Governor Hochul opens free ticket registration for major 2026 World Cup watch events on Long Island

New York – Kathy Hochul has announced that registration is now officially open for free public viewing events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, launching what state officials describe as one of New York’s largest community-centered sports celebrations in recent years.

The first major event, branded as the New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience, will take place June 12 at Stony Brook University on Long Island. State leaders expect thousands of residents, soccer fans, students, and families to attend throughout the day as the campus transforms into a massive outdoor viewing destination centered around the global tournament.

The event will feature live broadcasts of two World Cup matches, beginning with Canada versus Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Group B matchup scheduled for 3 p.m. Later in the evening, attendees will gather again to watch the United States face Paraguay in a Group D match beginning at 9 p.m. Visitors can request tickets for either event individually or register for both.

Although attendance is free, registration is required, with state officials encouraging fans to secure tickets early because of expected demand.

The announcement marks a significant step in New York’s broader strategy to spread the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup beyond stadium walls and into communities across the state. Rather than limiting celebrations to host cities alone, officials are aiming to create large-scale public experiences where residents can take part in the atmosphere of the tournament closer to home.

The Long Island gathering will be the first of two flagship New York State watch events planned around the World Cup. A second large public viewing celebration is already scheduled for July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester County during the FIFA World Cup Final.

According to state officials, the June 12 event at Stony Brook will include much more than giant viewing screens. Organizers say the festival atmosphere will feature interactive soccer activities, entertainment programming, local food and beverage vendors, and community-focused experiences designed to reflect both Long Island culture and New York’s broader diversity.

The goal, state leaders say, is to turn the tournament into a shared public celebration rather than simply a televised sporting event.

“I am proud of our efforts to bring the World Cup — a truly global moment — directly into communities across New York State, which includes opening the ticket registration today for the New York State United 2026 World Cup Watch Experience on Long Island,” Governor Hochul said. “By creating free, family-friendly viewing events across New York, we’re making it easier for families, fans and communities to come together, celebrate the world’s game and create lasting memories — while continuing to invest in the future of youth soccer in the state.”

Officials say attendees registering online will also have the option to receive transportation updates, event reminders, scheduling alerts, and real-time notifications through email and text messaging before and during the event.

The initiative forms part of a much larger statewide campaign connected to the 2026 World Cup, which is expected to generate major tourism activity and economic benefits across the United States. New York officials have increasingly emphasized that they want those benefits to extend into local communities, youth programs, and public spaces rather than remain concentrated only in major commercial centers.

The Long Island watch event is one component of Governor Hochul’s statewide World Cup initiative, which also includes investments in youth soccer access and community infrastructure.

Among the related efforts is the proposed NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund, aimed at expanding soccer opportunities for young athletes across New York. The state has also tied the World Cup programming to the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program, designed to support local participation and grassroots engagement tied to the tournament.

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At the same time, officials say the initiative supports the governor’s broader “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign, which encourages residents to spend more time outdoors and participate in shared community activities.

Hope Knight said the registration launch represents another important milestone as New York prepares for the global tournament.

“Opening registration for the Long Island World Cup Watch Experience brings New Yorkers one step closer to experiencing the excitement of the 2026 World Cup right here at home. These free public viewing events will create accessible opportunities for families, fans and communities to come together on Long Island while also supporting broader investments in youth soccer, regional tourism and community engagement across the state.”

Long Island officials and regional leaders also praised the initiative, emphasizing the role the World Cup can play in bringing communities together while boosting local activity.

Rebecca Kassay, whose district includes Stony Brook University, said the event reflects Long Island’s growing importance in statewide World Cup planning.

“As the Assembly representative for Stony Brook University, and as a member of the Long Island Advisory Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I am proud to see our region play such a meaningful role in welcoming the World Cup to New York and making this global event more accessible for our residents. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and vision in creating opportunities like this that bring communities together, showcase all that our region has to offer, and invite Long Island families to World Cup festivities. Hosting this event at Stony Brook University is a tremendous opportunity for everyone from local businesses to local sports fans, and I look forward to seeing residents and visitors alike come together to experience the spirit of this historic tournament.”

Ed Romaine highlighted the cultural impact of the tournament and the unifying nature of international soccer.

“The World Cup is a celebration of cultures from around the world, and it brings people together every four years. We’re looking forward to this event and the joy it will bring; so many soccer fans will have the opportunity to watch their teams as a community.”

Officials from Empire State Development also stressed the economic opportunities associated with the tournament and the public viewing initiative.

Kevin Law said the free events are intended to help communities across the state benefit from the World Cup’s visibility and visitor activity.

“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is creating new opportunities for communities across the state to participate in the excitement and economic impact of the 2026 World Cup. These free public viewing events at Stony Brook University will bring families, fans and visitors together on Long Island while also supporting broader investments in youth sports, tourism and community engagement across the region.”

For Stony Brook University itself, hosting the event represents an opportunity to strengthen community ties while showcasing the campus to visitors from across the region.

University President Andrea Goldsmith described the watch experience as an extension of the university’s public mission.

“As New York’s #1 public university and a SUNY flagship, Stony Brook University is thrilled to be hosting this first-ever World Cup Watch Experience. We look forward to hosting community members from across Long Island and beyond on our beautiful campus to cheer on their favorite team in a shared and spirited celebration. This event supports our aspiration to serve as a social and cultural engine for Long Island, bringing people together for energizing and meaningful moments like this one. We look forward to opening our doors, strengthening our deep community connections and celebrating this historic global event together.”

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New York State Director of Major Event Operations Justin Brannan said affordability and accessibility remain central goals of the statewide strategy.

“Governor Hochul is focused on making sure the World Cup experience is accessible and affordable to families across New York. By hosting big, free, community-centered events, we will turn the biggest sports tournament on the planet into shared hometown celebrations that bring people together right in their own backyards.”

Transportation agencies are also preparing for the expected crowds. Officials encouraged attendees to monitor service information through the MTA app, TrainTime app, and transit alerts before traveling to Long Island for the event.

State officials say additional public viewing experiences and announcements tied to the 2026 World Cup are expected in the months ahead as preparations continue across New York.

For now, organizers hope the Long Island watch experience will serve as both a preview of the global tournament atmosphere and a model for how large sporting events can create lasting local impact long after the final whistle is blown.