Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Canalside in Buffalo will host three free community watch parties for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ group stage. Soccer fans are invited to gather at the waterfront to support the U.S. Men’s National Team in their highly anticipated matches against Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. These events are brought to the public through a partnership between the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), Visit Buffalo and Buffalo Waterfront.
“New York is excited to be able to host visitors from across the globe and also give New Yorkers the opportunity to tune in to the world’s biggest sporting event,” Governor Hochul said. “The State is proud to play a major role in the FIFA World Cup and now communities across New York will be able to share in the experience.”
The USA Soccer Watch Parties will take place on:
- June 12, 7 p.m. – USA vs. Paraguay (match starts at 9 p.m.)
- June 19, 1 p.m. – USA vs. Australia (match starts at 3 p.m.)
- June 25, 8 p.m. – USA vs. Türkiye (match starts at 10 p.m.)
The matches will be shown on a giant video board, with attendees able to enjoy drinks, food trucks, a live DJ, giveaways and family-friendly activities.
Part of Governor Hochul and Empire State Development’s effort to bring the world’s biggest sporting event to communities across New York, these free public watch parties are supported by the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. The Governor recently announced that 12 community-based projects across seven regions of New York State have been selected as awardees through the grant program. In addition to the Community World Cup Grant Program, New York State is supporting several initiatives designed to ensure communities across the state can participate in the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Governor Hochul also announced two free, large-scale community viewing events at Stony Brook University on Long Island and Kensico Dam Plaza in the Mid-Hudson Region as part of a coordinated effort to maximize the statewide and economic impact of the 2026 World Cup into communities across the state. Learn more about the large-scale community viewing events here. The Long Island and Mid-Hudson events will feature live match broadcasts alongside community-developed programming designed to authentically reflect each region and celebrate New York’s passion for the world’s game. Designed as outdoor experiences capable of welcoming thousands of attendees, each event will reflect the unique character of its region while promoting community engagement, small business participation and inclusive access. Additional event details will be announced at a later date. For more information, including how to sign up to be notified of future New York State World Cup announcements, visit the I LOVE NY website.
As part of the FY27 Budget, the Governor has also advanced NY Kicks, a new initiative aimed at expanding youth soccer access by investing in new soccer facilities and community programming in disadvantaged communities across the state. NY Kicks also advances Governor Hochul’s 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.
These efforts also build on the State’s broader strategy to maximize the economic, tourism and community benefits associated with hosting matches during the tournament.
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