NYNJ Host Committee Highlights Community Impact After Engaging Tens of Thousands of Young People Across New York and New Jersey Through FIFA World Cup 2026™

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More than 5,000 young people participated in clinics, Pitch Days, tournaments, community events and youth programming across New York and New Jersey

Established partnerships with organizations to create lasting soccer infrastructure, with more than a dozen mini pitch projects completed or in development, with more to come

Free fan experiences, expanded access to matches, community programming and soccer infrastructure establish a foundation for continued growth of the game across the region

NEW YORK NEW JERSEY — As FIFA World Cup 2026™ concludes, the New York New Jersey Host Committee today highlighted the lasting investments, partnerships and community initiatives created through the tournament to expand access to soccer and ensure young people across the region share in the legacy of the tournament.

Over the past several years, the Host Committee has worked alongside state and local governments, youth soccer organizations, professional clubs, nonprofit partners, its Host City Supporters, and community leaders to bring the experience of the FIFA World Cup directly into neighborhoods across New York and New Jersey. These efforts have reached tens of thousands of young people across both New York and New Jersey.

Through free clinics and community events, new places to play, affordable and no-cost access to matches and fan experiences distributed throughout the region, these partnerships have helped remove barriers to participation and create more opportunities for young people to engage with the game.

“The greatest legacy of hosting the FIFA World Cup will be the next generation of players who pick up a soccer ball because of what they experienced this summer,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. “By expanding access to the game, investing in communities and bringing partners together across New York and New Jersey, we’ve created opportunities that will continue inspiring young people and strengthening soccer across our region for years to come.”

“The FIFA World Cup has brought people from all over the world together, and here in New York, we want to keep that energy going for children across the state,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “That’s why I launched NY Kicks — to continue to bring kids and families together and give them another space to get offline, get outside and keep that joy for the sport with them for many, many years ahead.”

“Hosting the World Cup in New Jersey has been a tremendous honor. Up and down our state, we have seen our communities rally around this tournament. From our downtowns to our fan zones, people across New Jersey, from all different backgrounds, have joined in the festivities and taken part in this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “Years from now, today’s kids will remember that the World Cup Final was played right here in the Garden State. I hope this tournament sparks a lifelong love of the game, strengthens youth sports in every corner of our state, and inspires the next generation to dream big and work hard. That’s a legacy that extends far beyond this tournament.”

“We said from the beginning that the World Cup belongs to New Yorkers. This summer, we proved it,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “In the most international city on earth, you didn’t need thousands of dollars to be part of the world’s game. A kid in Corona, a nurse in Bay Ridge and a small business owner in Little Haiti could all celebrate together — for free or at a price they could afford. That’s what we mean when we talk about a city for the many. This summer, strangers became neighbors on Open Streets and in free Fan Fests across the city because government made room for people to come together. And long after the confetti is swept away, New Yorkers will keep what we built: safer streets, faster buses, stronger protections, closer neighbors and the memory of a summer when the whole world felt at home here.”

Bringing the World Cup to Every Community

From the earliest stages of planning, the NYNJ Host Committee worked to ensure the FIFA World Cup reached far beyond New York New Jersey Stadium. Through partnerships with governments, schools, youth organizations, professional clubs and nonprofit organizations, the Host Committee focused on expanding opportunities for young people to experience and participate in the world’s largest sporting event.

A centerpiece of those efforts was the Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour, which brought the excitement of the FIFA World Cup directly into communities across New York and New Jersey in the months leading up to and throughout the tournament. Traveling to cities and neighborhoods throughout the region, the mobile fan experience featured youth soccer programming, games, giveaways, athlete ambassador appearances and opportunities for families to celebrate the World Cup close to home.

Since 2024, the Host Committee and its partners have engaged tens of thousands of youth through the following initiatives:

• Directly engaged more than 5,000 young people through clinics, Pitch Days, tournaments, community events and youth programming.
• Provided more than 2,000 New Yorkers and New Jerseyans with access to FIFA World Cup matches through free and affordable ticket initiatives.
• Hosted free official fan experiences across New Jersey and all five boroughs of New York City, ensuring communities throughout the region had opportunities to participate in the tournament.
• Delivered free youth soccer programming at official Host Committee fan destinations through partnerships with local organizations.
• Partnered on the installation of over a dozen community mini pitches, and counting, that will continue serving neighborhoods after the tournament concludes.

Additional programming included professional player and athlete ambassador meet-and-greets and opportunities for youth organizations to attend FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches, international friendlies, and matches hosted by the region’s professional soccer clubs.

Expanding Access to the World Cup

All official Host Committee fan experiences were made free to attend and were distributed across New Jersey and all five boroughs of New York City, allowing residents to participate in the tournament close to home and without the cost of admission.

Each official fan destination incorporated youth soccer programming delivered by organizations with deep ties to the communities they serve. Programming partners included:

• Ironbound Soccer Club and the New York Red Bulls Academy at Jersey Fan Hub;
• South Bronx United in the Bronx;
• City in the Community in Queens;
• Because We Can on Staten Island; and
• Gotham FC and New York City FC at the official NYNJ World Cup 26™ & Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center.

By pairing free match viewing and fan programming with clinics, small-sided games and youth activities, the Host Committee created opportunities for young people to experience the tournament as active participants in their own communities.

The Host Committee also worked with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and corporate and nonprofit partners to expand access to FIFA World Cup matches.

Through those partnerships, more than 2,000 New Yorkers and New Jerseyans received opportunities to attend matches at no cost or through affordable ticket programs.

Ticket initiatives prioritized working families, young people, community organizations, first responders, military families, health care workers and residents who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to attend the tournament.

These efforts reflected the Host Committee’s broader commitment to ensuring communities throughout the region could experience and participate in the FIFA World Cup.

Creating More Places to Play

The Host Committee, with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and its Host City Supporters have also supported the development of new mini pitches and community soccer facilities throughout New York and New Jersey.

To date, 17 mini pitches have been completed or are under development in the following communities:

New Jersey

• Joseph H. Brensinger School – PS 17 (Jersey City) — NYNJ Host Committee X U.S. Soccer Foundation
• Harrison High School (Harrison) — Supported by PSE&G
• Memorial Park (Lodi) — Supported by PSE&G
• Municipal Building Park (Hamilton Township) — Supported by PSE&G
• Camden Street Elementary School (Newark) — Supported by PSE&G
• Hawkins Street Elementary School (Newark) — Supported by Johnson & Johnson
• Asbury Park High School (Asbury Park) — Supported by Hackensack Meridian Health
• Pulaski Park (Hackensack) — Supported by Hackensack Meridian Health
• Acacia Youth Center (Woodbridge) — Supported by Hackensack Meridian Health
• Florence Avenue Elementary School (Irvington) — Supported by Airbnb
• Cadwalader Park (Trenton) — Supported by Bristol Myers Squibb
• KIPP Academy Newark (Newark) — Supported by Onyx Equities

New York

• S. X463 (Bronx) — Supported by Related Companies/Bronx Terminal Market
• S. 112 (Bronx) — Supported by Airbnb
• S. 102 (Queens) — Supported by Airbnb
• S. 394 (Brooklyn) — Supported by Airbnb
• S. 40 (Staten Island) — Supported by Airbnb

The mini pitches are designed to provide safe, accessible and high-quality places for young people to play in communities where available dedicated soccer spaces may be limited.

The tournament also served as a catalyst for broader public investments and new initiatives intended to grow the game across New York.

New York State launched the $5 million NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund to support the construction and improvement of soccer infrastructure in underserved communities across the state. An additional $1 million will support programming, equipment, uniforms, coaching and other operating needs to help communities maximize use of the new facilities.

In New York City, Mayor Mamdani launched Soccer Streets, transforming streets outside 50 public schools across all five boroughs into temporary soccer spaces and community events in the lead-up to the tournament.

The City also launched NYC Open Play, providing free overnight pickup soccer at one field in each borough during the tournament and expanding opportunities for residents to participate in the game at no cost.

Together, these initiatives represent a significant regional investment in both the physical infrastructure and community programming necessary to create more consistent and affordable opportunities to play.

A Regional Partnership to Grow the Game

The Host Committee’s youth and community engagement work was made possible through collaboration with organizations across New York and New Jersey, including:

• New Jersey Youth Soccer Association
• Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
• Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey
• YMCA of Greater New York
• Ironbound Soccer Club
• City in the Community
• South Bronx United
• Street Soccer USA
• Special Olympics
• Because We Can
• Gotham FC
• New York Red Bulls
• New York City FC
• U.S. Soccer Foundation
• Soccer Forward Foundation

By investing in neighborhood infrastructure, supporting free programming, expanding access to matches and strengthening the organizations already serving local families, the FIFA World Cup has helped create new pathways for young people across New York and New Jersey to play, participate and see themselves in the future of soccer.

“The FIFA World Cup has always been about more than just the matches on the field; it also serves as an opportunity to inspire the next generation and make soccer more accessible to communities throughout New Jersey and New York. Through our partnership with the New York New Jersey FIFA World Cup Host Committee, we have created unforgettable experiences for thousands of young players and their families. These experiences include clinics, community events, and unique opportunities to witness the world’s biggest sporting event up close. We take pride in our work together ensuring that the legacy of the World Cup lasts beyond the final whistle, helping more young people develop a lifelong love for the beautiful game.” — Evan Dabby, CEO, New Jersey Youth Soccer Association

“We are grateful to the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee for providing players from across the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from U.S. Soccer legends Kristine Lilly, Kristie Mewis, and Brad Friedel at the Panini Skills Clinic held at the iconic Rockefeller Center. Experiences like these inspire the next generation, helping young players dream big, fall in love with the game, and create memories that will last a lifetime. As the FIFA World Cup shines a spotlight on our region, we look forward to building on this momentum and creating even more opportunities for young players across New York.” — Rich Cristiano, President, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

“Some moments stay with you long after they’re over, and this was certainly one of them. Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey is incredibly grateful to the NYNJ Host Committee for creating unforgettable experiences and opportunities for the young people we serve. As a former Boys & Girls Club member myself, I know firsthand how powerful opportunities like these can be in building confidence, inspiring aspirations, and shaping a young person’s future. We are proud to have partnered with the NYNJ Host Committee to ensure our Club youth were not only spectators of this historic moment, but active participants in the celebration. Thank you for investing in our young people and helping create memories that will last a lifetime.” — Nuno Francisco, Board President, Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey

“In the course of expertly hosting visitors from across the globe, the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee also managed to created dozens of magical moments for the youth of New York City. We are thrilled that YMCA campers, youth, teens, and families had once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to take part in clinics and watch parties and even attend a World Cup match over the last two weeks. The YMCA is grateful to the Host Committee for so thoughtfully including young New Yorkers in this extraordinary event, and for inspiring the next generation’s love of soccer.” — Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater New York

“On behalf of Ironbound Soccer Club, we are incredibly proud to have partnered with the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee at the Sports Illustrated Area Fan Festival to bring the excitement of the World Cup directly to our community. Watching thousands of young people and families come together to play, learn, and celebrate the world’s game reminds us that soccer is about so much more than competition – it is about connection, opportunity, and belonging. Experiences like these inspire the next generation, strengthen our community, and create lifelong memories. The passion, joy, and love for the game we witnessed throughout the Fan Hub truly showcased the spirit of NYNJ and demonstrated the incredible power of soccer to unite people from around the world!” — Nick Lavrador, Director of Coaching, Ironbound SC

“At City in the Community, our mission is to empower young people through soccer by expanding access, creating opportunity, and strengthening communities across New York City. We are incredibly grateful to the New York New Jersey Host Committee for genuinely sharing in that mission, working alongside community partners, and championing our young people every step of the way. Their commitment to collaboration and placing community organizations at the center set a powerful standard for how major sporting events can create meaningful local impact and helped realize what we believe is the greatest legacy of the FIFA World Cup: lasting opportunity for young people and communities.” — Bailee Eaglin, Executive Director, City in the Community

“South Bronx United thanks the New York New Jersey Host Committee for including in this incredible World Cup season that brought the biggest event in the world to our doorstep. Where communities like ours often get overlooked, the Committee has prioritized ensuring youth from underserved communities have had access to unique opportunities during this exciting time. Thank you!” — Andrew So, Executive Director, South Bronx United

“We are grateful to NYNJ Host Committee for promoting a lasting legacy to the FIFA World Cup. Street Soccer USA is proud to have secured over $5M and already invested over $2.5M in new soccer facilities and learning centers, in high need neighborhoods in New York City, four of which opened prior to the World Cup this summer.  In addition, we have served over 10,000 NYC youth this summer through summer camps and cups across every borough including the Central Park FIFA arena at no cost to participants, helping to ensure that the FIFA World Cup 2026 in New York New Jersey is the beginning of long term impact, and showing what New York and New Jersey can do when you build from the bottom up!” — Lawrence Cann, Founder & President, Street Soccer USA

“Through the power of sport, Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) provides training, competition, and health opportunities focused on inclusion for children and adults with intellectual disabilities across our great state. The World Cup brought people together from across the globe through the power of sport and a ball. SONJ is proud and grateful for the opportunity to be included in World Cup festivities in New Jersey and on the pitch! We thank Governor Sherrill and the NYNJ Host Committee for their support and for including our athletes in this amazing journey. It will be the dream of a lifetime for our athletes and their families to watch the World Cup final in person this Sunday.” — Heather Andersen, President & CEO, Special Olympics of New Jersey

“Soccer has the power to unite a city, inspire a generation, and create change that endures far beyond the final whistle. This World Cup has shown what is possible when we use the world’s game to bring people together, invest in young people, and strengthen our communities. We are deeply grateful to the New York New Jersey Host Committee for its partnership, its extraordinary work, and its commitment to ensuring this tournament created meaningful opportunities for New Yorkers. Its greatest legacy will be measured not only by what happened on the field, but by the lasting positive impact it leaves for young people and communities across all five boroughs and beyond.” — Brad Sims, CEO, New York City FC

“Hosting the NYNJ World Cup 26 Jersey Fan Hub at Sports Illustrated Stadium has been one of the proudest chapters in our stadium’s history. Working alongside the NYNJ Host Committee, we’ve been able to welcome tens of thousands of fans to experience the world’s game together. The memories made here this summer will shape the next generation of soccer fans in our region, and that’s a legacy we’re honored to be part of.” — Christoph Schoenbeck, Head of Stadium Events, Red Bull New York’s Sports Illustrated Stadium

“From day one, more than three years ago, we’ve been proud to partner with FIFA World Cup 26™ New York New Jersey Host Committee to imagine how this moment could leave a lasting legacy on youth and communities. Together, we’re building 10 more safe places to play, training coaches as mentors, and have engaged more than 240,000 young people across New York and New Jersey in the Foundation’s in-school, after-school, and Just Ball community league soccer programs. Our work will continue long after the final whistle, so that underserved communities and families have greater access to our beautiful game and the many benefits that come with play.” — Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO, U.S. Soccer Foundation

“The FIFA World Cup created an extraordinary moment for our game, but its greatest success will be measured by the legacy we leave behind—and the work during the tournament is only the beginning. Across New York and New Jersey, we’ve seen what’s possible when community organizations, public leaders, clubs, philanthropy and the broader soccer ecosystem come together around a shared vision to grow the game. Together, we’ve created more opportunities for young people to play, learn and belong while laying the foundation for stronger communities and a more accessible game. That’s the kind of legacy U.S. Soccer, through Soccer Forward, is committed to building long after the final whistle.” — Lex Chalat, Executive Director, Soccer Forward Foundation

About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee was responsible for coordinating regional planning and delivery for the eight FIFA World Cup matches hosted at New York New Jersey Stadium, including the Final on July 19, 2026. Working in partnership with the states of New York and New Jersey, the City of New York, FIFA and regional public- and private-sector partners, the Host Committee led planning related to transportation, public safety, fan experiences, community engagement, economic development and the tournament’s lasting regional legacy.