Visit Madame Tussauds New York to See FIFA World Cup Stars

The FIFA World Cup is coming to New York, and there has never been a better time to explore things to do in NYC this summer. With tournament fixtures at MetLife Stadium just across the river in New Jersey, you can combine the world's biggest soccer event with two of New York City’s most iconic attractions. Get face to face with Lionel Messi at Madame Tussauds New York, then head to the LEGO World Cup at LEGOLAND New York Resort for a full FIFA family experience.

Why MetLife Stadium Will Be the Center of the Soccer World

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is hosting some of the most exhilarating fixtures of the entire tournament, including the FIFA World Cup Final. If you love soccer, New York is the place to be. Here’s the full schedule:

See Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at Madame Tussauds New York

Two names define modern football. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the most celebrated players of their generation. You can get up close to both at Madame Tussauds New York.

Messi’s figure sits at the heart of an interactive soccer simulator where you can step into a virtual arena and take on your best Messi kick. Every detail has been captured with extraordinary precision. With over 500 exact measurements, more than 150 reference images, the craftsmanship has to be seen to be believed. Cristiano Ronaldo’s figure is equally jaw-dropping. Read more about Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Madame Tussauds New York. 

Explore More of the Sports Zone

Messi and Ronaldo are just the start. The Sports Zone at Madame Tussauds New York puts you alongside some of the biggest names in sporting history. Stand next to Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony, Serena Williams, Muhammad Ali, Eli Manning, David Wright, and Michelle Kwan. For football fans in NYC for the FIFA World Cup, it’s the ultimate sports experience, all in one visit.

Best Things To Do in NYC for Soccer Fans During FIFA Season

New York turns up the volume for major sporting events, and FIFA World Cup 2026 will be something else. Here’s how to make the most of the city.

Times Square is electric on match days. Madame Tussauds New York sits right at the heart of it, making it one of the best things to do in NYC this summer for fans of any nation.

Sports bars across the city fill up fast. NYC has a brilliant scene with venues in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond showing every game, so get there early for the best atmosphere.

Official FIFA Fan Zones are running throughout the tournament. The FIFA event NYC hub at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens runs June 11 to 27. The Brooklyn Bridge Park fan zone in Dumbo runs June 13 through to July 19. Check the official NYC World Cup fan zone listings for the full schedule.

Planning a Family FIFA Trip? Visit LEGOLAND® New York Resort

Attending the FIFA World Cup NYC with kids? LEGOLAND New York Resort is a great place to visit between matches. The LEGO® World Cup is running throughout the tournament. Enjoy LEGO FIFA World Cup builds, special soccer-focused activities and lots more brick-built fun in Goshen, New York. Get ready for a brilliant family day out that combines sport with everything kids love about LEGO. Find out more at LEGOLAND New York Resort.

How To Get From MetLife Stadium to NYC Attractions

MetLife Stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey, around 10 miles from Midtown Manhattan.

NJ Transit is the go-to option. Trains run to New York Penn Station in around 30 to 40 minutes. From there, Madame Tussauds New York and Times Square are a short ride away.

By car, the drive to Times Square is typically around 30 minutes outside busy periods, so build in extra time on match days.

Staying in Manhattan puts you perfectly placed for both the football and everything New York has to offer. For families and groups, a New Jersey base keeps you close to the stadium with easy city access on rest days.