City of Binghamton To Host Three Community World Cup Watch Parties

— City Awarded $25K State Grant For Public Viewing Events Downtown, At Rec Park —

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)—Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Friday announced plans for the City to host three FIFA World Cup 2026™ community watch parties.

Mayor Kraham said: “Binghamton will be a regional destination for World Cup soccer this summer as the only recipient in the Southern Tier to be awarded funding through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. Binghamton’s official watch parties will be an exciting way to support local small businesses, shine a spotlight on downtown Binghamton and our public spaces, and bring residents together to cheer on Team USA. My thanks to New York State for selecting the City as a recipient of this funding.”

The City will host a series of free community watch parties for the following U.S. Men's National Soccer Team group stage matches: 

• USA vs. Paraguay – Friday, June 12 at 9 p.m. on Gorgeous Washington Street in downtown Binghamton. Large LED screens will broadcast the match in the street, which will be closed to traffic. Alcohol sales available to 21+ attendees. Pre-game activities will begin in the early evening.
• USA vs. Australia – Friday, June 19 at 3 p.m. at Recreation Park on the West Side. Large LED screens will broadcast the match, and the park, pool and carousel will be open regular hours.
• USA vs. Turkey – Thursday, June 25 at 10 p.m. at Mirabito Stadium in downtown Binghamton. In partnership with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the match will be broadcast on the outfield jumbotron with audio through the ballpark’s sound systems. Doors open by 6 p.m.

The events are presented by title sponsor Airbnb, co-hosted by the American Outlaws Binghamton Chapter #183, a non-profit group dedicated to organizing support for the men's, women's and youth U.S. soccer team, and supported by the Binghamton Rumble Ponies and Visit Binghamton.

The City of Binghamton’s World Cup proposal was one of 12 across New York State to be selected for funding through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program, administered by Empire State Development. 

The program aims to extend the economic and tourism benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be played in 16 North American cities this summer, including eight matches in the New York metropolitan area. Empire State Development has allocated more than $317,000 in grants to support locally organized public viewing events and related programming.

Kelly Fay, Airbnb New York Public Policy Associate, said: “Airbnb is proud to sponsor Binghamton’s World Cup watch parties and help ensure the benefits and excitement of this historic event reach more communities across New York State.” 

Ted Hudock, President of American Outlaws Binghamton #183, said: “The American Outlaws are an official U.S. Soccer Supporters Group and have hosted gatherings for USMNT and USWNT games for over a decade throughout the area. We have loved having our community come together for memorable matches and have seen the enjoyment of fans over Landon Donovan’s goal vs Algeria, Carly Lloyd’s Cup winning Hat Trick vs Japan and so many other memorable moments shared. We look forward to our biggest gatherings ever this year as we partner with the City of Binghamton and local businesses to make even more memories for so many.”

Senator Lea Webb said: “This summer, the City of Binghamton will host World Cup watch parties thanks to a $25,000 investment from the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. Athletics have the ability to bring everyone together from all walks of life. I appreciate Governor Hochul selecting the City of Binghamton for these events. This city is incredibly deserving and I am so excited for our community to have the ability to watch these soccer games together and support our local businesses!” 

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said: “The NYS Community World Cup Grant Program will allow the City of Binghamton to bring residents together to celebrate one of the world’s biggest sporting events. These watch parties will create fun, family-friendly experiences while supporting our small businesses and restaurants. I encourage everyone to participate in the festivities as Binghamton becomes part of this global celebration.”

Binghamton City Councilmember Hadassah Mativetsky said: “I am very excited that the City of Binghamton is getting the honor of hosting a series of official World Cup watch parties, bringing the world's sport to Binghamton. Grateful to the Governor's office for providing this opportunity and to the city staff who organized quickly to apply to be one of several locations across the state. It was fun to get to vote to accept the grant as a member of City Council. I have memories of the World Cup dating back to the 1998 World Cup where I experienced the games with viewing parties with folks from around the globe and got hooked. I am looking forward to making new memories!”