A Citywide Soccer Celebration
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the launch of NYC Open Play, a citywide program that will host free overnight pickup soccer games at a dedicated field in each of the five boroughs during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The initiative runs through July 18 and aims to bring residents together through the sport while the tournament captures global attention.
Each participating site will feature up to three 7‑v‑7 pitches equipped with cones, goals and soccer balls, and will be staffed by personnel from NYC Footy, who will organize teams and coordinate play across skill levels. New York City FC will provide operational support and weekend programming enhancements, while the Hudson River Park Trust will host the Chelsea Waterside field in Manhattan. The program is made possible through sponsorship from StubHub, which shares the city’s goal of expanding access to live events.
Community Impact and Accessibility
Games will be held from 10:30 p.m. to 8 a.m., taking advantage of well‑lit spaces to ensure safe, round‑the‑clock recreation. Security will be provided by dedicated staff and Parks Enforcement Patrol officers, with additional oversight from the NYC Parks department. Locations include Astoria Park in Queens, Calvert Vaux Park in Brooklyn, Soundview Park in the Bronx and Fairview Park on Staten Island, each offering a local hub for community engagement.
Voices from the Field
NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura highlighted the city’s passion for soccer and the role of the initiative in celebrating the World Cup, noting that the free fields open to everyone around the clock reflect a commitment to inclusive recreation. Jennifer O’Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer of New York City FC, emphasized the club’s mission to make soccer more accessible, while Tarek Pertew, co‑founder and CEO of The Footy League, described the program as a truly open invitation for all skill levels. Noreen Doyle, President and CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust, expressed pride in welcoming players to the Chelsea Waterside venue, and Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Renita Francois pointed to the initiative’s potential to keep young people safe and foster critical life skills. Becky Blatt, East Coast Cities Lead for StubHub, underscored the company’s North Star of increasing access to live events and encouraging pickup games during the tournament.