08/21/2026
As the summer comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back at the FIFA Arena in Central Park.
What started as a field in Central Park became a place for thousands of people to play, connect, and experience the world’s game.
Over the course of the FIFA Arena activation, Street Soccer USA engaged more than 10,000 participants, through programming designed to make soccer accessible in the heart of New York City.
From open play and youth clinics to community tournaments and partner-led sessions, the FIFA Arena welcomed participants from every NYC borough, alongside walk-up players and fans from around the world.
We were proud to partner with 109 community-based organizations, schools, summer camps, and soccer organizations to help bring this space to life, ensuring the energy of the World Cup reached far beyond the stadium.
Thank you to FIFA, Global Citizen, the FIFA World Cup 2026, NYNJ Host Committee, the City of New York, NYC Parks, Central Park Conservancy, and every partner, coach, player, family, and community organization that made this activation possible.
This is what legacy looks like when access is built into the game.