In celebration of New York City’s role as a host for the World Cup, the city has extended nighttime hours at one soccer field in each of its five boroughs throughout the duration of the tournament. This initiative allows amateur players to take advantage of the illuminated fields late into the night, a rare opportunity fueled by the city’s investment of $800,000 to increase access to affordable sports.

Among those making use of the extended hours is a group known as the “Football Family,” led by Russel Hasnat, a 37-year-old player who coordinates games among about 60 members hailing from diverse countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mexico, and Egypt. The group, which includes contractors, doctors, instructors, friends, and relatives, often faced challenges finding late-night playing spaces, with some matches previously curtailed by park regulations. At Calvert Vaux Park in Brooklyn, the group took advantage of the all-night lighting to play well past 10 p.m. on a recent Tuesday, enjoying the chance to gather and play under the full moon.

City officials say the initiative has sparked widespread interest, with hundreds of players taking to fields across the five boroughs nightly. Maya Handa, recently appointed as the city’s temporary “World Cup czar,” described the program as a pilot designed to explore expanding sports access, particularly for soccer — a sport requiring minimal equipment aside from a ball and open space. She noted the strong demand among New Yorkers for affordable recreational opportunities in the city’s parks.

Players gave various reasons for participating. Daniel Bishop, 19, reengaged with soccer after a long break, inspired by the World Cup and the social atmosphere at Calvert Vaux Park. Gazzaly Mahmud, a 25-year-old construction manager, found the games a welcome break from work stresses, while goalie Tabish Shariar appreciated the calm and the outdoor experience during slower moments on the field.

In Queens, Astoria Park became a hub for nighttime play as well, with a youth team linked to local Islamic groups exiting the field by 10 p.m., making way for adult pickup games. Players like college student Alejandro Sebastian Riera, originally from Ecuador, noted the improved quality and inclusiveness of New York’s pickup soccer scene compared to his home country. Others, such as 19-year-old Sino Yzbashi and 27-year-old Indrit Ymeraj, welcomed the extended hours that allowed matches to continue past the usual city-imposed lighting shutdown times. Participants also included members of LGBTQ sports leagues, such as Brittany Pope, who recently took up soccer and found community through the sport.

The late-night matches attracted diverse groups connected by their enthusiasm for the game. Players like Adam Rouzaqui, 20, who often played alongside family members, underscored the social bonding fostered by the event. As the night progressed, teams known as “Astoria Pickup” and “Lady Ballers” assembled for continued play into the early hours. Tyler Morin, 28, a longtime casual player in the neighborhood, reflected on how repeated play had forged friendships among teammates.

Even individuals practicing solo, such as restaurant cook Hoon Lee, 39, embraced the opportunity to train after long work shifts, illustrating the appeal of the program across a broad spectrum of New Yorkers.

Overall, the extended lighting for soccer fields has provided a rare and welcomely accessible outlet for New Yorkers to engage with the sport amid the global excitement surrounding the World Cup hosting duties.