The first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is mere weeks away, and football fever has already hit the Big Apple. It’s been here for a while — every corner of the world is represented in the five boroughs, and each diaspora has created spaces to watch the Beautiful Game.

Six teams can still qualify for the largest tournament in history, with 30 teams already split into groups of four. Sixteen European nations will be battling for four spots, while six teams spanning five continents will be competing for the final two places in the Finals.

During the March international break — March 23 through 31, Bolivia has a chance to qualify for their first World Cup since the 1994 U.S. tournament and Jamaica for the first time since 1998.

Both play in the semifinals of the inter-continental play-off draw, with Bolivia facing off against fellow South American side Suriname, before playing Iraq on March 31. Jamaica faces island nation New Caledonia, looking to qualify for their first Finals alongside Curaçao, Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan. If they win, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the next team in their way.

Where to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in NYC

Ahead of these two historic matchups, amNewYork has searched the city to watch these historic fixtures with the energy, passion and dedication soccer fans have for their homeland and the world’s most-watched tournament.

For Team Bolivia fans

Get your salteña fix at Bolivian Llama Party, the only Bolivian spot in town in Sunnyside, Queens, before heading to 43 Bar and Grill. It is the soccer bar in Queens and is known for hosting New York City FC or Red Bull New York watchalongs. 

If you’re looking for a good night out whilst watching La Verde, Kabu Bar Lounge on 85-09 Northern Blvd in Flushing is a bar that combines good music with good vibes and lots of TVs. They have hosted watch parties for Latin American countries before and will put the game on, if you ask nicely. 

For Team Jamaica fans

Flava of the Bronx, at 3114 Third Avenue in the Bronx, is hosting a Yardie Watch Party for the semifinal versus New Caledonia on March 26. Reggae Boyz fans would have to pay $23.18 for entry, but with kickoff set for 11 P.M. and entry allowed at 8 P.M., they would have plenty of time to try the famous oxtail Yardstyle Empanadas ($20) and Blackened Jerk Chicken ($14), served with rice and peas. 

It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow Jamaicans and celebrate the Reggae Boyz as they attempt to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in almost three decades.

For soccer fans

There are a few bars in the city that will show the game regardless of what else is going on, and you will always be surrounded by die-hard soccer fans.

The Football Factory at Legends Bar & Grill and Smithfield Hall in Midtown are home to dozens of supporters’ clubs for teams across Europe and South America, and have some of the most electric atmospheres for matchdays.

The Football Factory has two floors, whilst Smithfield Hall has two “halls”, and each wall at both are covered with massive screens. They both have ample seating and standing space to concentrate on the game and make sure you don’t miss any of the action. They are bound to show the European qualifiers as well. 

For a quieter watch, head downtown to Sláinte Bar and Lounge on Bowery and Houston St. They have a massive projector in the back for the big games, as well as a handful of TVs scattered around the pub. So that no matter where you sit, you can always keep an eye on the game. Keep in mind that they are an Irish pub, so they most definitely will be showing the Ireland game. However, the bartenders are friendly, and if you ask politely, they will switch the channel to whichever match you would like to watch.