Overview:
Defending National Women’s Soccer League champion Gotham FC anticipates a record-setting crowd for The Queens Classic at Citi Field on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET when it hosts the Washington Spirit.
JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Defending National Women’s Soccer League champion Gotham FC anticipates a record-setting crowd for The Queens Classic at Citi Field on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET when it hosts the Washington Spirit.
It will be a rematch of the 2025 NWSL championship game (ESPN).
More than 40,000 fans have secured tickets for the first women’s professional sporting event at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, as the club aims to set the New York City attendance record for a women’s sporting event.
According to a Gotham FC press release, fans can expect a full afternoon and evening of entertainment beginning with an expanded Footy Fest from 2:30-7:30 p.m. The festival will be hosted by World Cup champion, former U.S. women’s national team midfielder and editor-in-chief of the Women’s Game, Sam Mewis.
At 3 p.m., Gotham FC will stage a World Cup semifinal watch party, in collaboration with U.S. Soccer and the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee. Fans can RSVP watch party interest here.
A live recording of Welcome to the Party, presented by Yoggies and hosted by USWNT legends Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach will take place from 6-6:45 p.m. with one of the most decorated players in the women’s game and Chelsea defender, Lucy Bronze of England.
The first 7,500 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative Rose Lavelle, bobblehead featuring her beloved dog, Wilma Jean, celebrating the reigning NWSL Championship MVP.
The Queens Classic will also feature a memorable Torch Lighting ceremony, Gotham FC’s signature prematch tradition. Footy Fest host and CarMax ambassador Mewis will be joined by Welcome to the Party hosts Foudy and Wambach, four-time WNBA Champion and five-time Olympic gold medalist Sue Bird and seven-time NBA All-Star, New York native Donovan Mitchell. The ceremony will culminate with journalist, activist and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Gloria Steinem.
New York-based sibling band Infinity Song will perform the national anthem.
You can’t enjoy the World Cup without reading Michael Lewis’ book:
Around the World Cup in 40 Years, An American sportswriter’s perspective.
Here’s how you can purchase the book:
It’s available on Amazon for $29.95, and it’s available here:
