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New York City's World Cup fever is officially kicking into high gear.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds across North America, a new free exhibition at Rockefeller Center gives New Yorkers a chance to dive into nearly a century of soccer history without leaving Midtown. The FIFA Museum Presented by Hyundai is now open through July 19, the day of the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Called "Legacies of Champions," the exhibition combines artifacts from FIFA's archives with interactive experiences celebrating the tournament's history and cultural impact. Visitors can explore displays dedicated to iconic World Cup moments, see historic memorabilia and learn more about the evolution of the world's biggest sporting event.
One of the biggest draws is the chance to see pieces of World Cup history up close, including exhibits tied to legendary players and past tournaments. There will be memorabilia from legends including Pelé, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, as well as a "48 TEAMS. ONE PRIZE" installation, boasting jerseys from all 48 participating nations, and the "Wall of Champions," which honors every World Cup-winning player. The experience is designed to appeal to both die-hard soccer fans and casual visitors who just want to be part of the city's World Cup celebration.
The exhibition also looks toward the future. Hyundai has incorporated robotics technology from Boston Dynamics into the experience, with appearances from the company's Spot and Atlas robots helping to bring the interactive displays to life. Because why not celebrate human athleticism with robots?
The museum arrives as Rockefeller Center transforms into one of the city's major World Cup gathering spots. Throughout the tournament, the area is hosting fan experiences and public activations as New York and New Jersey welcome visitors from around the globe for matches and celebrations.
It's also one more reason to head to Midtown this summer. Between fan festivals and watch parties, New York is serving as one of the tournament's central stages, making this free museum a way to experience a piece of that excitement even if you don't have a ticket to a match.
The FIFA Museum Presented by Hyundai is open June 11–July 19 at Rockefeller Center. Admission is free. For more information, click here.