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If it has felt like every corner of New York has turned into a World Cup viewing venue this summer, that's because the city is leaning all the way into its role as one of the tournament's host destinations.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the New York City Department of Transportation have just announced five additional free "Soccer Streets" watch parties, expanding a citywide initiative that will ultimately bring more than 100 public World Cup watch events to neighborhoods across the five boroughs. The program transforms plazas, pedestrian spaces and car-free streets into giant outdoor viewing areas, complete with live entertainment, community programming and plenty of soccer fever.
"One of the greatest joys of this World Cup has been watching New Yorkers turn our streets into places of celebration, connection and community," Mayor Mamdani said in a statement. "From Corona to Kensington, these watch parties are bringing neighbors together across languages, cultures and backgrounds to share in the world's game."
"It has been incredible to see neighbors and their families come together on our streets and plazas to enjoy the World Cup,” added NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “With celebrations underway across the city, we’re thrilled to add more watch parties to help make this summer one to remember.”
Each event pairs match screenings with performances and local programming. Brooklyn's Osborn Plaza kickoff on June 26 will feature the all-women percussion group Fogo Azul before Norway faces France, while Harlem's Johnny Hartman Plaza hosts a performance by Sambuco Tribe ahead of a knockout-round matchup on July 2. Kensington Plaza will welcome experimental opera collective ADVANCE/MORE Opera on July 7 and Fogo Azul returns for a July 10 event beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. The final newly announced gathering heads to Corona Plaza on July 15, where the Queensboro Dance Festival will perform before fans settle in to watch the action.
Beyond the matches themselves, several events will include community activities ranging from gardening and public-space programming to cycling initiatives. Osborn Plaza attendees can even join a guided ride organized by Black Girls Do Bike before kickoff, while Transportation Alternatives will provide bike valet service at the Brooklyn Bridge Arches event.
The five newly announced Soccer Streets watch parties:
Osborn Plaza, Brooklyn
When: June 26 at 2pm
Match: Norway vs. France at 3pm
Johnny Hartman Plaza, Manhattan
When: July 2 at 2pm
Match: 1H vs. 2J at 3pm
Kensington Plaza, Brooklyn
When: July 7 at 3pm
Match: W85 vs. W87 at 4pm
Brooklyn Bridge Arches Plaza, Manhattan
When: July 10 at 2pm
Match: W93 vs. W94 at 3pm
Corona Plaza, Queens
When: July 15 at 1:30pm
Match: W99 vs. W100 at 3pm