'Large-Scale' World Cup '26 Watch Party Planned For June 12 At Stony Brook University

STONY BROOK, NY — Stony Brook University will host one of two large-scale, community World Cup Watch Parties on June 12, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office said Tuesday.

The matches will include the USA vs. Paraguay and Canada vs. a team yet to be determined, according to iloveny.com.

"This summer, Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State invite you to two free, large-scale FIFA World Cup watch parties, bringing fans together for an unforgettable celebration of world-class soccer," the announcement read. "Cheer on your favorite teams on giant outdoor screens, and enjoy live entertainment surrounded by community spirit and family-friendly fun."

In a news release, Hocul said it's to maximize the statewide and economic impact of the 2026 World Cup into communities across the state.

The "family-friendly viewing event," which is being spearheaded by the New York State and Empire State Development, "will ensure New Yorkers across regions can participate in this historic global moment, while reinforcing long-term investments in youth sports and community infrastructure," her office said.

A second event will be held on July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester County.

Hochul said the state 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."

“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," she said. "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.”

The viewing events "complement" the recently announced New York State Community World Cup Grant Program, and "advance" the 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," according to her office.

Empire State Development President, Chief Executive Officer, and Commissioner Hope Knight called the events "intentionally designed to be community-driven and rooted in strong local partnerships, bringing this once-in-a-generation opportunity to every corner of the state."

"By working closely with local leaders, organizations, and businesses, we’re creating experiences that reflect each region’s unique identity while ensuring this event is not out of reach for New Yorkers," she added.

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said the institution "is proud to partner with Governor Hochul to bring the World Cup directly into our communities."

"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," he said. "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.”

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said that "bringing free World Cup viewing events to communities across our state ensures that this historic moment can be shared by all New Yorkers."

"I am especially glad that Kensico Dam Plaza, located in my district, will host one of the community celebrations, giving residents in Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Region the chance to come together and be a part of something global right here at home," she said. "Equally important, the investments in youth soccer through NY Kicks will help expand access to fields, equipment, and programming in underserved communities, creating opportunities that will last beyond the final match. I thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their leadership in expanding access and investing in communities across New York.”

State Sen. Anthony Palumbo said that from "the miracle on ice" in 1980 to the men and women’s Olympic hockey victories this past weekend — sports has a way of bridging our divides, bringing us all together, and reminding us of what makes this Nation truly great."

"The World Cup watch party at Stony Brook University will provide an opportunity for individuals and families to gather together in the spirit of community, and cheer on Team USA as proud Americans," he said.

Assemb. Rebecca Kassay said that Long Island "is proud to be a gathering point for New York’s celebration of the 2026 World Cup, and I am thrilled that local families will be able to come together at Stony Brook University for this free community viewing event."

"Soccer has an extraordinary ability to unite people across cultures, generations, and neighborhoods, and this event provides a wonderfully accessible opportunity for everyone to be part of this historic moment," she said. "On behalf of our local business community, I am excited for this chance to draw attendees to shops and restaurants to experience all that our small businesses have to offer."

"I am grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for bringing this event to our region and for prioritizing access, affordability, and a lasting sports legacy for our state through youth sports initiatives like NY Kicks," she said. "By investing in community spaces and expanding opportunities for young athletes, we’re empowering our communities of today and shaping our state’s bright future!”

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine called the World Cup coming to North America "a great triumph not only for rabid fans that follow the sport, but also those who will get caught up in the excitement of the tournament."

"To have such an event right here in Suffolk County on the Stony Brook campus will certainly set the stage for the enthusiasm that will carry on right until they play the final at MetLife," he said. "We’re looking forward to this.”

Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith said that Stony Brook "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."

"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," she said. "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.”

Additional event details will be announced at a later date.