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JERSEY CITY, NJ – As the excitement builds regarding the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, which will be hosted across 16 cities in North America, including New York/New Jersey, Jersey City Cup will host local soccer players, ages 7 to 14, for a one-of-a-kind soccer event as part of the community’s kickoff celebration during this Memorial Day weekend. Registration is now open.
The friendly tournament will celebrate the soccer community with the free two-day event.
“Jersey City will play a major role before and during the World Cup, and getting our youth involved from the very beginning is a chance to inspire and motivate our youngest residents.” Mayor Fulop said. “We also want to capitalize on the many opportunities and economic drivers the World Cup will bring to our businesses, community, and residents.”
Related story: New York New Jersey Region to host FIFA World Cup 26th Final in 2026
“Our motto is ‘Jersey City is a Global City,’ and that will become more evident than ever when the World Cup is in town, bringing crowds of fans into Jersey City to participate and celebrate,” adds Cultural Affairs Director Christine Goodman. “What better way to get the momentum started than by involving our young athletes and bringing our local soccer leagues together to celebrate?”
In addition to the friendly tournament, Jersey City’s Department of Recreation and Youth Development (RYD) will host a new youth soccer camp this summer at MS 7 School. The week-long camps will run for six weeks beginning July 14.
The city-run camp will include complimentary breakfast and lunch for all campers. Registration is now open to all residents ages 7-14. Please visit the Rec Desk to register.
“With the excitement of the World Cup building, soccer is growing and reaching new heights in Jersey City and across the country. We knew this was the perfect time to bring back our soccer camp. Our community has a deep passion for the game, and we want to provide more opportunities for our youth to learn and develop their soccer skills. This camp will complement our existing programs and other local soccer initiatives, further strengthening the sport’s presence in the city,” says RYD Director Keith Donath.
The Jersey City Cup is a partnership between the Sneaker Room and Jersey City’s local recreation leagues: the Jersey City Soccer Association, Global Soccer Academy, and CIFA.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey matches will be held at MetLife Stadium. The tournament runs from June 11, 2026, until July 19, 2026. Specific match dates for the New York/New Jersey venue include June 13, 2026, and June 16, 2026, with the grand final scheduled for July 19, 2026.
–With Jay Domingo/PDM
