World Cup in the World Borough: Queens Public Library Celebrates the Soccer Tournament with Watch Parties and Community Events

Press Release | June 12, 2026

World Cup in the World Borough: Queens Public Library Celebrates the Soccer Tournament with Watch Parties and Community Events

21 QPL branches across the borough will host free livestreams of soccer matches

QUEENS, NY_Queens Public Library today announced that 21 locations will host watch parties throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, beginning this week and running until the final match on July 19.

Throughout the competition, QPL will host World Cup watch parties at Central Library (89-11 Merrick Blvd.), Flushing Library (41-17 Main St.), Jackson Heights Library (35-51 81st St.), and other branches across Queens (listed below). Matches will be screened in neighborhoods with strong cultural ties to participating countries, creating opportunities for communities to come together and share in the excitement of the games.

In addition, the Library is offering fans of all ages a series of free World Cup-related programs and activities.

QPL’s Queens Memory program will collect oral histories and personal reflections from Queens residents about their connections to past and upcoming World Cup tournaments. Multiple community recording sessions are planned, beginning Saturday, June 13 at Jackson Heights Library.

In partnership with Snapology, select branches will host a World Cup Robotics Series for children. Using LEGO WeDo kits, participants will design and build soccer-inspired robotic models such as goal scorers and goalkeepers, while exploring engineering, coding, and creative problem-solving through hands-on challenges.

QPL will also present a series of cultural events highlighting the art, music, storytelling and traditions of countries participating in this year's tournament. Programs will take place at libraries throughout the borough and celebrate the diversity and spirit of the World Cup.

“The watch parties and other events related to the FIFA World Cup 2026 offer our diverse communities and people from around the world new opportunities to celebrate their own cultures, explore new ones and connect with each other through their shared love of the game," said QPL Chief Librarian Nick Buron. "We look forward to welcoming them to our libraries throughout the tournament and encourage them to borrow a book, browse our collections and explore our other amazing resources when they visit.”

In addition, QPL will participate in the NYC Neighborhood Passport initiative, a citywide program led by the Mayor’s office, NYC Tourism and Team Wonder, encouraging residents and visitors to explore immigrant neighborhoods, cultural institutions, small businesses, and public events during the tournament. Participants will collect artist-designed stamps from participating organizations across the five boroughs, including libraries.

For a complete schedule of World Cup programs and events, along with curated booklists for all ages, go here.

Branches streaming matches are listed below. For details on which locations will host specific games, visit www.queenslibrary.org/spotlight/world-cup or contact your local branch, as not every participating location will livestream every match. Watch parties will take place during regular library hours.