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New Yorkers walking through The Shops at Columbus Circle this week may notice something new ticking down toward one of the city's biggest sporting events. A massive countdown clock marking 100 days until the FIFA World Cup 2026 has just been unveiled on the mall’s ground floor.
Installed by the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee, the clock officially launched yesterday, March 3, marking the final stretch before the tournament kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City. From there, the clock will keep rolling until July 19, when the championship match takes place just across the Hudson at MetLife Stadium.
The installation is simple but effective: a large digital display wrapped in official World Cup branding, positioned where shoppers, tourists and subway commuters funnel through the mall each day. Visitors can snap photos beside the clock or scan an on-site QR code that links to tournament details, match information and upcoming fan experiences planned across the region.
And there’s a lot to count down to. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in the tournament’s history, expanding to 48 teams and a record 104 matches played across 16 North American cities. It's also the first time ever that three countries (the U.S., Canada and Mexico) will host the event together.
The New York–New Jersey region will play a particularly prominent role. Eight matches are scheduled for the area, ending with the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, which will become the tournament’s ultimate stage after more than five weeks of games across the continent.
The Columbus Circle countdown clock is just one of the early public signs that our region’s preparations are kicking into high gear and host committee officials say it’s meant to kick off a bigger slate of fan-focused activations and cultural programming leading up to the tournament.
Yesterday, the Empire State Building also joined the celebration, lighting its tower in the colors of the three host nations—red, white and blue for the United States, red and white for Canada, and green, white and red for Mexico. Representatives from the U.S. Soccer Federation, Canada Soccer, the Mexican Football Federation and the New York New Jersey Host Committee attended the ceremony alongside the tournament’s mascots, Maple, Zayu and Clutch.
The World Cup festivities aren’t stopping there. FIFA also revealed the official tournament poster this week, designed by Brooklyn-based conceptual artist Hank Willis Thomas. His work, which is known for exploring identity, media and popular culture, will serve as the final piece in a series created for each of the tournament’s 16 host cities.
For now, though, the most immediate reminder sits right at Columbus Circle, quietly ticking away. If you want a photo with the official countdown before the crowds arrive this summer, the clock is already waiting—and it’s not slowing down.