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As the New York/New Jersey region prepares to take center stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the American Museum of Natural History is heading to the pitch. The museum has officially announced "World Cup, World Cultures: Celebrating the Community and Science of Sport," a lineup of programming designed to bridge the gap between athletic excellence and scientific discovery.
The festivities begin today, May 15, with the opening of For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence. The exhibit championship rings, trophies, medals and jewelry from legendary athletes and teams.
At the heart of the celebration are the World Cup watch parties. Beginning June 11, the museum will screen matches in its most storied spaces, including the Cullman Hall of the Universe and on the LeFrak Theater’s massive 60-by-40-foot screen. A highlight of the summer will be the June 13 screening of Brazil vs. Morocco—the first 2026 World Cup match to be played locally.
Beyond the matches, the museum is introducing the Goal Zone on May 18. This interactive play space features digital simulators and virtual competitions where you can test your striking and goalkeeping skills. You can even snap photos with wax figures of soccer legends provided by Madame Tussauds New York.
If you're interested in the "how" behind the "wow," the museum’s learning labs will offer a deep dive into the biomechanics of the human body. Starting May 28, the Human Origins Learning Lab will explore how muscles, bones and brain responses adapt to high-level athletic performance. Meanwhile, the Global Sports Pavilion in the Futter Gallery will feature photography and video celebrating iconic moments in sports as well as the opportunity to explore the physics of a soccer ball and other hands-on activities.
The celebration peaks on July 11 with "Stoops to Stadiums," a special block party held during Manhattanhenge. The event celebrates the grassroots sports culture of New York City—from double dutch to pickup soccer—linking the global tournament to the local streets.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or a science enthusiast, AMNH is making the "beautiful game" accessible to all. Find out more on the AMNH website.