The City of Hoboken today invited residents to celebrate the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ through a week of free youth soccer programming, community events, and waterfront watch parties beginning Sunday, July 12.
The festivities begin with a free Soccer Summerfest Kickoff on Sunday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sinatra Field, marking the FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee's official one-week countdown to the Final. The Kickoff, hosted by the City’s Recreation Division in partnership with the New York Red Bulls, is open to children ages 5 through 16 and will feature round-robin style scrimmages played on an hourly rotation. Participation is free and available on a strict first-come, first-served basis. For the hourly schedule, go to hoboken.recdesk.com
Families attending the kickoff event can also enjoy a special visit from the Host Committee’s Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour bus, featuring a mobile fan engagement experience with giveaways, games, and music plus a food truck, a DJ provided by New Jersey Youth Soccer, and a complimentary hydration station provided by Hackensack Meridian Health Urgent Care.
The celebration continues with a free three-day youth soccer clinic from Tuesday, July 14, through Thursday, July 16, at Sinatra Field. Participants must register to participate in all three days of instruction as space is limited.
Clinic sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for children ages 5 through 8 and 10:30 a.m. to noon for children ages 9 through 12. Each 90-minute session will include fun physical literacy activities, individual technical instruction focused on dribbling, passing, or shooting, small-sided games designed to reinforce skills, and scrimmages.
To register for the three-day soccer clinic with the New York Red Bulls, CLICK HERE.
All participants must be accompanied by an adult and wear shin guards along with either turf cleats or athletic sneakers and bring your own soccer ball. Hackensack Meridian Health Urgent Care will provide a complimentary hydration station throughout the clinic series.
“Hosting FIFA World Cup celebrations in Hoboken is an incredible opportunity to bring our community together through the universal language of soccer,” said Mayor Emily B. Jabbour. “Whether your child is taking the field for the first time or already loves the game, these free programs offer a fun and welcoming environment to learn new skills and make lasting memories. I encourage families to register early for our three-day clinics, as space is limited, and to join us throughout the week as we celebrate the world's biggest sporting event together. Thank you to the NYNJ Host Committee, Red Bulls, and Hoboken Business Alliance for working with us to provide a memorable experience for community members of all ages.”
“One of the greatest legacies of the World Cup is its ability to inspire the next generation, and that's exactly what this week in Hoboken is all about,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. “From free youth clinics that introduce children to the game to waterfront watch parties that bring neighbors together, these events ensure more families can be part of the excitement of the tournament."
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Mayor Jabbour and the City of Hoboken to bring these free soccer opportunities to local youth during such an exciting time for the sport,” said Steve Jones, Senior Manager of Youth Programs at Red Bull New York. “Connecting with grassroots soccer communities is essential to our mission. Through initiatives like the Summerfest and three-day clinics, we are dedicated to engaging young athletes, supporting the local soccer ecosystem, and cultivating the future players and supporters of MLS.”
"Caring for families in Hoboken and the surrounding areas is at the core of what we do," said Michael Gerardi, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Hackensack Meridian Urgent Care Plus. "We are happy to support Hoboken with the Soccer Summerfest Kickoff, encouraging families to develop healthy habits including getting physically active and hydrating. Hydration, especially in the heat of the summer is vitally important. Whether on the soccer field or out in the community, we are proud to be a health resource for everyone in Hoboken"
Attend a Semifinal Watch Party
The festivities continue into the afternoon as the City is partnering with FIFA and the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) to host FIFA World Cup Semifinal Watch Parties on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, at Pier A Park as part of the Big Match Block Party series.
“The Hoboken Business Alliance is excited to welcome residents and visitors to our waterfront for an unforgettable World Cup celebration,” said James Runkle, President of the Hoboken Business Alliance Board of Trustees. “The Big Match Block Parties showcase Hoboken's incredible restaurants and small businesses while creating an energetic gathering place for fans to experience the tournament together. It has been invigorating to see Hoboken come out in full force for our block parties, and being selected to host semifinal screenings is the perfect way to close out our month-long citywide celebration.”
Leading into each semifinal match, the City’s Cultural Affairs Division and Hoboken Business Alliance will host a Big Match Block Party from noon to 7 p.m. featuring food, beverages, and family-friendly activities.
On July 14, featured vendors will include Fat Taco, Alessio's, Boomerang Bites, and Julietta.
On July 15, attendees can enjoy offerings from Metropolis, Alessio's, Uncle Rocco’s, and Julietta.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring family and friends, enjoy Hoboken's waterfront, support local businesses, and experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™.
