EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCES PARTNERS FOR FREE 2026 WORLD CUP COMMUNITY VIEWING EVENTS ON LONG ISLAND AND IN WESTCHESTER
Free public viewing events planned for June 12 at Stony Brook University and July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza
Events support statewide World Cup engagement and youth soccer legacy efforts
Additional details to be available here
Empire State Development today announced regional partners supporting two free public viewing events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held June 12 on Long Island and July 19 in Westchester County. The events build on Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring communities across New York share in the economic and tourism benefits of this historic global moment.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is making sure communities across the state can share in the excitement and opportunity of the 2026 World Cup. These free public events on Long Island and in Westchester will bring people together to celebrate the world’s game while supporting tourism, youth sports and regional economic activity.”
Governor Hochul’s Senior Director of Major Event Operations Justin Brannan said, “Today’s announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring communities across New York share in the excitement and energy of the 2026 World Cup. Through these exciting new regional partnerships on Long Island and in Westchester, New York State will continue delivering free, accessible, and family-friendly community viewing experiences that bring people together and reflect what New Yorkers deserve.”
Regional partners currently supporting the events include New York City FC, Westchester Soccer Club, The Island FC, Discover Long Island, Visit Westchester N.Y., U.S. Soccer Foundation, Optimum, along with venue hosts Stony Brook University and Westchester County.
Taking place on June 12 at Stony Brook University on Long Island and July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester County. Both locations will be transformed into outdoor community viewing experiences featuring live broadcasts of select tournament matches, interactive soccer programming, family-friendly activities, giveaways, food and beverage offerings, and additional entertainment to be announced.
Attendees are encouraged to use public transit. Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad service will be available, with standard fares expected to apply. Additional transportation guidance will be released closer to each event date.
"Soccer is growing faster in the United States than ever before, and New York has always been at the heart of that story. The 2026 World Cup is a chance to celebrate everything that makes this sport and this state special, and New York City FC believes in the power of the beautiful game to bring people together,” said CEO of New York City FC Brad Sims. “We are proud to partner with Empire State Development to help make that a reality for communities from Long Island to Westchester and everywhere in between."
"As Westchester’s first professional sports team, Westchester Soccer Club was built on the belief that this region has an incredible soccer community, and seeing the World Cup come to our backyard is the ultimate validation of that,” said CEO of Westchester Soccer Club Mitch Baruchowitz. “We are so proud to partner with Empire State Development and help bring this experience to the fans and families who have supported us and this sport in Westchester. Kensico Dam Plaza is going to be something truly special this July, and we cannot wait to be part of it."
"Bringing a free, world-class viewing event to Stony Brook University is exactly the kind of opportunity Long Island deserves, and we are thrilled to help make it happen. As we build toward the launch of The Island FC, events like this remind us just how passionate and ready this community is for the biggest moments in soccer,” said Fred Popp, Partner, The Island FC. “We are proud to partner with Empire State Development and be part of bringing the World Cup home to Long Island."
“Optimum and News 12 recognize how important live sports and entertainment are to our customers and the communities we serve, and we’re committed to connecting people to the events and experiences that matter most to them,” said Sean O’Connell, Senior Vice President, Regional General Manager at Optimum. “We’re thrilled to partner with Empire State Development to bring the excitement of the World Cup – one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events – to families and fans across Long Island and Westchester County this summer.”
"News 12 is dedicated to bringing our viewers hyperlocal coverage that showcases how the World Cup impacts our communities – from the ways it influences local businesses and daily commutes to its effect on our viewers’ everyday lives,” said Audrey Gruber, Senior Vice President & General Manager of News 12, an Optimum company. “Our teams will be on the ground on Long Island and in Westchester County to capture the energy, the community spirit, and the stories that make these gatherings special. From kickoff to the final whistle, New 12 is committed to sharing these moments with our local audiences, ensuring everyone can be part of this historic celebration of the world’s game.”
"The U.S. Soccer Foundation is thrilled to be part of this celebration”, said Senior Director, Institutional Giving at U.S. Soccer Foundation Carly Musso. “Events like these are a powerful reminder of what this sport means to communities across the country, and we are excited to see this global tournament inspire the next generation of players and fans right here in New York."
“Long Island has always had an extraordinary sense of community, and events like this showcase that spirit on a global stage. With sports tourism as a growing priority for Discover Long Island, opportunities like welcoming the World Cup to Stony Brook University represent a powerful driver of visitation, economic impact, and international visibility for our region,” said Interim President & CEO of Discover Long Island Mitch Pally. “We are proud to partner with Governor Hochul and Empire State Development to ensure Suffolk County, Long Island plays a meaningful role in welcoming the world while driving lasting benefits for our tourism economy.”
“Westchester is proud to be part of an event that brings fans and families together at one of our most iconic public spaces, Kensico Dam Plaza,” said Director of Westchester County Tourism & Film Natasha Caputo. “Westchester is the perfect backdrop for a celebration of this magnitude, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone this July."
These events build on Governor Hochul’s broader strategy to maximize the statewide benefits of hosting the 2026 World Cup, complementing the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program and the proposed NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund, which would expand access to youth soccer facilities and programming across the state.
The events also support Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative by activating public spaces and creating opportunities for New Yorkers to gather outdoors with family and friends.
Additional details, including programming updates and registration information, will be announced at a later date. For more information and to sign up for updates, visit the I LOVE NY website here.