As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the “Jersey City Cup,” a free soccer tournament for local youth ages 7-14 will place over Memorial Day weekend, said Mayor Steven M. Fulop in a statement. The event on May 24 and May 25 aims to inspire and engage the city’s youngest residents as Jersey City prepares to play a major role in the upcoming World Cup. Registration is open for the Jersey City Cup, which will bring together local soccer leagues and players for a friendly two-day tournament. In addition to the on-field action, the event will feature food trucks and family-friendly activities open to the public. “Getting our youth involved from the very beginning is a chance to inspire and motivate our youngest residents,” said Fulop. “We also want to capitalize on the many opportunities and economic drivers the World Cup will bring to our businesses, community, and residents.” Cultural Affairs Director Christine Goodman said the city motto is ‘Jersey City is a Global City.’ “That will become more evident than ever when the World Cup is in town. What better way to get the momentum started than by involving our young athletes and bringing our local soccer leagues together to celebrate?” Goodman said. The city is also launching a new youth soccer camp this summer at MS 7 School, with week-long sessions running for six weeks beginning July 14. The camp, organized by the Department of Recreation and Youth Development (RYD), will provide free breakfast and lunch for all participants. “With the excitement of the World Cup building, soccer is growing and reaching new heights in Jersey City and across the country,” said RYD Director Keith Donath. “Our community has a deep passion for the game, and we want to provide more opportunities for our youth to learn and develop their soccer skills.” The Jersey City Cup is being held in partnership with the Sneaker Room and local recreation leagues, including the Jersey City Soccer Association, Global Soccer Academy, and CIFA. For more information, visit the city website. Submit Hudson County community news to hudson@njadvancemedia.com. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.