5,500 Gathered For Outdoor World Cup Final Watch Party In Westchester

VALAHLLA, NY — More than 5,500 New Yorkers gathered at Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester County to scream their hearts out.

They were there to attend a free New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience. Those fans watched Spain’s victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Final, according to organizer Empire State Development.

The event began at noon on Sunday and turned the plaza into a large public watch party with live entertainment, family-friendly activities and a live broadcast of the match. The program also included a performance by the Ice Cold Experience drum line, featuring students ages 7–19 from Mount Vernon.

According to the agency, more than 25 partners took part before the match began, including New York State agencies, local law enforcement and local soccer teams. The state also said 18 local food and drink vendors were on hand.

"Today, Westchester County became the place where New Yorkers came together to experience the biggest sporting moment in the world," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "Families, friends and fans celebrated side by side, showing exactly what the World Cup is all about. From Buffalo to Long Island and here in Westchester, we've worked to ensure communities across New York could be part of this historic tournament and today was a fitting finale to that effort."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said the event showed how a global sports event can create opportunities for communities across the state.

"Thousands of fans came together in Westchester County to support local businesses, celebrate this historic tournament and experience firsthand the economic and tourism benefits these major events can deliver. That’s the kind of lasting impact we’re working to create in communities across the state."

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins called the event a community celebration at Kensico Dam Plaza.

"Today was a powerful reminder of the incredible things that happen when our community comes together," Jenkins said. "Kensico Dam Plaza was filled with energy, excitement and a true sense of connection as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the World Cup Final."

The Westchester watch experience followed an earlier World Cup Watch Experience held June 12th at Stony Brook University on Long Island. The events are part of a broader state strategy tied to the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program, the proposed NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund and the Get Offline, Get Outside initiative, which encourages people to spend time outdoors in their communities.