Soccer pitch groundbreaking marks FIFA World Cup 2026™ legacy investment

Key Takeaways

- The event kicked off a legacy project funded by Airbnb to bring five new soccer mini-pitches to the New York–New Jersey area, designed to expand access to play for local kids.

Airbnb, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, New York City Public Schools and the U.S. Soccer Foundation hosted a groundbreaking event to celebrate a new mini-pitch that will come to P.S. 112 Bronxwood. This mini-pitch is one of five coming to the New York and New Jersey area, part of an over $1 million commitment by Airbnb to ensure the FIFA World Cup 2026™ leaves a meaningful and lasting impact on local communities in New York and New Jersey.

In addition to the space in the Bronx, there will also be mini-pitches coming to M.S. K394 in Brooklyn, P.S. 102 Bayview in Queens, P.S. R373 in Staten Island and Florence Avenue Elementary in Irvington, New Jersey.

“At Airbnb, we’re committed not just with words, but action to make sure the World Cup’s impact is felt on local communities far beyond the tournament. The mini-pitches across New York and New Jersey help expand access to soccer to communities that may not otherwise have the opportunity to play,” said Janaye Ingram, Global Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement for Airbnb. “We’d like to thank the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and our partners in local government for their help in making these mini-pitches a reality. We hope that kids across the region will be able to enjoy it for many years and we look forward to their opening.”

The event included remarks from New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels, New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, New York State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and New York City Council Member Kevin Riley along with leadership from Airbnb, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Following the groundbreaking, local students participated in soccer activities to get ready for the new mini-pitch.

“New York City is proud to join our partners in bringing this mini-pitch to the Bronx and new play spaces to communities across the region. We’re working to ensure that the World Cup’s arrival in our city is accessible to fans of all ages and backgrounds, in every borough,” said New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.

“Every child in New York City deserves access to play areas and spaces. Green spaces like soccer fields provide a place for young people to run, play, and grow, resulting in joy to families. We value this partnership as we strive to make the World Cup accessible to all and expose children across the five boroughs to this incredible sport,” said New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie.

“The arrival of the FIFA World Cup is a historic moment for our region, but its true success will be measured by the doors it opens for our children right here in the Bronx,” said New York State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. “By breaking ground on this new mini-pitch at P.S. 112 Bronxwood, we are turning the global excitement of this tournament into a tangible, permanent resource for our students. We know that when we provide safe, vibrant places to play, we are investing in the health, joy, and future of the next generation. We are proud to stand with our partners to bring these new pitches to life, ensuring that every child has a place to dream big and play hard.”

“Every young person deserves access to safe, high-quality spaces where they can play, grow, and build community,” said New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “As one of five mini-pitches coming to the New York and New Jersey area, this investment at P.S. 112 Bronxwood represents a meaningful opportunity for youth and families in the Northeast Bronx to have greater access to recreation and positive spaces right in their own neighborhood. As we prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026, it is important that our communities experience lasting benefits that directly reach our young people. I am proud to stand alongside our partners to bring new opportunities directly to the students and families of P.S. 112 Bronxwood.”

“When our young people have access to safe places to connect and be active, they come to school healthier, more focused, and ready to learn,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “We’re grateful to Airbnb, the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation for their commitment to New York City’s children, and we look forward to seeing our students make the most of this incredible new space.”

“The Mayor’s Fund is proud to join the FIFA World Cup NYNJ Host Committee, Airbnb, the US Soccer Foundation, and NYC Public Schools in celebrating this important investment in safe, vibrant spaces for young New Yorkers to play soccer across the City,” said Kate R. Smith, Executive Director, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “We’re working on not only ensuring that children in every neighborhood can enjoy the game for years to come, but also on opportunities and activations throughout the summer that brings the spirit of the World Cup to fans of all ages and backgrounds.”

“Projects like these are exactly what the World Cup is all about—creating meaningful opportunities in the communities that define our region,” said Alex Lasry, CEO, NYNJ FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee. “These mini-pitches will help grow the game, expand access to play, and inspire the next generation of athletes in New York and New Jersey. By investing in neighborhoods across our region, we’re ensuring the impact of this tournament is felt far beyond the stadium and helping more young people connect with the world’s game.”

“We’re thrilled to break ground on another mini-pitch and expand access to these spaces across New York City alongside Airbnb, FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, and New York City Public Schools,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO, U.S. Soccer Foundation. “With each new pitch, we’re building on the momentum of a broader movement—one that is transforming communities by giving more young people the chance to play, connect, and develop essential life skills through our game.”

“The World Cup belongs to the fans and the kids playing soccer in their local park after school until the sun goes down and the park lights pop on. More than just the largest sporting event on the planet, we want the tournament to inspire the next generation of soccer stars. Thanks to this effort, more families will have a chance to be part of this amazing experience up close—not from the sidelines,” said Justin Brannan, Senior Director of Major Event Operations, Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

This project is part of the Airbnb Host City Impact Program, a $5 million investment by Airbnb to support initiatives that benefit local communities during and after the FIFA World Cup 2026™. It is also one of 26 new play spaces that the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the NYNJ Host Committee will bring to under-resourced communities across New York and New Jersey. These mini-pitches build on more than 50 mini-pitches built across all five NYC boroughs since 2016 that have created access to free play and high-quality programs for thousands of New York City youth.

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