As New York gears up to host the world’s biggest sporting event, a major civic group wants to make sure Brooklynites don’t have to leave their neighborhoods to be part of the excitement.
The Association for a Better New York (ABNY) on Tuesday announced “World Cup for All,” a citywide initiative aimed at spreading the excitement and economic boost of the 2026 tournament across all five boroughs.
In partnership with the FIFA World CUP 2026 New York/New Jersey Host Committee, the group is mobilizing business leaders, nonprofits and community organizations to ensure that local residents, from Bay Ridge to Bushwick, can take part in what’s expected to be a once-in-a-generation moment for the city.
At the heart of the effort is a new $250,000 World Cup Community Grant Program launched by the ABNY Foundation. The fund will award competitive grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to New York City-based nonprofit organizations planning fan engagement events and youth recreation programs tied to the tournament.
Priority will go to projects centered in historically underserved neighborhoods, those with strong outreach strategies and events that are free and open to the public. Applications are available in English, Spanish and Chinese and must be submitted by March 13. A virtual information session for interested applicants is scheduled for Feb. 26.
From block parties and watch events to soccer clinics and youth tournaments, organizers say the goal is to bring the spirit of the games directly into communities that may not have tickets to a match, but still want a stake in the celebration.
“ABNY is doing all we can to ensure that the joy of the World Cup will be felt in every neighborhood,” Steven Rubenstein, ABNY board chair, said in a statement. “Hosting the World Cup is an incredible economic opportunity, and we believe it is our responsibility to drive excitement and activity across the city, not just in the stands.”
City officials echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the tournament should be visible not just near match venues, but in neighborhood parks, playgrounds and plazas.
“World Cup for All reflects an exciting commitment to community-led programming that invites New Yorkers, especially young people, to be part of how this city welcomes the world,” Maya Handa, NYC World Cup Czar, said in a statement.
The New York/New Jersey region is slated to host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 from June through mid-July, including the Final match on July 19. Officials estimate the six-week tournament will draw more than 1.2 million visitors and generate upwards of $3 billion in economic impact.
For civic leaders involved in planning, that scale demands coordination across sectors — from transportation and infrastructure to tourism and open space. ABNY has organized a group40 civic leaders specializing in those areas for monthly meetings leading up to the tournament. The organization also hosted an ABNYTalks panel earlier this month to share updates and ways to get involved.
Tourism leaders also underscored the opportunity — and pressure — that comes with a global spotlight.
“With more than 1.2 million visitors expected to travel to the region during the six-week tournament, the global spotlight will be firmly on New York,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions. “By supporting grassroots fan engagement and youth programming, this grant program helps extend the excitement and economic impact of the World Cup to every neighborhood, creating lasting benefits well beyond the final match.”
For more information on ABNY’s community grant program, visit abny.org. Applications are due March 13.
