FIFA Arena: Free Soccer in Central Park

Play soccer in Central Park this World Cup summer.

FIFA Arena is a free, small-sided soccer pitch installed near Tavern on the Green in Central Park for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Open to all ages and abilities, the pitch runs June 10 through July 18, with two sessions daily: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

No registration or fee required for open play.

Programming & Schedule

Most days are open play, drop in and join a game. The full 2026 activation calendar includes structured programming on select dates:

• June 13: Community Open Play, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• June 20: Youth Skills Academy (ages 6 to 14), 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• June 27: Neighborhood Cup, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM July 4: Open Play
• July 4 Weekend, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM July 8: Soccer in Schools Educator Event, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• July 11: U.S. Soccer Girls Summit, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• July 11: Saturday Night Lights League, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• July 18: Closing Celebration, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The full schedule is at streetsoccerusa.org/central-park/.

Getting There

Take the 1 train to 66th Street–Lincoln Center, one block south, or the B or C train to 72nd Street, a 5-minute walk north. Enter the park at Central Park West and follow the path toward Tavern on the Green.

The pitch is located in the parking lot just behind Tavern on the Green, near Central Park West and West 67th Street. Enter the park at Central Park West and head toward Tavern on the Green.

More to Do in the Park

Central Park has more to explore beyond the pitch. A guided bike tour covers the park's most iconic landmarks in two hours and departs from West 58th Street. Or take a pedicab tour if you want to see more of the park without the effort.