Anwar Shahadat, New York.
Office of the Mayor of New York City has announced a new citywide initiative titled “Soccer Streets,” transforming 50 school blocks across New York City into temporary soccer fields and community celebration spaces ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the program aims to bring the spirit of the World Cup directly into local neighborhoods by turning car-free streets outside public schools into spaces for sports, recreation, and cultural activities. The initiative officially launched on May 1 and will continue through June 26 across schools in all five boroughs.
The Mayor’s Office said participating schools will host pickup soccer matches, training drills, art activities, and community block parties designed to encourage youth participation and neighborhood engagement. City officials described the project as part of a broader effort to ensure that New Yorkers from all communities can take part in the excitement surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup events scheduled in the region this summer.
Mayor Mamdani stated that the program is intended to make the global sporting event accessible beyond stadium audiences, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming public streets for community use and youth recreation. The initiative is being organized in partnership with nonprofit organization Street Lab and food company Chobani.
New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels also voiced support for the program, highlighting the value of outdoor play and community-centered public spaces for students across the city. Officials noted that several participating locations are already part of the city’s Open Streets for Schools program, which allows temporary street closures for educational and recreational activities.
The announcement comes as New York City continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with city officials planning multiple public fan events, cultural programs, and neighborhood celebrations across the five boroughs in the months ahead.
