Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL THERE BE PUBLIC PARTIES DURING THE 2026 WORLD CUP MATCHES?
The 2026 World Cup won't just be played inside stadiums. The streets, parks, and plazas of the 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will be transformed into vibrant public celebrations where fans can enjoy matches on giant screens, concerts, and cultural activities. FIFA and the host cities are planning an unprecedented array of "Fan Festivals," the new official name for these spaces that blend football, music, and food. In this article, we'll tell you what these celebrations will be like, what you can expect in each country, and why this World Cup promises to be the biggest global party in modern football history.
What are Fan Festivals and how will they work?
Fan Festivals are the heart of the World Cup experience outside the stadiums. They are public areas set up for thousands of people to watch matches on giant screens, participate in cultural events, and enjoy local and international cuisine. FIFA confirmed that each of the 16 host cities will have its own official space, in addition to dozens of satellite celebrations organized by local communities.
At the 2026 World Cup, these areas will expand like never before. More than 12 million people are expected to attend Fan Festivals throughout the tournament, surpassing the records set by Russia 2018 (8 million) and Qatar 2022 (10 million). The festivals will feature live music, giant 4K screens, rest areas, family zones, sustainable spaces, and culinary offerings representative of each host country. Free access and a multicultural atmosphere. Entry to the Fan Festivals will be free, although some premium areas may require advance registration. Best of all, no ticket will be needed for the matches: any fan can join the party and feel the World Cup atmosphere without paying an entrance fee. FIFA aims to make these spaces inclusive, family-friendly, and sustainable, with enhanced public transportation services and recycling points at all venues. More than 16 official Fan Festivals, one per host city. Giant screens up to 100 square meters. Daily cultural events, DJs, and concerts. Technological activations with augmented reality and interactive apps. In short, the 2026 World Cup Fan Festivals will not only be meeting points, but true cultural laboratories where fans from all over the world will come together. A collective experience that will demonstrate that football can unite the world, even off the pitch.
The celebrations by country: Mexico, USA, and Canada
Each host country will put its own stamp on the public celebrations. In Mexico, the atmosphere promises to be the most colorful and musical. In Mexico City, the Zócalo will once again be transformed into a gigantic party zone with screens, food, and concerts by national artists. Guadalajara is planning a “Fan Fest Plaza” at the Minerva Roundabout, while Monterrey will host its celebration at Fundidora Park, with a view of the mountains and a 100% soccer atmosphere.
In the United States, the celebrations will be colossal. Los Angeles will have its Fan Festival at L.A. Live, combining concerts with nighttime screenings of the matches. New York plans to hold it in Central Park, while Miami will host its party in a Latin style, with DJs, food trucks, and Caribbean artists. In Dallas, the AT&T Discovery District will be the epicenter for fans from across the South, and in Seattle, the event will focus on sustainability and technology, with "green" spaces and interactive recycling. Canada also wants to make its mark. In Toronto, the Fan Festival will be located at the Harbourfront Centre, next to Lake Ontario, while Vancouver plans to celebrate in Stanley Park, combining nature, music, and floating screens. The Canadian public, known for its enthusiasm at international events, is expected to bring a familiar and safe touch to the World Cup atmosphere. Mexico City's Zócalo: capacity for 80,000 fans. New York's Central Park: cultural events and global cuisine. Vancouver's Stanley Park: "eco-fan zone" concept. Miami Beach: outdoor concerts with international artists. Fun fact: during the 2018 World Cup, the world's largest public screen was installed in Moscow, measuring over 200 m². In 2026, Los Angeles plans to surpass that record with a 250 m² LED screen. With three such distinct countries, the public celebrations for the 2026 World Cup will reflect the continent's cultural diversity. Tacos, hot dogs, and poutine (the famous Canadian dish of potatoes and gravy) will all be on the menu in the same plaza. A perfect blend of football, food, and joy.
The Spirit of the World Cup in the Streets
Beyond the stadiums, public celebrations will be the social heart of the tournament. It is estimated that 65% of those attending the 2026 World Cup will not enter stadiums, but will participate in public events. That is, more than 8 million people will experience the tournament from plazas, parks, and open spaces. Host cities are already working to guarantee security, cleanliness, and connectivity so that fans can enjoy it to the fullest.
The celebrations will include activities for all ages: from mini soccer fields for children to free-kick contests, virtual reality experiences, and performances by local artists. In many cities, bars and restaurants will create "fan routes," offering discounts and World Cup themes. In 2022, these types of initiatives increased tourism spending by 25%, and it is expected to exceed 35% by 2026. Football, Culture, and Sustainability: A key aspect will be sustainability. FIFA announced that all Fan Festivals must comply with environmental standards, such as the use of solar energy, the elimination of single-use plastics, and recycling programs. In addition, many cities will include local artists and indigenous communities in their programming, fostering cultural diversity and regional pride. More than 500 concerts and 1,000 cultural events are planned during the tournament. 80% of the Fan Festivals will use clean energy. An economic impact of more than USD 5 billion is expected thanks to public party tourism. More than 100 local artists will be part of the World Cup stages. The public parties of the 2026 World Cup will not only be a showcase of football, but a celebration of the human spirit. For many, watching a match surrounded by thousands of people will be just as exciting as being in the stadium. Ultimately, it will be a World Cup where every square will be a mini Maracanã, every street a stadium, and every goal an excuse to hug a stranger.
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