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Hoboken residents are invited to celebrate the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ through a week of free youth soccer programming, community events, and waterfront watch parties beginning Sunday, July 12. 

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, go to hoboken.recdesk.com. 

Families attending the kickoff event can also enjoy a special visit from the Host Committee’s Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour bus, featuring a mobile fan engagement experience with giveaways, games, and music plus a food truck, a DJ provided by New Jersey Youth Soccer, and a complimentary hydration station provided by Hackensack Meridian Health Urgent Care. 

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 5 through 8 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. 

Attend a Semifinal Watch Party 

The festivities continue into the afternoon as the City is partnering with FIFA and the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) to host FIFA World Cup Semifinal Watch Parties on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, at Pier A Park as part of the Big Match Block Party series.  

Leading into each semifinal match, the City’s Cultural Affairs Division and Hoboken Business Alliance will host a Big Match Block Party from noon to 7 p.m. featuring food, beverages, and family-friendly activities. 

On July 14, featured vendors will include Fat Taco, Alessio's, Boomerang Bites, and Julietta. 

On July 15, attendees can enjoy offerings from Metropolis, Alessio's, Uncle Rocco’s, and Julietta. 

Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring family and friends, enjoy Hoboken's waterfront, support local businesses, and experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™. 

Read more here: https://www.hobokennj.gov/news/free-youth-soccer-and-semifinal-watch-parties