NYC to transform 50 school blocks into World Cup Field Days for students

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City will transform the streets outside 50 schools into Soccer Streets ahead of the World Cup.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani will hold a news conference on Monday afternoon about the plan.

Soccer Streets will turn car-free blocks outside of 50 New York City public schools into soccer pitches, block parties and community celebrations leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Students will play pickup matches, run drills, paint team flags, and celebrate the world's biggest sporting event coming to New York City area this summer.

"The World Cup is coming to New York City, and we want every kid in this city to experience the joy of the game," Mamdani said. "Soccer Streets takes that energy directly into our neighborhoods - closing streets to cars, opening them to play and making sure this celebration isn't reserved for people who can afford a ticket. Open Streets is one of the best tools we have to reclaim public space for the public, and these activations are another step toward bringing the World Cup to our city's young people."

The activations began on May 1 and will run through the last day of school on June 26.

The city is partnering with the nonprofit Street Lab and Chobani to bring Soccer Streets to schools across the five boroughs.

Schools interested in participating can contact Street Lab to learn more and get involved.

Soccer Streets is a part of NYC DOT's Open Streets for Schools program. Applications for the 2026-27 school year are open now, and the City is encouraging more schools to join the program.

And now is the chance to get free tickets to World Cup watch parties on Long Island. Registration is now open at newyorkstateunited.com.

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