WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington is turning Franklin Park and Navy Yard into public World Cup gathering spots this month, with free watch parties scheduled around the FIFA World Cup 2026 and family-friendly programming tied to the District’s summer sports push.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office said DC United’s United in Play Soccer Celebration began Friday, June 12, at Franklin Park in Downtown DC and continues through Sunday, June 14. A second weekend of events is scheduled for June 19 through June 21 at Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard. Both celebrations are free and open to the public with advance registration.
“DC is a soccer city — and we’re a city that likes to celebrate sports,” Bowser said in the announcement. “There’s a lot happening in our city over the next few weeks, and we want people to enjoy DC, enjoy the company of other fans and have a great World Cup experience in the Sports Capital.”
The Franklin Park schedule includes Brazil vs. Morocco at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. Sunday programming begins at noon and includes Germany vs. Curaçao at 1 p.m., Netherlands vs. Japan at 4 p.m., and Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador at 7 p.m. The park is located at 1332 I Street NW.
City officials said the celebrations will include live match viewings, food and beverage vendors, youth soccer activities, and performances from local DJs and artists. Attendees are encouraged to walk or use Metro, and small bags are permitted at the event sites.
The second weekend at Tingey Plaza, 101 Tingey Street SE, includes match watch parties on June 19, 20, and 21. The mayor’s office also pointed residents to the Freedom 250 FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone on the National Mall for additional watch-party programming throughout the tournament.
The Washington Herald
editorial@thewashingtonherald.com
Washington, D.C.
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