Res. No. 428
Resolution celebrating the arrival of the 2026 World Cup in the City of New York
By Council Members Thomas-Henry, Maloney and Williams
Whereas, The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup brings together teams from nations worldwide every four years in selected host countries around the world to compete in a month-long tournament; and
Whereas, The sport that most countries in the world call “football” is known as “soccer” in the United States (U.S.); and
Whereas, From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the World Cup tournament will be bringing 48 nations to play 104 matches in 16 cities in the host countries of Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.; and
Whereas, Eight matches will be played in the “New York New Jersey” (“NYNJ”) region at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, including the final match, which is one of the biggest single sports events in the world; and
Whereas, FIFA, the governing body that manages national associations and international competitions, noted that the 2022 final match in Qatar, when Argentina beat France on penalties, was viewed by 1.42 billion fans, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino is predicting even more viewers for this year’s final match at MetLife Stadium; and
Whereas, The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), now under the direction of former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, will be trying to beat its best-ever finish of third place in 1930; and
Whereas, In addition to the matches, the NYNJ Host Committee has planned events for fans in New York City (NYC) in Queens and in Manhattan; and
Whereas, The NYNJ World Cup 26 Fan Zone Queens, produced by Live Nation, will be happening at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, with a capacity of 10,000, at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from June 17 to June 28, 2026, and will be offering a celebration of the world’s game in “The World’s Borough,” including live match broadcasts, family entertainment, interactive games, food, and merchandise, for a $10 ticketed entrance fee; and
Whereas, The NYNJ World Cup 26 Fan Village at Rockefeller Center will be set up, in cooperation with Telemundo and Rockefeller Center, to offer fans a “football” pitch hosting free live match screenings, interactive soccer experiences, and cultural programming reflecting the global spirit of the World Cup from July 4 to July 19, 2026; and
Whereas, Designed by NJ-born Brooklyn-based artist Rich Tu, the official poster for the NYNJ host region displays a soccer ball being held up by the Statue of Liberty’s flaming torch; and
Whereas, The official tournament poster was designed by three artists from the three host countries, with NJ-born NYC-based Hank Willis Thomas representing the U.S.; and
Whereas, Speaking of the collaboration among the three artists that produced the official tournament poster, Thomas said that he wanted “people to recognize that, as three nations, we actually inhabit the same space more often than not” and that the poster “reminds us that we are better together”; and
Whereas, It is fitting for all New Yorkers, including all those whose heritages can be found among the 48 nations competing in the tournament, to take part in welcoming the World Cup spectacle, which will draw attention worldwide to NYC and its many cultural, arts, entertainment, and sports venues and offerings and which will bring significant economic benefits to NYC; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York celebrates the arrival of the 2026 World Cup in the City of New York.
LS #22498
3/30/2026
RHP