World Cup, World Cultures

Alvaro Keding/© AMNH
Celebrate the community and science of sport as New York welcomes FIFA World Cup 2026.™ 

The Museum is kicking off a series about the science, culture, and shared experience of athletic competition this May.

Save the date for special all-day programs on Saturday, June 13, and Saturday, July 11, and join us for watch parties throughout the tournament.

Exhibitions and Experiences

For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence

See 70 objects that define athletic greatness across more than 15 sports, from the National Football League’s Vince Lombardi Trophy to one of Jesse Owens’s gold medals from the 1936 Olympics, to championship awards from the New York Liberty, New York City FC, and more. 

Learn more »
Collage of athletes experiencing a triumphant moment, over a background of a crowded stadium. Images courtesy of: AP Images, National Hockey League, New York City FC, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, National Archives Catalog, Claressa Shields, New York Road Runners, the New York Liberty.
Goal Zone

Visit this all-ages interactive play space to test your soccer skills in challenges including digital simulators, tabletop games, and other soccer-themed activities.

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Boldly patterned background overlaid with stylized images of two people catching and kicking soccer balls.

Drop-In Activities Exploring the Science and Culture of Sport

Hands-On Activities Global Sports Pavilion Explore the science of sport materials, geometry in sports, and more on Thursdays–Sundays, 1–5 pm. Learning Lab Discovery Room Explore the cultural influence of sports around the world in this learning lab for ages 4–12. Learning Lab Human Origins Lab This learning lab for ages 8+ features activities about biomechanics of the human body.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Watch Parties at the Museum

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Watch Parties at the Museum

Drop in to watch select matches on the big screens in LeFrak Theater, Cullman Hall of the Universe, or the Global Sports Pavilion in Futter Gallery starting Thursday, June 11. Free with any Museum admission.

View Matches »
Seated vistors in a theater view a giant screen video showing a soccer match inside a packed stadium. LeFrak theater: Alvaro Keding/© AMNH Stadium: Csaba Peterdi/Adobe Stock
Get Your NYC Neighborhood Passport Stamped!

Pick up a free NYC Neighborhood Passport at any public library, and take part in a citywide stamp scavenger hunt tied to the FIFA World Cup! Explore the five boroughs and cultural institutions, and collect stamps along the way. The Museum’s stamping location will be the Global Sports Pavilion in the Futter Gallery on Floor 1. This activation will run from June 11–July 19. 

Hand holds a booklet with an illustrated cover titled "New York City Neighborhood Passport" inside of the Hall of the Universe where flags from around the world are displayed high on the wall. Alvaro Keding/© AMNH

Related Events

Event FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour See the celebrated trophy in person at the Museum. Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | Sold Out Event World Cup, World Cultures Celebration Join us for the opening weekend of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament for soccer, community, and the science of sport.  Saturday, June 13, 2026

World Cup, World Cultures: Celebrating the Community and Science of Sport is generously supported by the Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation.

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