Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium at Stony Brook University will host one of two free, large-scale FIFA 2026 World Cup viewing events as part of New York State’s coordinated effort to maximize the statewide and economic impact of the World Cup for communities across the state.
Led by New York State and Empire State Development (ESD), the family-friendly viewing events will ensure that New Yorkers across regions can participate in the World Cup celebration while reinforcing long-term investments in youth sports and community infrastructure.
Stony Brook University will host the first event on Friday, June 12, at LaValle Stadium. Fans can watch the Group D match between the United States and Paraguay in Los Angeles, as well as the Group B match between Canada and a to-be-determined opponent in Toronto, Canada. The second viewing event will take place on Sunday, July 19, at Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester County.
“New York is proud to play a leading role in hosting the 2026 World Cup, a once-in-a-generation global event that will showcase our state on the world stage and generate economic activity in communities across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “While matches will draw international attention, we are ensuring that every New Yorker has the opportunity to participate in this historic event through free, community-centered viewing experiences. At the same time, we are making long-term investments in youth sports infrastructure and community spaces so that the benefits of the World Cup continue long after the final whistle.”
“Stony Brook University is honored to welcome thousands of families traveling from across the Long Island region to our campus for this World Cup viewing event, and we are grateful to Governor Hochul for choosing us to host this special celebration,” said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. “As a public university and a SUNY flagship, our commitment to service extends well beyond the classroom and into the communities we are proud to support. This event reflects our commitment to being accessible, welcoming and deeply connected to the region we call home. I’m excited to see our campus become a gathering place for our neighbors to join together to celebrate this historic global moment.”
Building on Hochul’s broader strategy to leverage major global events for lasting statewide benefit, these viewing events complement the recently announced New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. These efforts also advance Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative, which encourages New Yorkers to unplug from devices and spend time outdoors in their communities by activating public spaces across the state and creating shared, active experiences for families.
As Hochul announced in her State of the State agenda, the highly anticipated global soccer tournament will catalyze long-term community investment across New York State. As part of statewide efforts, the Governor will launch NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund to expand youth soccer infrastructure in disadvantaged communities, supporting new and improved community soccer fields and facilities, as well as funding for local governments and community-based organizations to provide programming, equipment, and training that will benefit young people long after the tournament concludes.
“SUNY is proud to partner with Governor Hochul to bring the World Cup directly into our communities,” said State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. “Hosting this free viewing event at the State University of New York at Stony Brook reflects SUNY’s mission to serve communities across New York State. This is an opportunity to bring families together, engage students and inspire young people through the power of sport. We’re committed to ensuring this global moment creates a meaningful local legacy for all New Yorkers.”
The two events will feature live match broadcasts alongside community-developed programming designed to authentically reflect each region and celebrate New York’s passion for the world’s game. Designed as outdoor experiences capable of welcoming thousands of attendees, each event will reflect the unique character of its region while promoting community engagement, small-business participation and inclusive access. Additional event details will be announced at a later date.
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