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.
Home
»
World Cup 2026
»
WHAT SIDE EVENTS WILL THERE BE FOR FANS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
The 2026 World Cup won't just be a goal fest. With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—the fan experience promises to be much more than 90 minutes on the pitch. From fan fests to cultural festivals, tech events, and top-tier concerts, the side events are gearing up to deliver an unprecedented spectacle. Are you traveling to the World Cup or watching it from home? Here's a list of the fan events you can't miss.
Fan Fests and Official FIFA Zones
As has been the tradition since Germany 2006, Fan Fests will be one of the highlights of the World Cup. But in 2026, FIFA plans to expand this idea in a big way: more cities, more giant screens, and more live entertainment.
What is a Fan Fest?
They are official zones organized by FIFA and the host cities where fans can watch matches on giant screens, enjoy free concerts, typical foods, exclusive merchandise, and activities for the whole family. In Qatar 2022, more than 1.8 million people attended the Fan Fests during the tournament. Each host city will have at least one official FIFA zone. More than 30 million attendees are expected in total. There will be international DJs, local cuisine, and immersive technology. They will be open from day one until the final. Cities with featured events: In Los Angeles, the Fan Fest will be in the iconic Griffith Park, overlooking the Hollywood Hills. In Mexico City, the Zócalo will be filled with screens and food stalls. And in Toronto, they're preparing a multicultural festival by Lake Ontario. Bonus track: rumors are circulating that artists like Bad Bunny, Drake, and Foo Fighters might participate in surprise shows. Can you imagine watching the final and then a free, top-tier concert? Welcome to the 2026 World Cup.
Cultural festivals and local experiences
One of the great attractions of the 2026 World Cup will be the cultural diversity among the three host countries. Mexico, the US, and Canada promise to offer fans authentic experiences full of flavor, music, and art.
Mexico: Fiesta, Tacos, and Mariachi
Mexican host cities like Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City are already preparing folkloric events, food fairs, and street festivals to celebrate soccer with all the local flavor.
Taco Festival in Monterrey with chefs from all over the country.
Lucha libre displays and traditional dances in Mexico City.
Open-air mariachi every night in plazas public.
United States: Tech fun and pop culture
With venues like Miami, New York, Atlanta and San Francisco, the activities in the U.S. will be high impact. From augmented reality experiences to sports film festivals and soccer-themed gaming competitions, there won't be a moment to be bored. Soccer and technology expo in Silicon Valley. Themed concerts in Central Park, New York. FIFA 26 tournaments in shopping malls across the country. Canada: Culture, nature, and soccer. Toronto and Vancouver will be the epicenters of the World Cup in Canada, with events designed for the whole family. Outdoor cinema, indigenous cultural displays, fusion cuisine, and picnic areas to enjoy the matches with spectacular views.
“Football in the Forest”, a festival in national parks.
Indie and Canadian folk concerts before the matches.
Multicultural fairs with fans from all over the world.
Fun fact: The average tourist is expected to spend over $1200 USD on side activities during their stay.
Football for everyone: digital events and events for fans at home
Not everyone will be able to travel to North America, but that doesn't mean missing out on the fun. The 2026 World Cup will also be the most digital and accessible for fans from any corner of the planet.
Fan experience from home
FIFA and technology companies are already developing immersive experiences to enjoy the World Cup from home like never before: 4K broadcasts, multiple angles, augmented reality, and exclusive content for digital fans.
Augmented reality apps to watch goals in your living room.
Collectible NFTs with moments from the tournament.
Interactive streaming with live voting.
Events around the world
Several major cities, even those not hosting the tournament, will have their own official World Cup events. From projections in public squares to themed parties, a global network of fans celebrating simultaneously is expected. Buenos Aires is preparing public screens in iconic squares. Madrid and London will have “World Cup Zones” in their emblematic stadiums. Sydney and Tokyo will host match marathons in cinemas. So, whether you're in a stadium, at a Fan Fest, or at home in your slippers, you'll be able to experience the energy of the 2026 World Cup to the fullest. Because this time, the spectacle goes beyond the pitch.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
