Gotham FC expected to relocate to Etihad Park in Queens; U.S. men's World Cup run ends
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- NJ/NY Gotham FC is expected to call Etihad Park its new home beginning next season, with city and state leaders set to make the official announcement Tuesday morning.
The expected announcement comes after a disappointing night for U.S. soccer, as the United States men's national soccer team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4-1 loss to Belgium national football team.
Officials are expected to announce that Gotham FC will relocate to Etihad Park, the new soccer-specific stadium under construction across from Citi Field. The venue is being built as the home of New York City FC and is also expected to host Gotham FC when it opens to fans next season.
The move would give the National Women's Soccer League club a permanent home in New York City. Gotham FC has emerged as one of the league's top franchises, winning two league championships over the past three seasons.
The announcement comes as U.S. soccer fans are still processing the men's national team's early World Cup exit.
Belgium took control early, scoring just nine minutes into the match. The United States equalized in the 31st minute, but Belgium responded only two minutes later to regain the lead.
A costly mistake by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese led to another Belgium goal, and the Americans were unable to recover, falling 4-1.
"Belgium deserved to win today," Freese said after the match. "I don't think it was anything but small details that got away from us."
The loss marks the fourth time in the past five World Cups that the United States has failed to advance beyond the Round of 16.
City officials say Gotham FC is expected to begin playing at Etihad Park when the stadium opens next season.
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