Gotham FC and rival Washington Spirit will take over Citi Field on July 15 for the Citi Field Classic, setting up a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Championship on a new stage.
The match marks the first National Women’s Soccer League game played in New York City and could break the record for attendance at a women’s sporting event in city history.
“At this moment in time, when so much attention is on the game in this area, we have an unbelievable opportunity not only to make history but to cement ourselves as a household brand for people who maybe haven’t heard of us,” said Gotham FC general manager Yael Averbuch West. “For us, it’s a huge opportunity.”
The match comes as the region prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the New York/New Jersey area set to be one of the global focal points of the sport.
Gotham FC governor Carolyn Tisch Blodgett said the club saw the moment as an opportunity to ensure women’s soccer is part of that spotlight.
“Women’s soccer should belong in that moment,” Tisch Blodgett said. “When we look back on the legacy of the 2026 Men’s World Cup, growing and building a future for women’s soccer and Gotham FC was key.”
Though Citi Field regularly hosts concerts and other large events, the July match will be the first women’s sporting event held at the venue.
“We’re thrilled to host our first-ever National Women’s Soccer League match as Gotham FC brings the Queens Classic to Citi Field this summer,” said Katie Haas, executive vice president of ballpark operations for the New York Mets.
Haas said the event could introduce new audiences to both the stadium and the Mets organization.
“Not only are we hopeful that we’re going to introduce a lot of fans to Gotham FC, but a lot of new fans will be introduced to the Mets and Citi Field who might otherwise never have experienced it before,” Haas said. “I think the atmosphere could include a lot of young girls, and I think that’s really good for baseball.”
The rivalry with Washington is expected to add intensity to the matchup, which could draw more than 40,000 fans to Citi Field.
Team captain and World Cup winner Tierna Davidson said the atmosphere could play a major role, especially in a rivalry match.
“Playing in front of an energetic fanbase gives you an extra advantage, so I think that’s something important for a rivalry game,” Davidson said. “I’m really excited for younger players to experience that, especially when you’re in the 90th minute and exhausted, to be able to push with a fanbase all around supporting you.”
Gotham FC defender Jess Carter said the club’s ambitions reflect a broader push to grow the women’s game.
“It’s a huge opportunity,” Carter said. “The fact that we can turn this into one of the biggest women’s sporting events in NYC is incredible. I play for a very ambitious club ownership that wants to continue to drive the women’s game here and grow the brand. I think Gotham is the next club to be part of history, which makes it really exciting for everyone.”
With global attention set to focus on the region this summer, Gotham FC hopes the event will help showcase women’s soccer and its athletes on one of the city’s biggest stages.
