Mayor Zohran Mamdani turns NY streets into a World Cup playground

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is bringing soccer directly to the city’s neighborhoods ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mamdani recently announced a new initiative called “Soccer Streets,” a citywide program designed to transform blocks outside public schools into temporary soccer spaces for children, Yahoo reports. The initiative will run through June 26 and span 50 public schools across all five boroughs.

The mayor shared photos of himself playing soccer with kids while promoting the project on social media. “New York streets belong to New Yorkers, and Soccer Streets are for the kids,” Mamdani wrote. “We’re turning the block outside your school into a car-free soccer pitch, playground, and World Cup celebration all at once.”

The program arrives as excitement continues building for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host alongside Mexico and Canada. New York and New Jersey will also host several tournament matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium.

New York streets belong to New Yorkers, and Soccer Streets are for the kids.

We’re turning the block outside your school into a car-free soccer pitch, playground, and World Cup celebration all at once.

Now until June 26, you’ll find Soccer Streets in front of 50 public schools… pic.twitter.com/VnfB3CfXvw

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) May 12, 2026

Soccer Streets Focuses on Community Access

New York City Department of Transportation commissioner Mike Flynn explained that many schools across the city lack enough outdoor recreational space, making nearby streets a valuable resource for students and families.

“For so many schools, the street outside their door is the only outdoor space they have,” Flynn said. “Soccer Streets shows what’s possible when we give that space back to kids, for play, for learning, for community.” He also encouraged schools to participate in the city’s Open Streets program year-round.

The World Cup begins June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa in the tournament opener. Fellow host nations Canada and the United States will also play group-stage matches shortly afterward as soccer fever continues spreading throughout North America.

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