ESD organizes free FIFA World Cup 2026 public community watch parties for football fans
Empire State Development is inviting soccer fans in Western New York to join free public watch parties for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at three key locations.
Empire State Development (ESD) is reminding Western New York soccer fans that free public community watch parties for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are being held at three key Buffalo locations. Fans are invited to Silo City, Canalside and West Side Bazaar, where they can support the US national team and teams from other countries. The World Cup 2026, which will run from June 11 to July 19, is being seen as the biggest and most exciting edition yet, with 48 teams competing in 104 matches. These free public watch parties reflect the efforts of Governor Kathy Hochul and ESD to bring the world's largest sporting event to communities in New York.“Through the New York State Community World Cup Grant program and with the support of Governor Hochul, we are transforming three of Buffalo’s most iconic and culturally diverse venues into premier regional fan zones,” said ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “Whether you're watching the match projected onto historic grain silos at Silo City, gathering along Canalside, or enjoying global cuisine at the West Side Bazaar, these free watch parties will showcase the vibrant and welcoming spirit of Western New York.”
Buffalo's spectator venues provide a unique atmosphere for sports fans. Admission is free to all watch parties, which will include local food vendors, family-friendly events and match-day activities.At least three football watch parties will be held at Canalside. Matches here will be shown on a large video board, where attendees can enjoy drinks, food trucks, live music, giveaways and family-friendly activities. Fans will also have a chance to win tickets to a match in Toronto. Free watch parties to be held at Canalside:
√ Friday, June 12 – USA vs. Paraguay (program begins at 5 p.m., match begins at 9 p.m.)
√ Friday, June 19 – USA vs Australia (program starts at 1 pm, match starts at 3 pm)
√ Thursday, June 25 – USA vs Türkiye (program starts at 8 pm, match starts at 10 am)
√ TBD – Round of 32 America's matchesSilo City will feature six select matches projected onto Buffalo's historic grain silos. All matches will be broadcast at the venue, which will include global cultural events and local food trucks. This global celebration will be supported by community football clinics. Free World Cup projections to be held at Silo City:
√ Friday, June 12 – USA vs Paraguay (match starts at 9 pm)
√ Thursday, June 25 – USA vs Türkiye (match starts at 10 am)
√ Friday, June 26 – Uruguay vs Spain (match starts at 8 pm), followed by Belgium vs New Zealand (match starts at 11 am)
√ Thursday, July 2 – TBD Round of 32 (match starts at 11am)
√ Saturday, July 11 – TBD Quarterfinals (match starts at 9 PM)
West Side Bazaar WEDI and West Side Bazaar are hosting an amazing free community watch party series that celebrates the energy, culture and connection of Buffalo. Each event will feature special food and drinks from the countries participating in the competition.
Free U.S. at West Side Bazaar Soccer watch parties will be held:
√ Thursday, June 18 – Qatar vs Canada (match starts at 6 pm)
√ Friday, June 19 – USA vs Australia (match starts at 3 pm)
√ Wednesday, June 24 – Switzerland vs Canada (match starts at 3 pm)
√ Friday, June 26 – Norway vs France (match starts 3pm)Buffalo also recently launched its new "Football Fan Guide," which provides information on the best watch parties and other activities during the World Cup. "Buffalo is ready to meet this World Cup moment. In Canalside, Silo City and West Side Bazaar, fans will find three amazing venues showcasing our city's spirit, diversity and love of bringing people together," said Patrick Kaler, President and CEO of Buffalo.
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said, "Buffalo is one of America's great sports cities, and we've seen how powerful it can be when fans come together to support our teams. These World Cup watch parties give us a chance to bring that energy back."Silo City Executive Director Maris Grundy said, "Thanks to Governor Hochul's support, Silo City is excited to provide Buffalo's grain silos and avid sports fans with a unique World Cup viewing experience!"
“West Side Bazaar has always been a microcosm of the world where cultures meet through food and entrepreneurship,” said Courtney Yonce-Swain, WEDI's interim executive director. Under the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program, Governor Hochul recently announced 12 community projects.