. For details on ticket registration and event information, go to the New York State United website. Families, soccer fans and communities around the state can now request free tickets, a news release said.
Called New York State United, the release said it will allow thousands of New Yorkers the chance to experience the final, which determines the winner of the more than monthlong soccer tournament that started on June 11.
What to expect at World Cup watch event at Kensico Dam
The Kensico event will include interactive soccer experiences, entertainment, food and beverage offerings, and programming “that celebrates the energy, diversity and community spirit of Westchester County and the Mid-Hudson Region.”
“At a time when the cost of entertainment and family activities continues to rise, New York is making sure that every family has the opportunity to be part of the excitement of the 2026 World Cup,” Hochul said in the release. “I am grateful to Westchester County for partnering with us to create this free community celebration and help bring the energy of the World Cup final directly to New Yorkers. Together, we’re creating an experience that is accessible, affordable and memorable while continuing to invest in the future of youth soccer across our state.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “The FIFA World Cup Final is the most-watched sporting event on the planet, and we’re proud to help bring this global moment directly to residents here in Westchester County.”
What happens next in the FIFA Men’s World Cup?
Forty-eight nations are competing in this summer’s FIFA Men’s World Cup. The group stage is moving toward completion, from which the top two teams in each four-nation group will advance to the next round, which is the knockout stage. The eight best third-place teams will also move forward.
Which teams are favored to win the World Cup?
The U.S. team has performed well, winning its first two matches convincingly and is qualified for the next round as it leads Group D. Among those playing for the U.S. is Gio Reyna, who grew up in Westchester’s Bedford and scored the dazzling fourth goal in the team’s first match, a 4-1 win over Paraguay.
Pre-tournament favorites to potentially win the World Cup tended to include Spain, France, England, Argentina, Portugal, and Brazil. Germany and the Netherlands are perennial powers as well.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY State United to host World Cup final watch event at Kensico Dam
Reporting by Michael P. McKinney, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michael P. McKinney, Rockland/Westchester Journal News | USA TODAY Network
