New York City took a landmark step towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday as FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially inaugurated the first FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Central Park, joined by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

The ceremony, held at Tavern on the Green, also brought together Global Citizen CEO and co-founder Hugh Evans, Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Betsy Smith, New York New Jersey Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry, and FIFA Legend George Weah — a former President of the Republic of Liberia, the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, and honorary captain of the FIFA Players' Voice Panel.

FIFA Legends Roberto Baggio, Marco Materazzi, Christian