- SPORTS
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- NJ/NY Gotham FC will call Etihad Park its new home beginning next season. City and state leaders made the official announcement Tuesday morning.
The announcement came on the heels of a disappointing night for U.S. soccer, as the United States men's national soccer team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4-1 loss to Belgium national football team.
Officials announced that Gotham FC will relocate to Etihad Park, the new soccer-specific stadium under construction across from Citi Field. The venue is being built as the home of New York City FC and will host Gotham FC when it opens to fans next season.
"From Sam Kerr's legendary four-goal comeback to Midge Purce's championship-clinching heroics, Gotham FC has given us some of the greatest moments in women's soccer. Now the next electrifying chapter of that story will be written in New York City," Mayor Zohran Mamdani said. "Bringing Gotham FC to Queens means that the young girl kicking a ball around Jackson Heights, Jamaica or the South Bronx will be able to take the train and watch some of the best players in the world in her own city. It means more customers for neighborhood restaurants, more visitors filling our hotels and, most importantly, a permanent home for world-class women's soccer in the greatest city in the world."
"New York State is home to some of the world's greatest sports teams, and we couldn't be more excited to officially add the reigning NWSL Champions, Gotham FC, to our ranks," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "Now residents and visitors alike will be able to experience our premier women's soccer team right here in New York City at our first-ever soccer specific stadium, giving players and fans the world-class experience they deserve."
The move would give the National Women's Soccer League club a permanent home in New York City. Gotham FC has emerged as one of the league's top franchises, winning two league championships over the past three seasons.
"From day one, our ambition has been bigger than championships," said Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Gotham FC Governor. "We are building one of the world's most iconic clubs and helping define the future of women's sports. Our move to Etihad Park reflects that ambition, and we are deeply grateful to New York City FC for their vision and commitment to helping make this historic moment possible. World-class athletes deserve world-class environments, and this move allows us to keep raising the standard for our players, supporters and the game itself. Gotham FC is showing what is possible when you invest boldly in women's soccer, and we are committed to building an experience worthy of the fans who have believed in this club from the beginning."
It's welcome news as U.S. soccer fans are still processing the men's national team's early World Cup exit.
Belgium took control early, scoring just nine minutes into the match. The United States equalized in the 31st minute, but Belgium responded only two minutes later to regain the lead.
A costly mistake by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese led to another Belgium goal, and the Americans were unable to recover, falling 4-1.
"Belgium deserved to win today," Freese said after the match. "I don't think it was anything but small details that got away from us."
The loss marks the fourth time in the past five World Cups that the United States has failed to advance beyond the Round of 16.
Gotham FC supporters can place season ticket deposits beginning at $28 Tuesday at gothamfc.com/nyc for Gotham FC's inaugural season at Etihad Park in 2028. Existing season ticket members who renew for the 2027 season will retain priority access, while new supporters can join the list. Additional information on seat selection, premium hospitality and season ticket member benefits will be announced in the coming months.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Related Topics
- SPORTS
- NEW YORK CITY
- SOCCER
- FIFA WORLD CUP
- WORLD CUP
- FIFA
Midtown Manhattan buildings evacuated after columns found buckling at high-rise construction site
- 1 hour ago
46-year-old man killed after being shot in the head in Parkchester, the Bronx
Storm cleanup underway across Tri-State; some power outages remain, NJ Transit delays and changes
US launches new strikes on Iran, revokes oil sales permit after 3 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz
Birth mother plans to sue Suffolk County, school district over 7-year-old girl's alleged abuse death
- 1 hour ago
Source: WABC-TV
