Times Square

Times Square is the commercial and entertainment hub of Midtown Manhattan, New York City, centred on the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue between 42nd and 47th Streets. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world and the cultural centrepiece of New York, defined by its dense illuminated advertising, live entertainment venues, and constant pedestrian traffic.

Times Square has a long history as a gathering point for mass celebrations, from New Year's Eve ball drops to ticker-tape parades. Its openness and visibility make it a natural focal point for fans of visiting nations during major sporting events hosted in the United States.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, on the night of 15-16 June 2026, rival fan groups from Argentina and Algeria clashed in Times Square. Argentine supporters had gathered for a traditional banderazo rally ahead of their Group J opener, which escalated into a street brawl involving punches and kicks. NYPD officers intervened and made arrests. The incident was one of the most prominent public disorder events of the tournament and occurred hours before Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0. Argentine supporters returned to Times Square on 19 July 2026 for a much larger, peaceful banderazo ahead of the World Cup final against Spain, filling the junction of 42nd Street and Broadway with giant flags, drums and flares under an NYPD security perimeter that closed surrounding streets.