D.C. United Announces United in Play Soccer Celebration

D.C. United Announces United in Play Soccer Celebration

D.C. United to Host Two United in Play Soccer Celebration events on June 12-14 at Franklin Park and June 19-21 at Tingey Plaza

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15, 2026) - Mayor Muriel Bowser today announced that D.C. United’s United in Play Soccer Celebration have been officially designated as Washington, D.C.’s epicenter for the city to enjoy the world’s game this summer. Held in the heart of Washington, D.C., the fan-focused events will include youth soccer activities, local food vendors, music, and family-friendly programming that showcases the energy and diversity of the city as well as live viewings of FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches.

“DC is a soccer city — from kids lacing up their cleats at schools and summer camps across our neighborhoods, to sellout crowds cheering on D.C. United, Power FC, and the Spirit at Audi Field,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “This summer, we’re celebrating the world’s biggest sporting event, and there is no better place to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup than right here in the nation’s capital. I want every DC resident — every family, every fan — to come out, cheer loud, and be part of this moment.”

The nation’s capital will unite around the world’s game through two Soccer Celebration moments: the first from June 12–14 at Franklin Park in partnership with DowntownDC BID, followed by a second from June 19–21 at Tingey Plaza in partnership with the Navy Yard BID. Soccer Celebration will be free and open to the public with advance registration at this link.

Washington D.C. has long been a global soccer hub, and our United in Play Soccer Celebration reflects that legacy,” said Danita Johnson, D.C. United President of Business Operations. “This is more than a watch party. It’s a chance for our community to come together around the passion and joy the world’s game brings, creating a place where families, friends, and supporters from across the city can celebrate culture, connection, and the energy of soccer.

Event Schedule

Franklin Park – In Partnership with DowntownDC BID (June 12–14)

Friday, June 12

6:00 PM – Gates open for Soccer Celebration

9:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: USA vs. Paraguay

11:00 PM – Event Ends

Saturday, June 13

3:00 PM – Gates open for Soccer Celebration

6:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Brazil vs. Morocco

8:00 PM – Event Ends

Sunday, June 14

12:00 PM – Gates open for Soccer Celebration

1:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Germany vs. Curacao

4:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Netherlands vs. Japan

7:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador

9:00 PM – Event Ends

“Downtown DC has always been a monumental stage for major sports moments, and we’re excited to bring that national and global energy directly into the heart of our city with the United in Play Soccer Celebration,” said Gerren Price, President and CEO of the DowntownDC BID. “Hosting an official FIFA World Cup 2026™ watch party at Franklin Park this June reflects our commitment to activating downtown with experiences that draw people together and showcase it as a premier destination for sports and community.”

Tingey Plaza SE (June 19–21) In Partnership with the Navy Yard BID

Thursday, June 19

12:00 PM – Gates Open for Soccer Celebration

3:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: USA vs. Australia

6:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Scotland vs. Morocco

9:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Brazil vs. Haiti

11:00 PM – Event Ends

Friday, June 20

12:00 PM – Soccer Celebration

1:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Netherlands vs. TBD

4:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Germany vs. Ivory Coast

8:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Ecuador vs. Curacao

10:00 PM – Event Ends

Saturday, June 21

11:15 AM – Gates open for Soccer Celebration

12:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia

3:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Belgium vs. Iran

6:00 PM – FIFA World Cup: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde

8:00 PM – Event Ends

"Navy Yard is the epicenter of soccer in the District. The Washington Spirit, Power FC and D.C. United have made Audi Field their home and the electric energy their fans bring every match day invigorates the entire neighborhood,” said Emeka Moneme, President and CEO of the Navy Yard BID. “It makes perfect sense to come together in Navy Yard, harness that game-day enthusiasm, and celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in the place where DC comes to play.”

About D.C. United

One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, D.C. United are among the most decorated teams in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies. D.C. United have called the District home for the last 28 seasons and play their home games at Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Southwest, Washington, D.C, which opened in 2018. In addition to D.C. United games, the 20,000-seat soccer- specific stadium hosts over 100 events year-round and is home to America’s number one sportsbook through a partnership with FanDuel Group.

The Black-and-Red train at the Inova Performance Complex, a state-of-the-art training facility and performance center located in Leesburg, Va. The 40,000 square foot 30- acre training facility, that opened in 2021, features four outdoor practice fields, and a training center equipped with a weight room and recovery facilities. The Black-and-Red have won the MLS Cup four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), the Supporters’ Shield four times (1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times (1996, 2008 and 2013). For more information and club updates, please visit www.dcunited.com and find us on social media @dcunited

About the DowntownDC BID

Downtown DC is the most diverse and exciting neighborhood in one of the most important cities in the world. Here, locals and visitors find all the most thrilling experiences of DC in 140 walkable and transit-rich blocks: business, education and government; shopping and dining; parks, art, music, sports, theater, history — adding up to a bright future. Founded in 1997, the DowntownDC BID’s area includes 530 properties and is defined by Massachusetts Avenue on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street on the west.

About the Navy Yard BID

The Navy Yard Business Improvement District (BID) works to enhance, promote, and support the Navy Yard neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The BID comprises a 500- acre riverfront neighborhood situated between I-395 and the Anacostia River, thoughtfully designed to give businesses, residents, and visitors an exciting environment to explore and connect. Through public space management, economic development, marketing, events, and community partnerships, the BID helps ensure the neighborhood remains clean, safe, vibrant, and welcoming. As the city enters a new phase of growth and change, the Navy Yard BID remains committed to fostering a thriving, inclusive community where people, parks, sports, and culture come together to honor the area’s history and build a vibrant future. Learn more at navyyarddc.org.