Governor Hochul Announces Funding for 12 Community World Cup Projects Across Seven Regions to Celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 12 community-based projects across seven regions of New York State have been selected as awardees through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. State funding will support locally organized public viewing events and related programming tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More than $371,000 in grants will facilitate events designed to bring residents and visitors together while driving economic activity and increasing visitation to local businesses.

"New York is proud to play a major role in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and we want communities across the state to share in the excitement and the economic benefits this global event will bring," Governor Hochul said. "These grants will help cities, villages and local organizations host events that bring people together, support small businesses and ensure that New Yorkers in every region can take part in the celebration."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Community World Cup Grant Program helps extend the impact of the World Cup far beyond the host stadium by empowering local communities to create their own celebrations around the tournament. These events will drive foot traffic to local businesses, strengthen regional tourism and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike."

Governor's Senior Director of Major Event Operations Justin Brannan said, "The New York State Community World Cup Grant Program will deliver the thrill of international soccer from the Meadowlands directly to Main Streets all across the State. Thanks to Governor Hochul's leadership, communities from Buffalo to Binghamton will be able to share in the World Cup excitement, creating lasting economic and cultural benefits long after the final whistle."

President and CEO of Visit Rochester Don Jeffries said, "Thank you to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their support of communities like Rochester in hosting events for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will bring our community together around one of the most anticipated sporting events this year. Sports are the ultimate unifier, and we look forward to helping bring these World Cup public viewing events and celebrations to life in Monroe County. We're inviting locals and visitors alike to join in on the celebration. This grant program will drive economic impact for our restaurants, shops and hospitality businesses throughout the community."

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 give New Yorkers opportunities to participate in the global tournament close to home. Empire State Development began accepting applications for the program in January following the Governor's announcement launching the initiative.

Empire State Development received applications from organizations across multiple Regional Economic Development Council regions. Following review and consultation with regional partners, 12 projects across seven regions were selected as awardees under the Community World Cup Grant Program.

Community World Cup Grant Program Awardees

Capital Region

• Discover Albany - $29,825
• Downtown Troy Business Improvement District - $70,000

Central New York

• Visit Syracuse - $25,000

Finger Lakes

• Visit Rochester - East and Alex Entertainment District - $24,875
• Visit Rochester - High Falls - $22,000

Southern Tier

• City of Binghamton - $25,000

Mohawk Valley

• City of Amsterdam - $12,125

North Country

• Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, Southern Essex - $7,500
• Potsdam Chamber of Commerce - $20,000

Western New York

• City of Buffalo - $60,000
• Visit Buffalo - $70,000
• Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) - $5,000

Today's announcement complements Governor Hochul's efforts to capture World Cup excitement in New York State. In addition to the Community World Cup Grant Program, New York State is supporting several initiatives designed to ensure communities across the state can participate in the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Governor recently 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 2026 World Cup into communities across the state. The Long Island and Mid-Hudson events will feature live match broadcasts alongside community-developed programming designed to authentically reflect each region and celebrate New York's passion for the world's game. Designed as outdoor experiences capable of welcoming thousands of attendees, each event will reflect the unique character of its region while promoting community engagement, small business participation, and inclusive access. Additional event details will be announced at a later date. For more information, including how to sign up to be notified of future New York State World Cup announcements, visit the I LOVE NY website here.

Governor Hochul has also advanced NY Kicks as part of her 2026 State of the State and FY27 Executive Budget, a new initiative aimed at expanding youth soccer access by investing in new soccer facilities and community programming in disadvantaged communities across the state. NY Kicks also advances Governor Hochul's Get Offline, Get Outside initiative, which encourages New Yorkers to unplug from devices and spend time outdoors in their communities, by activating public spaces across the state and creating shared, active experiences for families.

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

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

About the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program

The New York State Community World Cup Grant Program provides funding to support community-based events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Grants help local governments, nonprofit organizations and community partners host public watch parties and related programming designed to drive tourism, increase visitation to local businesses and ensure communities across the state can participate in the global tournament.

Contact the Governor's Press Office