World Cup 2026: An Opportunity to Experience Football Atmosphere Near the Capitol

This Fan Zone is part of a series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, organized by the White House planning committee called Freedom 250. The area is planned right next to the Capitol – the seat of the U.S. Congress – and will be open for all matches of the U.S. team as well as other games starting before 7 PM (Eastern Daylight Time) throughout the tournament. This series of events will include live match viewing, food, music, and cultural programs for young people.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called this Fan Zone a “special partnership.” Mr. Infantino stated: “We are proud to bring the world’s football festival to the National Mall, creating a global experience in the heart of the capital, connecting people from all backgrounds, and linking this historic FIFA World Cup 2026 with the 250th anniversary of the United States through football, culture, and community.”

The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 and conclude with the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Eleven U.S. cities will host matches during the tournament. Although not hosting any matches, Washington is positioning itself as a World Cup destination—leveraging its international fan community and the expected surge in global tourism during a summer forecast to be one of the busiest travel seasons.

According to Freedom 250 Project CEO Keith Krach, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zone at the National Mall will help welcome the world to the United States during the 250th anniversary year of the nation's founding. It will be a place where people from around the globe can connect through sports, freedom, and shared human experience, in the shadow of America’s most iconic monuments.

The Fan Zone will take place alongside a large-scale “world fair” with a distinctly American character, stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, featuring food, entertainment, and cultural activities from all states and territories, along with a 33.5-meter-tall Ferris wheel.

According to the Fan Zone organizers, detailed information about participating partners and the event schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.