Free World Cup watch party comes to Stony Brook June 12

Long Islanders can watch the U.S. men’s national team’s first World Cup match of the summer for free — and without leaving Suffolk County.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday the New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience at Stony Brook University on June 12. It’s a free, all-day public event built around the USA vs. Paraguay Group D match that kicks off at 9 p.m.

Admission is free, with tickets available “while supplies last” at the event website.

The free, large-scale public viewing of the live match broadcast on the university’s LaValle Stadium video screen is expected to draw thousands of fans. The day consists of two events: the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) World Cup match at 3 p.m. and the USA vs. Paraguay (Group D) match at 9 p.m. 

Rock band Third Eye Blind will perform at 8 p.m. before the United States match, which is being playing at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Among the players expected to take the field for the Americans that night is Lake Grove native Joe Scally, the Borussia Mönchengladbach right back who earned a spot on the U.S. roster, which was officially announced yesterday.

Between and around the matches, attendees can expect interactive soccer programming, skills activities, face painting, World Cup-themed photo opportunities, sign-making stations, games and giveaways. Local schools and soccer coaches from the region will also be recognized during the event programming.

“The World Cup is an opportunity to bring people together across communities, cultures and generations, and New York is making sure families across our state can be part of that experience,” Hochul said.

Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith said the school is thrilled to be hosting the World Cup Watch Experience.

“We look forward to hosting community members from across Long Island and beyond on our beautiful campus to cheer on their favorite team in a shared and spirited celebration,” she said. “We look forward to opening our doors, strengthening our deep community connections and celebrating this historic global event together.”

_{Top: Stony Brook University LaValle Stadium (Stony Brook University) and Lake Grove native Joe Scully playing for Team USA (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez).}