Mamdani Turns 50 NYC School Streets Into "Soccer Streets" Ahead of FIFA World Cup — Chobani + Street Lab Partnership Through June 26
May 11, 2026amNewYork | Streetsblog NYC | Gothamist | PIX11 | Sports Illustrated Official
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Mayor Mamdani announced Monday May 11 that the city will activate 50 school streets as "Soccer Streets" pop-up zones from May 1 through the last day of school (June 26) ahead of the FIFA World Cup final in NJ this summer. Partnership runs through Street Lab (open-streets nonprofit) and Chobani — pickup games, soccer drills, flag-painting, watch parties. Mamdani framed it as access for "every kid in this city" who cannot afford ticket+travel to the Meadowlands. Built on the existing DOT Open Streets for Schools program. Pairs with the earlier Hochul-Mamdani $20M state allocation and free 5-borough Fan Zones, plus the Bronx-heavy AFCON watch-party model.
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