Empire State Building World Cup 2026: 100+ Iconic Soccer Jerseys, Messi, Ronaldo & Beckham

Published 2026-06-15 · WorldCup.NYC Editorial

One thousand feet above Midtown Manhattan, the most famous building in New York is now a vertical soccer museum. The Empire State Building Observation Deck is hosting what it calls the world's most iconic soccer jersey collection — and it runs through July 19, 2026, the day of the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium.

In partnership with Classic Football Shirts (CFS), a UK-based retailer renowned for sourcing rare and match-worn kits, the ESB has installed more than 100 jerseys spread across four floors of its observation deck experience. Match-worn and rare shirts from Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and dozens of other international stars are on display from June 9 through July 19 — all included with standard admission.

What to Expect at Each Floor

The exhibit spans the full observation deck experience, from the interactive museum galleries on the lower levels up through the 86th floor. The centerpiece on the 86th Floor Observation Deck is a golden oversized soccer trophy installation — perfect for a skyline-backed photo with your team's victory celebration in the background.

Exclusive ESB x Classic Football Shirts Jersey

In a limited-edition collaboration, the Empire State Building and Classic Football Shirts created a custom ESB soccer jersey inspired by the Observation Deck's famed host uniforms. It was available exclusively on the 86th Floor through June 23 — if you missed it, that's one more reason the CFS collection inside is worth seeing.

Tower Lightings & Match Celebrations

The ESB's legendary tower lights will celebrate the winners of every match played at MetLife Stadium throughout the tournament. If your team wins at New York New Jersey Stadium, the Empire State Building will light up in their colors that night. Text CONNECT to 274-16 for real-time updates on the lightings.

Daily Giveaways

From June 11 through July 19, the last 50 visitors each day with advance reservations receive a limited-edition commemorative tournament cup — a keepsake that's genuinely scarce. If you want one, book the latest available slot for your visit day.

Tickets & Getting There

The jersey exhibit is included with all Empire State Building Observation Deck tickets — there's no separate charge. Reserve tickets at esbnyc.com. The ESB is at 350 Fifth Avenue, accessible from the B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W trains at 34th St–Herald Square or the 1/2/3 at 34th St–Penn Station.

Between the jersey exhibit, the tower lightings keyed to MetLife results, and those skyline views with a golden trophy in the frame, the Empire State Building has turned itself into one of the most soccer-specific experiences in the city this summer — and it doesn't require a match ticket to enjoy.