Free World Cup tickets to be distributed on Long Island, NYS says
The World Cup Final on July 19 will be one of the eight matches at MetLife Stadium. Credit: TNS/AFP/Charly Triballeau
New York State will distribute 500 free tickets to the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament to first responders, military families and other households with children, at locations including YMCAs on Long Island.
The tickets include free round-trip bus service to MetLife Stadium, where there will be eight matches, state officials said in a news release. The first match at the New Jersey stadium is scheduled for Saturday.
On Long Island, the free tickets can be obtained at YMCAs, officials said. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit that champions veterans and first responders, is also distributing the tickets to children in low-income communities, service families and emergency services personnel.
The YMCA of Long Island was allocated 50 tickets, according to Mary‑Beth Coursen, a spokesperson with the organization. More details about how the tickets will be disbursed are forthcoming, she said.
"The World Cup is one of the biggest events on the planet, and it shouldn’t just be for those who can afford the hottest ticket in town," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
Tickets have been financially out of reach for many. For example, the cheapest tickets on the secondary market for Saturday's MetLife match between Brazil and Morocco generally cost around $2,000.
There will also be free watch parties on Long Island and throughout New York City. The state is hosting one at Stony Brook University on Friday.
In May, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced $50 tickets and free shuttles to and from the World Cup matches would be available to 1,000 city residents.
Tiffany Cusaac-Smith is a general assignment reporter for Newsday. She previously worked at USA TODAY and is an alum of Howard University.
More soccer news
