You don't need a ticket to MetLife Stadium to catch the biggest match of the year. New York State is bringing the 2026 World Cup Final to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, with giant outdoor screens, live entertainment and family activities — all free, just minutes from Bronxville, Scarsdale and Eastchester.
Gates open at noon under the state's "New York State United" banner, with kids' activities, entertainment and food running right up to kickoff at 3 p.m. Registration is required, but admission itself costs nothing.
This year marks the first World Cup held in the U.S. since 1994, and the first ever to feature 48 teams across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. While the actual final plays out at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford — complete with a halftime show featuring Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber — Kensico offers a way to feel the moment locally, outdoors, without the trip to New Jersey.
There's no onsite parking, but free shuttle buses will run from designated lots, with pickup details sent after registration. Prefer to skip the car entirely? The Bronx River Pathway runs all the way to Kensico Dam Plaza, including a 4.6-mile paved stretch connecting Bronxville and Scarsdale directly to the venue by trail — a scenic way to arrive if the weather cooperates.
Quick details:
- When: Sunday, July 19 — gates at noon, kickoff at 3 p.m.
- Where: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
- Cost: Free (registration required)
- Register: events.newyorkstateunited.com
- Parking: None onsite; free shuttles provided
- More info: parks.westchestercountyny.gov
