The City of Hoboken is celebrating the FIFA World Cup with free soccer programs and watch parties during the tournament semifinals next week.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Hosting FIFA World Cup celebrations in Hoboken is an incredible opportunity to bring our community together through the universal language of soccer. 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,” Mayor Emily Jabbour said in a statement.
“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.”
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, click here.
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 five through eight 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.
“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,” added FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry.
“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.”
Further, the city is partnering with FIFA and the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) to host FIFA World Cup Semifinal Watch Parties on Tuesday, July 14th, and Wednesday, July 15th, 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,” noted HBA Board of Trustees President James Runkle. “
“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.”
Leading into each semifinal match, the city’s Cultural Affairs Division and HBA will host a Big Match Block Party from noon to 7 p.m. featuring food, beverages, and family-friendly activities.
On July 14th , featured vendors will include Fat Taco, Alessio’s, Boomerang Bites, and Julietta.
Then on July 15th, attendees can enjoy offerings from Metropolis, Alessio’s, Uncle Rocco’s, and Julietta.
