New York communities get grants for 2026 World Cup

Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a significant initiative to bring the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to communities across New York State. Through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program, 12 community-based projects spanning seven regions have been awarded over $371,000 in funding. This support aims to facilitate public viewing events and related programming, fostering community engagement and stimulating local economies.

 

In Western New York, the City of Buffalo has been granted $60,000, while Visit Buffalo receives $70,000, and the Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) is allocated $5,000. These funds are designated for organizing events that unite residents and visitors, thereby boosting economic activity and increasing patronage to local businesses.

 

The Southern Tier sees the City of Binghamton awarded $25,000 to support three community watch parties for Team USA games. Deputy Mayor Megan Heiman noted that more details on these events will be forthcoming.

 

In the Capital Region, Discover Albany has been granted $29,825, and the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District receives $70,000. Central New York's Visit Syracuse is awarded $25,000, while the Finger Lakes region benefits from Visit Rochester's allocations of $24,875 for the East and Alex Entertainment District and $22,000 for High Falls. The Mohawk Valley's City of Amsterdam secures $12,125, and the North Country's Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism in Southern Essex and Potsdam Chamber of Commerce receive $7,500 and $20,000, respectively.

 

Governor Hochul emphasized New York's pride in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the desire for statewide participation in the event's excitement and economic benefits. She stated that these grants will enable cities, villages, and local organizations to host events that bring people together, support small businesses, and ensure that New Yorkers in every region can partake in the celebration.

 

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight highlighted that the Community World Cup Grant Program extends the World Cup's impact beyond the host stadium by empowering local communities to create their own celebrations. These events are expected to drive foot traffic to local businesses, strengthen regional tourism, and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

 

The $500,000 Community World Cup Grant Program supports community-based activations such as public watch parties, cultural programming, and community festivals timed with tournament matches. These locally organized events are designed to boost regional tourism, encourage spending at nearby restaurants and shops, and provide New Yorkers with opportunities to participate in the global tournament close to home.

 

This initiative complements Governor Hochul's broader efforts to capture World Cup excitement throughout New York. In addition to the Community World Cup Grant Program, the state is supporting several initiatives to ensure communities can engage with the FIFA World Cup. Recently, the Governor announced two free, large-scale community viewing events on Long Island and in the Mid-Hudson Region as part of a coordinated effort to maximize the statewide and economic impact of the World Cup.

 

Furthermore, Governor Hochul has advanced "NY Kicks" as part of her 2026 State of the State and FY27 executive budget. This new initiative aims to expand youth soccer access by investing in new soccer facilities and community programming in disadvantaged communities across the state. "NY Kicks" also advances the Governor's "Get Offline, Get Outside" initiative, encouraging New Yorkers to unplug from devices and spend time outdoors in their communities by activating public spaces and creating shared, active experiences for families.

 

These efforts build on the state's broader strategy to maximize the economic, tourism, and community benefits associated with hosting matches during the tournament.