NEW YORK NY June 16, 2026 — Thousands of French soccer supporters flooded Times Square on Tuesday, waving tricolor flags, chanting, and donning blue Les Bleus jerseys in a vibrant pre-match celebration. The massive gathering came just hours before France’s opening Group Stage match against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey host region.
The festive atmosphere turned one of Manhattan’s busiest tourist spots into a temporary slice of Paris, with fans soaking up the energy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first hosted across North America. Videos circulating on social media showed packed crowds cheering and creating an electric vibe, drawing comparisons to other international fan takeovers in the city earlier in the tournament.
Barstool Sports captured the moment with a popular post, joking: “The last time this many French people were in America they were helping us take down the redcoats.” The tongue-in-cheek nod to France’s Revolutionary War alliance quickly went viral, sparking humorous replies celebrating the historical callback and the lively U.S.-based party scene versus more restricted past World Cups.
France enters the match as a strong favorite, with Les Bleus boasting talent and pedigree. Senegal, a perennial African powerhouse, promises a competitive opener in what is expected to be a raucous atmosphere at MetLife Stadium. French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari reportedly joined some of the celebrations in New York.
The 2026 tournament has already seen strong international fan presence in NYC, including notable Brazilian and other supporter groups in Times Square. Organizers have set up official fan zones across the metro area, including at Liberty State Park, Rockefeller Center, and various borough spots to accommodate global visitors.
As the World Cup ramps up, New York continues to embrace its role as a key host city, blending American hospitality with global football passion. Fans are encouraged to use public transit for match days, with NJ Transit services running to the stadium.
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