New Yorkers Attended Two World Cup Watch Events On Long Island Today

Photos and B-Roll Available Here and Updated Continuously 

Before the USA vs. Paraguay Match at 9 PM, Award-Winning Rock Band Third Eye Blind Performed 

Free World Cup Tickets Given to Local Soccer Coaches by the Association of New York YMCAs Before the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina Match at 3 PM

Empire State Development joined New Yorkers at the free New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience at Stony Brook University, where New Yorkers filed into Stony Brook’s LaValle Stadium for the USA vs. Paraguay (Group D) match at 9 PM, after the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) match was livestreamed at 3 PM.

The full day of programming included a live performance from the award-winning rock band Third Eye Blind before the USA vs. Paraguay match. The Alliance of New York State YMCAs gave free World Cup tickets to 7 local soccer coaches in recognition of their work growing the sport at a local level. Over 25 partners, including New York State Agencies, local law enforcement, local soccer teams, and more hosted activities at Stony Brook University’s LaValle Stadium. Additionally, the Sachem Flaming Arrows Marching Band gave a performance at the event, showcasing the premier local talent on Long Island.

"The World Cup is about bringing people together, and today on Long Island, New Yorkers celebrated the world's game," Governor Hochul said.  "From families and young athletes to lifelong soccer supporters, this event showcased the energy, diversity and community spirit that make New York so special. I am proud of our efforts to create opportunities for New Yorkers in every corner of the state to be part of this historic moment."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s event demonstrated the tremendous excitement surrounding the World Cup and the opportunity it presents for communities across New York State. By bringing people together through free and accessible events like this one, we are helping ensure the benefits of the World Cup extend far beyond the host venues and create lasting economic, tourism, and community impacts. We are grateful to everyone who joined us on Long Island and helped make this celebration such a success."

New York State Director of Major Event Operations Justin Brannan said, "The goal from day one has been simple: make sure every New Yorker has the chance to be part of the World Cup, whether they're inside a stadium or not. Today’s event showed exactly why that matters. Families, friends and soccer fans from across the region came together to celebrate, enjoy great music, and create memories that will last long after the final whistle. This is exactly the kind of energy and community spirit we're building toward as New York welcomes the world in 2026."

Alliance of New York State YMCAs Executive Director Kyle Stewart said, "The World Cup has the power to inspire the next generation, but that inspiration begins with the caring adults who invest in young people every day. We were proud to recognize seven local soccer coaches whose dedication has helped youth build confidence, develop leadership skills, and foster the sense of belonging that sports can create. At the YMCA, we believe athletics are about more than the game—they are a powerful tool for helping young people reach their full potential. Events like today celebrate not only the excitement of soccer, but the role coaches and sports play in creating stronger, more connected communities.

Kim Ridley, New York State’s Chief Disability Officer said, "The true magic of the World Cup isn't just the action on the soccer field, it is the shared joy of the community coming together to celebrate the world's game. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has made it clear that accessibility cannot be an afterthought. From the adult changing station, to the sensory-friendly retreat tent hosted by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), to the specialized Special Olympics soccer clinics on the field, every detail at the Stony Brook University event was built with universal design in mind. When we remove physical and sensory barriers, we ensure that every fan, regardless of ability, has an equal seat at the table to experience this historic moment. Accessibility and inclusivity were at the heart of all of the planning that went into today, and my team was thrilled to be a part of it.”

The next New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience will take place on July 19th in Westchester County and will be headlined by a livestream of the World Cup Final. Tickets will be free, but registration will be required before the event.

Building on Governor Hochul’s broader strategy to leverage major global events for lasting statewide benefit, these viewing events complement the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program and the proposed NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund, which will expand access to youth soccer infrastructure and programming in communities across the state. These efforts also advance Governor 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 and creating shared, active experiences for families.

For more information, including how to sign up to be notified of future announcements related to this World Cup Watch Experience, visit the I LOVE NY website here.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

Contact:
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