WASHINGTON (7News) — The National Mall will turn into a massive fan zone for soccer fans hoping to watch numerous matches during the FIFA World Cup, according to Freedom250 organizers.
In a statement on Tuesday, organizers for America’s 250th birthday celebrations said fans will be set up between 3rd and 4th street near the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of the American Indian. The events will be free to the public and take place between June 11 and July 19.
Organizers said the Fan Zone will “be set against the backdrop of America’s 250th anniversary celebration and will serve as a premier destination for fans from across the country.”
The fan events will take place on an already busy National Mall, which will host a “Great American State Fair” from June 25 to July 10.
Fan Zone plans include live match viewing, interactive exhibits, cultural showcases, food, music, and family-friendly activities, officials said.
All viewing party events will start an hour before the first match and close an hour after the last match of the day. Matches played outside the U.S. after 7 p.m. will not be shown until the Round of 16 fixtures begin.
“The FIFA Fan Zone Washington, D.C. is a result of an extraordinary partnership that reflects the global spirit of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a statement. “We are proud to bring the celebration of the world’s game to the National Mall, and together, we are creating a global experience in the heart of the nation’s capital that unites people from all backgrounds and connects this historic FIFA World Cup 2026 with America’s 250th anniversary through football, culture, and community.”
No World Cup game will be hosted in the national capital region; however, the Croatian team will call Alexandria’s Episcopal High School its base camp during the tournament.
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