The second annual Chopped Cheese Classic, a vibrant 7v7 coed soccer tournament, is set to light up McCarren Park in Brooklyn on July 18, 2026, just days before the FIFA World Cup Final. Organized by NYC Footy, the event fuses competitive soccer with the lively essence of New York City’s bodega culture, drawing teams from local corner stores across the five boroughs.
This year’s tournament expands on last year’s success, offering both casual and competitive divisions to accommodate a wide range of players. From bodegas in the Bronx to cafes in Queens, teams will battle it out on the field in a celebration of community, culture, and camaraderie.
A Tournament Rooted in Community
More than just a soccer match, the Chopped Cheese Classic honors the role of bodegas as cultural anchors in NYC neighborhoods. Each team represents a local bodega, turning storefronts into symbols of pride and competition. The event underscores how sports can unite diverse communities through shared passion and playful rivalry.
NYC Footy, the largest adult soccer league in the United States, brings organizational expertise and a commitment to inclusion through its Ted Lasso Code of Conduct. Developed in partnership with Women in Soccer, this initiative promotes respect, equity, and accessibility across all levels of play, ensuring the tournament remains welcoming to participants of all backgrounds.
Soccer Meets Neighborhood Pride
Scheduled for July 18, 2026, the tournament takes place at McCarren Park, a beloved green space in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. The timing aligns with global soccer excitement ahead of the World Cup Final, amplifying the event’s energy and visibility. Attendees can expect food vendors, live music, and a festive atmosphere that turns the pitch into a full-scale block party.
Teams from all corners of NYC are expected to register, with representation already confirmed from Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Queens. The geographic diversity highlights the league’s reach and the deep local roots of its participants, turning neighborhood bodegas into household names on the field.
At the heart of the event is a celebration of everyday New Yorkers who balance work, family, and weekend soccer matches. The tournament’s playful name — Chopped Cheese Classic — pays homage to the iconic NYC sandwich, blending humor, heritage, and heart in a uniquely citywide tradition.