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New York’s summer of soccer is getting a high-profile warm-up—and it’s not coming from the men’s side of the game.
On July 15, Gotham FC will face the Washington Spirit at Citi Field in what’s being called the “Queens Classic,” a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Championship. The game will be hosted just four days before the men’s FIFA World Cup final hits the region, giving women’s soccer a prime slot during a spotlight moment for the city.
Gotham, the reigning NWSL champions, beat Washington by a single goal in last year’s final, with Rose Lavelle delivering the late game-winner. Since then, the rivalry, dubbed District vs. Empire, has intensified as both teams have consistently met deep in the playoffs. This will be their first face-off since that title-deciding goal.
It’s also a milestone moment for the venue: Citi Field, best known as the home of the Mets, will host its first-ever women’s professional sporting event. The stadium has diversified its lineup in recent years, including hosting New York City FC matches, but this is an entirely new chapter.
With the World Cup final drawing international attention to the region, Gotham FC is using the match to reinforce the narrative that women’s soccer belongs on the same stage, not on the sidelines. “This summer will be transformational for soccer in our region,” said Gotham FC’s chief business officer Ryan Dillon in a press release, noting the opportunity to put the club’s players “front and center when a global spotlight is on New York.”
Beyond the on-field action, the event is focusing on accessibility: the club plans to distribute a mix of discounted and free tickets to community groups and underrepresented fans and sponsors like CarMax and Dove will host fan activations throughout the stadium.
Kickoff is set for 8 pm, with the game airing nationally on ESPN and streaming in Spanish via the ESPN App.