FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee and New York Red Bulls Host Free Youth Soccer Celebration at Sports Illustrated Stadium
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Harrison, NJ – The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee (“NYNJ Host Committee”), through its Foundation’s community-powered identity Welcome World, and New York Red Bulls today hosted a free youth soccer event, for over 250 local youth, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The youth players represented organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark, Asbury Park, Paterson, and Passaic; Harrison FC; Hudson County Soccer; Ironbound SC; Kearny FC; Newark Public Schools; the New Jersey Youth Soccer Association; and the New York Red Bulls Academy. The activities included dynamic soccer clinics led by the New York Red Bulls youth coaches with special appearances by Red Bulls players Gustav Berggren, Lewis Morgan, Dylan Nealis, AJ Marcucci, Cameron Harper, and Dennis Gjengaar.
This event is part of the NYNJ Host Committee’s ongoing efforts to engage communities throughout the region as the countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues. Presented by the NYNJ Host Committee’s Welcome World initiative — the community identity of its Foundation (501(c)(3)) — this youth soccer event aims to inspire and empower children through the beautiful game, fostering community and inclusiveness.
“As we countdown to 2026, our Welcome World efforts are focused on uniting people through soccer and creating opportunities that reach far beyond the matches themselves,” said Alex Lasry, CEO, FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee. “We’re building a legacy that the next generation will remember forever. Whether they go on to become athletes, coaches, or community leaders, we want this World Cup to open doors, spark dreams, and remind them that this global stage belongs to them too.”
“Together with the NYNJ Host Committee, our mission is to use soccer as a platform for impact — to engage, inspire, and create moments that show what’s possible when the world’s game meets the world’s greatest region,” Joseph Stetson, Chief Commercial Officer for New York Red Bulls, said. “Events like this remind us that soccer doesn’t just live in stadiums, it lives in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our local parks. It brings people together across backgrounds, languages, and borders. As we look ahead to 2026, we want to build on days like today: more clinics, more access, more opportunities for every young person to play, dream, and belong in this global game.”
Today’s youth clinic serves as part of the NYNJ Host Committee’s broader partnership to use soccer as a vehicle for social impact and community development. The NYNJ Host Committee and New York Red Bulls are committed to supporting each other’s efforts to create safe places to play and implement programs that benefit underserved communities in the region.
“Our vision is to provide a World Cup experience that New Jerseyans and New Yorkers feel connected to by sharing in the opportunity and excitement that come with hosting a global event of this scale,” said Brianna Keys, Director of Social Impact, FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee. “Much of that responsibility will be accomplished through meaningful collaboration with our partners who are already doing incredible work delivering soccer and social impact programming across the region. We’re deeply grateful to the New York Red Bulls for hosting today’s event and to the many community organizations that joined us, each making a lasting difference in the lives of young people throughout our region.”
“These clinics are a clear example of how collaboration can inspire impact,” said Evan Dabby, CEO, New Jersey Youth Soccer. “NJYS is proud to support the NYNJ World Cup Host Committee as we generate momentum at the grassroots level by bringing fun, accessible programs to communities across New Jersey. The Host Committee’s leadership will help build a legacy that lasts far beyond 2026.”
“Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey is honored to join the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee and the New York Red Bulls for this Welcome World Pitch Day,” said Susan Haspel, State Director, Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey. “We’re so grateful for this opportunity to give our Club youth a chance to experience the excitement of the game firsthand and feel part of something global. Soccer brings people together and builds teamwork, confidence, and respect—values that reflect the experiences Boys & Girls Clubs provide to help young people reach their full potential.”
New York New Jersey will host eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches, including the Final on July 19, 2026. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ runs from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026.
Learn more about FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches being held in NYNJ via the Host Committee’s website, Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.
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About the New York Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls are one of 30 teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). RBNY, one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, have competed in the league since its founding in 1996. The Red Bulls play home matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The three-time MLS Supporters’ Shield Winners are owned by the Austrian beverage company Red Bull for which the team is named. The New York Red Bulls offer one of the nation’s premier youth soccer development programs, from local soccer partnerships across New York and New Jersey to Regional Development Schools and the Red Bulls Academy teams.
About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee is the local organizing body responsible for delivering eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the NYNJ region, including the Final match. The organization coordinates between key city and state stakeholders and FIFA to ensure world-class planning and delivery of infrastructure, facilities and services. The committee’s goal is to create the most engaging, accessible and impactful FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience for all fans, athletes, partners and NYNJ communities.
Media Contact
Andrew Vazzano / Andrew.Vazzano@newyorkredbulls.com
NYNJ Host Committee / Mediainquiries@nynjfwc26.com
