This summer, the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrived in New York and New Jersey, capturing the attention of soccer fans everywhere. Through the ABNY Foundation’s “World Cup for All” Community Grant Program and other sponsors including Brooklyn Mint Dental, Da Nonna Rosa, Hispanic Federation, Council Member Alexa Avilés, Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, and Senator Andrew Gounardes, Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC) brought the tournament’s vibrant energy right to our neighborhood with Sunset Park Unido. Held on Saturday, June 27th, at P.S. 503, the free, half-day festival was a massive success, transforming a community space into a lively hub of joy, heritage, and unity.
Celebrating Culture and Community on a Local Stage
The true spirit of the World Cup isn’t just found in stadium seating—it lives in the neighborhoods that carry the heart and heritage of the sport. Sunset Park Unido bridged the gap between the global stage and our local community, bringing together families and neighbors to celebrate our incredible local diversity.
From interactive activities like jersey making, face painting, and bingo to shared laughter, the event proved that soccer possesses a unique power to unite people across language, background, and economic barriers. Longtime residents gathered side-by-side to enjoy the festivities and watch the high-stakes drama unfold during a live community watch party, where fans saw England win over Panama and advance to the knockout rounds, followed by a tie game between Colombia and Portugal, bringing Colombia to the next round, as well.
“We wanted to host Sunset Park Unido to give our neighbors a chance to celebrate the richness of our community,” said Sarah Batchu, Director of Programs at Fifth Avenue Committee. “It was transformational to gather around an event the whole world was watching and to see neighbors leave feeling more connected to each other and proud of where they’re from.”
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Staff
An unforgettable day like this would not have been possible without the dedication, passion, and energy of our incredible team. We want to extend a massive thank you to the FAC and NHN staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to plan, organize, and create this amazing space. Because of their hard work, families and community members came together in shared culture, safety, and neighborhood pride. The staff truly made this event more than just a game.
Why It Matters
In a city of constant change, FAC remains dedicated to ensuring that our community is never left on the sidelines. By investing in local neighborhoods, initiatives like this ensure that the true legacy of the 2026 World Cup isn’t just about final scores—it’s about building stronger, more deeply connected communities.
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