The inaugural Consulate Cup tournament was held in Bronx Saturday – bringing soccer fans together to help uplift the community.

The tournament, backed by NYCFC, the NYC African Advisory Council, and United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and Mexico consulates, raised money to go toward the youth soccer programs so they can play and learn the sport for free.

“Sports have the incredible power to bring people together and change lives, and as mayor of the most diverse city in the United States – one filled with soccer fans – I am thrilled New York City is hosting the Consulate Cup tournament in the lead up to the World Cup in 2026,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams in prepared remarks. “The Consulate Cup will help raise funds to support the New York City Soccer Initiative’s Community Cup and help connect our youth to sports in underserved communities. Every one of the 48 countries that qualified for the World Cup are represented in the five boroughs, and together, we will kick down barriers and lift all New Yorkers up.”

"It shows that soccer and our love for the game is about teamwork," added NYCFC Executive Director Paul Jeffries. "When there's teamwork and partnerships -- and for a good cause -- and this was the key, the underlying premise is to raise money for the community, and that brought everyone together."

Sixteen consulates participated with their teams and players consisting of consular employees and even some community members. The teams played 20-minute games with no breaks on a split up field.

"We really believe in the strong message of sport that unites people, that it's more than just a game," added Deputy Counsel General of Switzerland in New York Steve Tharakan. "That's why we initiated this tournament with our other partners."