NYC to transform 50 school streets into soccer fields for World Cup
Mayor Mamdani announced "Soccer Streets," a traveling series of activations at public schools across all five boroughs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
10:17 PM
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday a program called "Soccer Streets" that will bring soccer-themed activations to 50 public schools across New York City's five boroughs in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The program transforms car-free school streets into soccer pitches, art stations and block-party celebrations. At each location, students will participate in pickup matches, run soccer drills, paint team flags and engage in other World Cup-related activities.
The activations began May 1 and will continue through June 26, the last day of school. Rather than remaining permanently on all 50 streets, the activations are roving, moving from school to school throughout the period.
Street Lab, an organization focused on street activations, is organizing the pop-up events. P.S. 32 on Beaumont Avenue in The Bronx has already hosted Street Lab soccer activations as part of the program.
The announcement was made in The Bronx on Monday, with Mayor Mamdani describing the World Cup as coming to New York City this summer. The program aims to ensure students across the city have the opportunity to experience and celebrate the event.
The 50 schools participating in Soccer Streets span all five boroughs, making the program citywide in scope. Each activation includes soccer play and instruction alongside creative activities such as flag painting and other World Cup celebrations.