U.S. Soccer Foundation expands mini‑pitch program to 1,000 sites nationwide ahead of 2026 World Cup

The U.S. Soccer Foundation is installing a network of small hard‑court soccer “mini‑pitches” across the United States as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup legacy program. The latest site, Joseph H. Brensinger School PS 17 in Jersey City, marks the first of 26 planned pitches in the New York‑New Jersey region and brings the national total to more than 900 locations, with a target of 1,000 by the end of 2026.

The foundation says the pitches serve over 6.5 million children in 39 states, with about 30 % being new to the sport, and studies show a five‑fold increase in local soccer activity and greater community engagement. The initiative aims to provide free, safe play spaces in underused areas, expanding access beyond traditional pay‑to‑play clubs.