Experience the essence of the 2026 World Cup through New York City’s top fan-favourite foods from Groups A, B and C, and discover where to catch every match while enjoying global cuisines.

Food, football and samba – can it get any better?

With less than 10 days left for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, New York City is already buzzing with the spirit of the tournament. Across all five boroughs, flavours from participating nations are filling the air – from family-run eateries in the South Bronx screening Mexico’s games over plates of enchiladas to Brazilian cafes serving coxinha and pão de queijo to the beat of samba music.

That’s the magic of New York. Few cities can match its cultural mix, culinary diversity and passionate football fan base. Each borough offers a different taste, but the experience remains the same: friends, families and supporters uniting over the game, sharing meals and celebrating anticipation for the global event.

In this first chapter of a four-part series, GOAL highlights dishes from countries in Groups A, B and C – all available across New York City – and the eateries where fans can savour the World Cup before the whistle blows.

Mexico

In the South Bronx, Xochimilco Family Restaurant is a go-to spot for fans. Its colourful interiors and lively atmosphere bring people together for both major international fixtures and local clashes. Visitors enjoy empanadas, tacos and enchiladas while cheering on their favourite teams with family and friends.

South Africa

Kaia Wine Bar on the Upper East Side celebrates South African cuisine with favourites such as viskoekie sliders – crispy fish cakes served with warm aioli – and a popular house-made lamb burger. For South African supporters, biltong, a dried and cured meat snack, remains a must-have for game day gatherings.

South Korea

Located in Koreatown, KRUSH is a lively sports bar serving Korean fried chicken infused with kimchi-inspired flavours. Matches are shown throughout the day, and for Korea Republic fans, few pairings top the classic combination of fried chicken and an ice-cold beer.

Czechia

In Astoria, Queens, Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden is a beloved destination for Czech and Slovak beers, pork schnitzel, bratwurst and other Central European favourites. The venue broadcasts matches on big screens, and one of its most popular dishes during Czechia’s games is klobása, a grilled sausage that pairs perfectly with a cold pint.

Canada

Canada’s star Alphonso Davies has named poutine as his favourite dish, making it a clear pick for Canadian fans. The Canuck in Chelsea serves several varieties of the classic comfort food – from traditional to versions with chopped cheese, mushrooms and shaved ribeye – making it a top choice for match-day indulgence.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ćevapi, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national dish, consists of grilled meat sausages tucked inside flatbread and served with onions and kajmak, a creamy dairy spread. At Sarajevo Grill in Astoria, Queens, fans can enjoy this staple while watching the games, recreating the authentic Bosnian football atmosphere.

Qatar

Chicken shawarma is a popular go-to for Qatar supporters on match days – warm, filling and easy to enjoy while watching the game. In New York City, fans can visit Middle Eastern restaurants like Au Za’atar, located in the East Village and Midtown, for Lebanese and regional dishes. While not exclusively Qatari, its shawarma and shared platters perfectly suit the World Cup viewing spirit.

Switzerland

Though fondue is Switzerland’s most iconic dish, bratwurst is a more common match-day snack among Swiss fans. In New York, Swiss cuisine can be found at Mont Blanc 52 in the Theatre District, which serves traditional fare including grilled Swiss sausages, ideal for enjoying during a World Cup match.

Brazil

Beija Flor in Long Island City offers an immersive Brazilian experience, filled with samba rhythms and authentic flavours. The restaurant will showcase Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on big screens, serving caipirinhas, pão de queijo and mandioca frita. While feijoada remains Brazil’s national dish, coxinha – fried chicken croquettes – is a fan favourite for any football occasion.

Morocco

Merguez and Frites in Astoria specialises in Moroccan cuisine, offering dishes like the kofta sandwich and kibda plate. Fans can also enjoy chickpea pie while watching matches. To truly eat like locals this World Cup, visitors should try tagine, Morocco’s signature slow-cooked stew rich in flavour and tradition.

Haiti

Haitian supporters often gather around plates of fritay – an assortment of fried snacks such as griot and plantains – during football matches. In New York City, Haitian restaurants like Djon Djon in Brooklyn, Rebel Restaurant & Bar on the Lower East Side, and Golden Blue Bar & Restaurant are popular spots to enjoy authentic food while catching major games.

Scotland

While haggis is Scotland’s national dish, match days call for the hearty Scotch pie, often called a “football pie,” paired with a hot cup of Bovril – a savoury beef drink perfect for cold-weather games. Scottish-themed pubs in New York such as Caledonia (with branches on the Upper East and Upper West Sides) and St. Andrews near Broadway create a homely setting for fans to cheer on Scotland with a dram of whisky in hand. The combination of warm hospitality and authentic flavours makes these venues a key part of NYC’s World Cup food culture.