World Cup fans can register for a free June 12 watch party at Stony Brook University
A replica World Cup soccer ball is seen during a news conference to announce, with the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey Host Committee, a slate of free citywide official NY/NJ fan events. Credit: SARAH YENESEL/EPA/Shutterstock
Long Islanders looking to partake in World Cup action closer to home can sign up for a free watch party at Stony Brook University next month, state officials said.
Soccer aficionados and others can now register for free tickets to the New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience, which is set for June 12. The event at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium will feature a 3 p.m. matchup between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and another at 9 p.m. between the United States and Paraguay, officials said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Long Island event is part of statewide initiatives to use the World Cup to bring people together and grow soccer’s popularity among youth. MetLife Stadium is one of several hosts for the World Cup, which will kick off on June 11.
"By creating free, family-friendly viewing events across New York, we’re making it easier for families, fans and communities to come together, celebrate the world’s game and create lasting memories — while continuing to invest in the future of youth soccer in the state,” Hochul said in a news release.
The Long Island watch party event is also a likely, much cheaper alternative than taking in a match in person. For instance, a contest between Brazil and Morocco had tickets listed on SeatGeek starting at roughly $1,400 on Monday afternoon. Moreover, round-trip travel to World Cup games at MetLife Stadium via NJ Transit will cost $105, up from the usual $12.90 fare from Penn Station to the facility, Newsday reported.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the Long Island event, which will feature games shown on outdoor screens, live entertainment, soccer attractions and food and drinks, officials said.
People who register for the free event on Long Island can also choose to get text messages and emails to remind them of transportation and other event updates, officials said. The state is encouraging those who attend the event to use public transit.
"The World Cup is a celebration of cultures from around the world, and it brings people together every four years. We’re looking forward to this event and the joy it will bring; so many soccer fans will have the opportunity to watch their teams as a community," Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine said.
Here’s where you can register for tickets.
Tiffany Cusaac-Smith is a general assignment reporter for Newsday. She previously worked at USA TODAY and is an alum of Howard University.
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