European soccer in New York

New York loves soccer! New York is actually the only city in the United States with two teams in the American soccer league.

What You Need to Know About Soccer in New York

First things first: don’t call it “football” if you mean the sport you know from Europe. In the United States, “football” refers only to American football! The European version is called “soccer”. Use “soccer” when talking to Americans about the sport.
Soccer is far from the most popular sport in the United States. It ranks behind baseball, American football, basketball, and even ice hockey. That said, soccer is gradually gaining fans across the country.
New York stands out once again. It’s the only US city with two teams in the American soccer league, the MLS (Major League Soccer). Both teams are relatively young compared to European clubs. The New York Red Bulls were founded in 1996 (originally as the MetroStars), and New York City FC was created in 2013.
New York will host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the prestigious final. Learn more in our article on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New York.

The famous energy drink brand bought the MetroStars in 2006, and the team naturally took the name New York Red Bulls. Today it’s the most well-known soccer team in New York, thanks to its longer history and track record. The New York Red Bulls won the American championship in 2016!
The team also gained recognition in Europe by signing former stars from top European clubs, including French internationals Thierry Henry and Youri Djorkaeff. The New York Red Bulls also attracted Italian Roberto Donadoni and German Lothar Matthäus.
Despite their name, the New York Red Bulls play in neighboring New Jersey, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison. This stadium holds over 25,000 spectators and sits north of Newark Airport. The fastest way to get there is to take the PATH subway from World Trade Center and get off at Harrison—about 20 minutes.

With a name that echoes FC Barcelona, New York City FC is a young club founded in 2013 by Don Garber.
New York City FC also attracted former European professional players. In 2014, former French international Patrick Vieira was hired as coach.
This new team is no joke: in 2017, it finished in second place in the American league!
One quirk: New York City FC plays in the Bronx, at Yankee Stadium. The field is adapted for soccer, with dimensions that meet the minimum size requirements. Getting there is easy: take the D subway line and get off at 161 Street-Yankee Stadium.