DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP

From Croatia’s burek to Ghana’s chichinga, discover the flavours of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through New York City’s most beloved dishes representing Groups J, K and L.

From Algeria’s seafood platters to Argentina’s iconic steakhouses, this final part of GOAL’s New York City World Cup food guide highlights the most popular culinary stops for fans supporting teams from Groups J, K and L.

A Sunday roast, a pint, and football — could there be a better combination?

With the World Cup now less than 10 days away, excitement is building across New York City, where football fans are already savouring the flavours of the tournament. Across the five boroughs, the 2026 FIFA World Cup spirit is alive — from family-run restaurants in Astoria, Queens, screening Algeria’s matches alongside seafood and kafta platters, to Argentine steakhouses serving expertly cooked meats on tables decked out in Argentina’s blue and white colours.

That cultural mix is what makes New York City so unique. Few cities globally can rival its combination of diverse cuisines, communities, and football passion. The food may vary from one borough to another, but the essence remains the same — friends, families, and fans coming together over food, football, and anticipation of the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.

In the concluding chapter of this four-part series, GOAL explores the standout dishes from countries in Groups J, K, and L — all available across NYC — along with the best restaurants to enjoy them before the tournament’s opening kick.

Argentina

Argentines are masters at two things — preparing world-class steaks and playing football. Steakhouses and the sport are inseparable parts of their culture.

New York City is buzzing with Argentine fans, bringing the same infectious energy as Knicks supporters. In Midtown Manhattan, it’s nearly impossible to walk a block without spotting either a Knicks jersey or a Lionel Messi shirt.

For the perfect blend of football and Argentine cuisine, head to Boca Juniors in Queens — one of the top spots in the city for both steak and sport.

Algeria

Astoria, Queens, scores another win for great food and football ambience. Merguez & Frites in Astoria is a must-visit for Algerian football enthusiasts. Enjoy kofta and a wide range of seafood dishes while watching the match live.

Austria

In Austria, hearty handheld foods are the go-to for stadium snacks. Two of the most popular are Käsekrainer and Schnitzelsemmel.

Käsekrainer is a juicy pork sausage served in a bun with cheese, mustard, and a hint of curry powder, while Schnitzelsemmel features crispy pork or chicken schnitzel tucked into a bread roll.

In NYC, fans can head to Cafe Katja on Orchard Street to enjoy authentic Austrian fare and catch the major matches. In Brooklyn, Werkstatt serves as a lively Austrian-German pub and a gathering point for supporters.

Jordan

In Jordan, Bizir — a mix of sunflower and pumpkin seeds — is one of the most common snacks enjoyed while watching football. Mezze dips and falafel wraps are also crowd favourites during match days.

For an authentic experience, visit Bedouin Tent in Downtown Brooklyn, a well-known hub for Jordanian food, social gatherings, and football fans.

Portugal

When it comes to Portuguese match-day food, the undisputed favourite is the bifana. Thinly sliced pork is cooked with spices, garlic, and white wine, then served in a crispy roll.

For authentic Portuguese cuisine, visit O Lavrador in Jamaica, Queens, or enjoy the lively atmosphere at Raizes Churrascaria in Brooklyn, where fans pack in to support Portugal.

Congo DR

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, beef skewers known as kamundele and ntaba — a grilled goat dish — are among the top choices for sports fans. A warm skewer is often paired with a chilled beer for the perfect combination.

In Manhattan’s Financial District, an African halal food stand on Pearl Street offers some of the best African cuisine in the city and hosts viewing parties for fans of South Africa, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Senegal, DR Congo, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana. The stand features rotating country-specific specials worth checking out.

Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, grilled meats, flaky pastries, and green tea are staples during football matches. Shashlik — skewered and grilled meat — is a particularly popular choice.

In NYC, Brighton Beach in Brooklyn is home to a strong Uzbek and Central Asian community. Uma’s in Rockaway Beach, Queens, is another stand-out spot that perfectly blends beachside relaxation with authentic Uzbek cuisine.

Colombia

Colombians love their football, often pairing matches with empanadas or arepas. These delicious snacks are a match-day essential across Colombia.

In New York City, the Colombian community comes out in full force for games. For a lively atmosphere filled with food, drinks, and football, Bogota Latin Bistro in Brooklyn is the place to be.

England

While it may sound simple, chips — or French fries — remain the top snack for football fans in England. Sausage rolls, pizzas, and meat pies are other popular pub foods, typically enjoyed with a pint — an essential part of any match day.

English fans in NYC have plenty of options. Carragher’s in the Financial District, Grand Street Social in Lower Manhattan, and Highbury Pub in Brooklyn are among the best places to catch England’s games and enjoy the camaraderie.

Croatia

In Croatia, few things pair better with sports than burek — a flaky pastry filled with minced meat and cheese. It’s a convenient and tasty snack for watching football at home or at a bar.

For a Croatian experience in NYC, head to Rialto in Astoria, Queens — formerly known as Istria Sport Club — where fans gather for food, drinks, and matches shown on a massive wall-sized screen.

Ghana

In Ghana, chichinga — grilled meat skewers seasoned with peanuts and chilli — is a favourite street food during football matches. Often served with sweet plantains, it’s a beloved dish packed with flavour.

In New York, Eleanor’s Bar and Restaurant in Pelham Bay, Bronx, offers a winning combination of chichinga, drinks, and live football screenings.

Panama

In Panama, patacones — twice-fried green plantains pressed into discs — are a top choice while watching football or baseball. They can be enjoyed as chips, fries, or topped with cheese, shredded beef, or vegetables.

To experience authentic Panamanian cuisine and lively match-day vibes, head to Michelle’s Cocktail Lounge in Flatbush, Brooklyn, when Panama takes the field during the World Cup.

How far will Portugal go at the World Cup?