Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced the “Jersey City Cup,” the city’s kickoff event as excitement builds toward the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 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 on Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-25.
“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.”
The friendly tournament will celebrate the soccer community with the free two-day event. Everyone is invited to enjoy food trucks and other activities that will be open to the public for family fun over the holiday weekend.
“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 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.
“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 city-run camp will include free breakfast and lunch for all campers. Registration is now open to all residents ages 7-14.
The Jersey City Cup is held in partnership with the Sneaker Room and local recreation leagues: Jersey City Soccer Association, Global Soccer Academy, and CIFA.
