Croatia is in the World Cup. The Vatreni are playing on North American soil for the first time. And if you’re in New York City — one of the most diverse, football-obsessed cities on earth — you have absolutely no excuse not to be somewhere watching it.
As a Croatian-American who has been following this team her entire life, I’ve done the homework. Here’s where to be in New York when Croatia plays this summer.
The Matches
Mark these in your calendar now:
June 17 — England vs. Croatia, 4pm ET
June 23 — Panama vs. Croatia, 7pm ET
June 27 — Croatia vs. Ghana, 5pm ET
Astoria, Queens — The Heart of It All
Before we get into specific spots, let’s talk about Astoria itself. This is the neighborhood in New York with the deepest Croatian roots — the diaspora community here is real, multigenerational, and passionate. On Croatia match days, Astoria doesn’t just watch the game. It feels it. If you want to be surrounded by people who have been waiting their whole lives for this moment, this is your borough.
Hutch — Astoria
For the local Croatian stomping ground
A cool local hangout with hip decor, a classically styled bar, and a menu that mixes American favorites with Croatian dishes like cevapi and manchego cheese fries, alongside cocktails, beer, and Croatian wines. Croatian-owned and community-rooted, this is where I’ll be. When Croatia scores here, the room doesn’t just cheer — it feels it. Come early, come in your šahovnica, and be prepared to be emotional. Parade
📍 35-07 31st Ave, Astoria
Rudar Club — Astoria
For an authentic Croatian experience in New York
Back in 1977, a group of Istrians from the small mining town of Labin, Croatia formed this club — and as the majority of them worked in the mines before immigrating, they called themselves the United Miners Soccer Club. Nearly fifty years later, it is still here and still going strong. On match days, the red and white checked hats, scarves, and memorabilia come out in full force — get here early to find a good spot. Downstairs, the restaurant serves authentic Croatian cuisine with Istrian wines. This is not a sports bar. This is a community. The difference is everything.
📍 34-01 45th St, Astoria
Rialto — Astoria
Formerly Istria Sport Club — for the wall-sized screen
Head to Rialto, formerly known as Istria Sport Club, for food, special game-day drinks, and a massive wall-sized screen. The Croatian connection runs deep here — this is a place that understands what these matches mean and sets the atmosphere accordingly.
📍 28-09 Astoria Blvd, Astoria
Pig Beach BBQ — Astoria
For the big, festive outdoor watch party
From award-winning pitmasters, Pig Beach BBQ Queens is a 28,000 square foot space featuring NYC’s largest indoor smokers, dozens of TVs, three premium bars, and a massive backyard beer garden with a 28-foot Jumbotron. They’ve posted special World Cup Season 2026 hours for every match week. This is your spot if you want size, energy, world-class BBQ, and a Jumbotron — all in Astoria, all summer long.
📍 35-37 36th St, Astoria
Beyond Astoria — The Big New York Experiences
Harbor World Cup 2026 — New York Harbor
The most cinematic watch party in the city
Harbor World Cup 2026 is New York Harbor’s official FIFA World Cup fan zone cruise series, running June 12 through July 19. Every match-day cruise is timed around games at MetLife Stadium and Philadelphia, with matches broadcast on a big screen as you cruise past the Statue of Liberty with the full Manhattan skyline as your backdrop. Tickets from $30.
Sports Illustrated Stadium — Harrison, NJ
For the soccer-first stadium experience
Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of the New York Red Bulls, is serving as a soccer-first fan hub where fans watch matches on the stadium floor on a 60-foot screen on the pitch itself. If you want the closest thing to being inside a stadium without a match ticket, this is it.
The Intrepid Museum — Pier 86, Hudson River
For the free open-air big screen
The Intrepid Museum is hosting free watch parties for more than 50 World Cup matches throughout the tournament, with screens set up along the pier and concessions available for purchase. Watching football outside on the Hudson with the Manhattan skyline ahead of you is one of those only-in-New-York experiences. Free, accessible, and genuinely beautiful.
Bryant Park & Times Square — Midtown Manhattan
For the quintessential New York public viewing
Both Bryant Park and Times Square are hosting public viewing areas throughout the tournament. Bryant Park in summer is one of the best free experiences in the city on any given day — add a World Cup match on the big screen and it becomes something else entirely.
Harbor NYC Rooftop — Hell’s Kitchen
For the elevated watch party experience
Harbor NYC sits at 621 West 46th Street with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning Hudson River views — a 700-person rooftop venue that transforms into one of the city’s most stylish watch party destinations for the World Cup. Premium table service, top DJs, and a Manhattan skyline backdrop. This is the spot if you want to watch Croatia with a cocktail in hand and the city spread out below you. Check their schedule and book ahead — this one fills up fast.
📍 621 West 46th St, Hell’s Kitchen
The City at Large — 100+ Free Watch Parties
Mayor Mamdani announced over 100 free World Cup watch parties across all five boroughs — transforming parks, plazas, public markets, theaters, and waterfront spaces into gathering spots throughout the entire tournament. From Coney Island to the Bronx, every borough has programming. For the full and constantly updated list visit nyctourism.com/worldcup26 — it’s the official hub for everything happening citywide.
The World Cup Final — Central Park, July 19
50,000 people on the Great Lawn
On July 19, 50,000 fans will gather on Central Park’s Great Lawn to watch the FIFA World Cup Final on giant LED screens, presented by Global Citizen. The event is free but requires a ticket through a public draw. If Croatia makes it to the Final — and we believe — this is where New York watches history happen. Register now at globalcitizen.org.
A note from someone who’s been watching Croatia her whole life:
There is something about watching Croatia play that never gets ordinary. A country of four million people, consistently competing on the world’s biggest stage, playing with heart, craft, and the particular stubbornness of a nation that refuses to be underestimated. This summer they’re playing on our soil, in our city, with our community watching from Astoria and beyond.
Find your spot. Wear your colors. Be loud.
Ajmo Hrvatska. 🇭🇷
Following Croatia all summer — find me on Instagram @angelica_e
