Not every fan will get a ticket to a World Cup match, but that does not mean missing out. World Cup 2026 will have official fan zones in every host city: free, open-air festivals with giant screens, food, music and thousands of supporters from around the world. Some fan zones are legendary party venues in their own right, and for many fans they are the best part of the tournament. Here are the best fan zones of World Cup 2026, ranked from the unmissable to the very good.

1. Mexico City: the Zocalo, the heart of the party

The Zocalo, Mexico City's vast main square, will host the biggest fan zone of the tournament, and it is our number one pick. Tens of thousands of fans will gather in one of the world's great public squares, surrounded by the cathedral and the National Palace, to watch matches on giant screens. The atmosphere will be extraordinary, especially when Mexico play, and the food stalls around the square serve some of the best street food in the country. Arrive early, because the Zocalo fills up fast for big matches, and bring a flag: this is the fan zone every supporter should experience once.

2. New York: the final city

New York's fan zones will be among the biggest in the tournament, with screens in several locations across the city, including Times Square and Brooklyn. The energy of New York on a World Cup match day is unmatched: fans from every nation, street parties, and the sense that the whole world is watching. The fan zones will be busiest for the final on 19 July, when the city becomes the centre of world football. The downside is the crowds and the prices, but for the biggest matches of the tournament, there is nowhere better to be without a ticket.

3. Toronto: a multicultural celebration

Toronto's fan zones will reflect the city's extraordinary diversity, with supporters from every football nation in the world. The main fan zone, expected to be in the downtown area near the waterfront, will have giant screens, food from dozens of cuisines, and live music. Toronto's fans are famously welcoming, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than in New York or Mexico City. The weather in June and July is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for watching football outdoors all day. For a family-friendly fan zone experience, Toronto is hard to beat.

4. Los Angeles: sunshine and screens

Los Angeles will host fan zones in several locations, with the main one expected to be near the waterfront or in the downtown area. The city's sunshine, palm trees and outdoor lifestyle make it a natural home for open-air screenings, and the food trucks and live music will give it a festival feel. The atmosphere will be laid-back during the day and electric at night, especially when the USA or Mexico play. The main drawback is the sprawl: Los Angeles is a driving city, so plan your transport to the fan zone carefully and allow plenty of time.

5. Vancouver: the most beautiful fan zone

Vancouver's fan zone will be the most scenic in the tournament, with the mountains and the ocean as a backdrop. The main site, expected to be in the downtown waterfront area, will have giant screens, local food and craft beer, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The mild weather means you can watch all day in comfort, and the smaller crowds compared with the mega-cities make it easier to get a good spot. For fans who want beauty and football in the same place, Vancouver's fan zone is the best choice in the tournament.

Tips for making the most of fan zones

Arrive early for big matches, because the best fan zones fill up hours before kick-off. Bring sunscreen, a hat and water, and wear comfortable shoes: you will be standing for a long time. Check the fan zone rules before you go, since bag policies and prohibited items are similar to those at stadiums. Keep your valuables secure in a crowded space, and agree a meeting point with your friends in case you get separated. Most of all, embrace the experience: fan zones are where strangers become friends, and where the World Cup feels most like a global party.