As New York City prepares to welcome the 2026 World Cup, the immigrants of our city live in fear of abduction and deportation. The United States continues its centuries-old imperialist projects, waging war and genocide from Palestine to Iran and beyond. Income inequality is at an all-time high, with Americans everywhere struggling to survive—much less buy a seat at the World Cup games happening in their own city.
Yet grassroots football thrives, both despite and in response. Clubs across the city find joy, solace, and solidarity in the beautiful game while rejecting FIFA's claims over our beloved sport and it’s complicity in what makes society untenable. The People's World Cup is a coalition of grassroots tournaments, watch parties, teach-ins, and beyond! To be reminded of what we love about football, and the corporatization, exploitation, and corruption we reject… To make real the alternative—By the people, for the people.