MetLife Stadium is pictured on the day of the new real-grass pitch installation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S., May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Angelina Katsanis
The NYC Open Play program will bring free, all-night pickup soccer to one field in every borough — every night — through July 18, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Friday.
NYC Open Play, organized, drop-in sessions for sports, will provide free, staffed overnight pickup soccer at one field in each borough throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026. Through July 18, New Yorkers ages 18 and older can play pickup soccer all night at no cost, the city said.
“New Yorkers know: our public parks are where the real matches are at,” Mamdani said. “The best way to celebrate the World Cup is by pulling on a pinnie, getting onto the field and rooting for your fellow New Yorkers. Each of these fields will be free, well-lit and well-staffed — making it easier than ever for our neighbors to enjoy a game of pickup no matter the hour.”
Each field will feature up to three 7 vs 7 pickup pitches, equipped with cones, goals and soccer balls. The city said NYC Footy soccer league will be on site to rotate and mix teams and organize skill-level games.
New York City FC, a soccer club, will support
The five participating locations are:
· Hudson River Park’s Chelsea Waterside in Manhattan
· Astoria Park in Queens
· Calvert Vaux Park in Brooklyn
· Soundview Park in the Bronx
· Fairview Park on Staten Island
NYC Open Play pickup games may begin as early as 10:30 p.m. and continue as late as 8 a.m. Players can check field-specific hours and sign up individually or as a team by visiting nycopenplay.com. Play will continue in light rain and pause for severe weather. Each field will be equipped with security guards and Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) officers, officials said.
“World Cup fever has taken over NYC, and we’re making sure our parks are part of the excitement,” NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said. “Our city’s passion for soccer knows no bounds, and with NYC Open Play, New Yorkers can get outside, stay active with their friends and celebrate the beautiful game all night long with fun pickup games, all for free.”
Hudson River Park Trust President and CEO Noreen Doyle applauded the program.
“Hudson River Park is proud to be part of Mayor Mamdani’s NYC Open Play initiative, and we look forward to welcoming players to the Park’s Chelsea Waterside field for free overnight pickup games that capture the excitement and global spirit of the FIFA World Cup,” she said. “Hudson River Park’s fields build community among kids and adults year-round, but this season in New York City is going to be extra special for soccer players and fans.
StubHub sponsored the program.
“Our North Star at StubHub is increasing access — from making it easier to attend live events to enjoying a pickup game of soccer in your neighborhood during the World Cup,” said Becky Blatt, East Coast Cities Lead for StubHub. “We are proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani to make NYC Open Play a reality and bring the Beautiful Game to communities across the five boroughs.”
