Thursday, October 1, 2026
In addition to showing two early round World Cup soccer matches, the June 12 watch party at Stony Brook University will include a performance by Third Eye Blind.
That Friday’s initial offering is Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) at 3 p.m., with the daytime watch experience pre-match activations and programming starting 2 hours earlier.
Doors for the nighttime watch experience will open for pre-match activations and programming at 7 p.m., Third Eye Blind is set to perform an hour later and the second match of the day: USA vs. Paraguay (Group D) is at 9 p.m.
“The World Cup is an opportunity to bring people together across communities, cultures and generations, and New York is making sure families across our state can be part of that experience,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release
All tickets to attend the World Cup Watch Experience and see Third Eye Blind perform live are free and available while supplies last, go to NewYorkStateunited.com.
The watch experience is part of state’s effort to bring the excitement and energy of the 2026 World Cup directly into communities across New Yprk through free, large-scale public events.
There also will be interactive soccer programming, skills activities, face painting, World Cup-themed photo opportunities, sign-making stations, games, giveaways, and activations featuring local organizations and state agencies. Event programming will also recognize the Long Island community, including local schools and soccer coaches who help grow the game across the region.
This free World Cup Watch Experience is about creating an accessible, high-energy destination where New Yorkers can come together to celebrate one of the world’s biggest sporting events close to home,” Hope Knight, Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner, said in the release.
Registration is free and required for entry to both viewing events on June 12. Fans are encouraged to reserve tickets as early as possible by visiting the event website.
Events like the big Long Island watch party at Stony Brook reflect a semi-charmed approach to community engagement — combining music, the beautiful game, and family programming into a shared public experience that will never let you go, Justin Brannan, the state’s director of Major Event Operations, said in the release.
The viewing events complement the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program and the proposed NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund, which will expand access to youth soccer infrastructure and programming in communities across the state.
This also advances the state’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 and creating shared, active experiences for families.
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, IloveNY.com/fifa-world-cup/community-viewing-events/
