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DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP

From Yamagucci to Godfrey: Five unmissable experiences at House of GOAL’s opening week

GOAL is presenting the ultimate celebration of football for the World Cup, and the first week is packed with an exciting line-up that perfectly captures the spirit of the beautiful game.

NEW YORK – House of GOAL is the place to be. No other location in North America has offered such an immersive football experience. The sport has always been about more than just the matches — it’s about fashion, music, culture, films, television, food, and the conversations that unite fans across the world.

Until now, few have truly embraced that wider culture and presented it to a larger audience.

House of GOAL brings together everything that defines football culture — from fashion and art to food, film, and comedy. Running from July 3 through to the World Cup final on July 19, this football festival — hosted at Industry City, the vibrant heart of Brooklyn — captures the very essence of what football and the World Cup represent. And the best part? Daytime events are completely free to attend.

The complete schedule of House of GOAL events is available online, but here’s a look at the top five highlights you simply can’t miss during Week 1 of the festival.

Music: Rave energy sets the tone

There’s no better way to launch House of GOAL than with a night dedicated to music and movement. Four DJs will unite for New York’s ultimate Latin rave, showcasing the deep bond between football and music. The very next day, the energy shifts to Asia as Yamagucci — one of Japan’s most sought-after nightlife talents — closes out the Fourth of July with his signature deep house sound. Joining him will be Bontan, one of the UK’s rising stars in the DJ scene, known for his sold-out North American tours and collaborations with Major Lazer.

Comedy: Big names bring bigger laughs

Comedy legend Godfrey, who has been entertaining audiences since the 1990s, headlines the midweek show. The Lincoln, Nebraska native continues to command the stage with sharp humour and timeless wit. He’ll lead an All-Star comedy night on Wednesday, followed by Caitlin Peluffo — known for her raw and hilarious Netflix special “Prosciutto Rose,” which has earned critical praise. The line-up also includes Rachel Williams (SiriusXM, Don't Tell), Alexis Guerreros (The Cooligans), Christian Polanco (The Cooligans), and Peter Murphy (GOAL, Oppenheimer), forming a dream team of comedic talent.

Be sure to grab your tickets early — they’re selling fast!

GOAL Originals: The home team takes the stage

Throughout the festival, GOAL’s in-house football programming will take centre stage, featuring four live podcast sessions that have already attracted millions of YouTube viewers. Leading the charge is The Rondo, GOAL’s fast-paced and opinion-driven World Cup show hosted by Raheemovic, Corbin Mills and Tom Hindle. With two live shows in the first week, the trio will deliver their signature mix of sharp analysis, bold opinions, and fan-driven energy, dissecting all the major headlines from the tournament. Soccercito, led by Alexis Guerreros and Christian Polanco with guest Casey Settleman, will bring its trademark passion as one of America’s leading Spanish-language football podcasts.

Film: Kicking + Screening celebrates football on screen

For years, the Kicking + Screening film festival has showcased the very best in football cinema — from heartwarming documentaries to hard-hitting features that explore the sport’s greatest narratives. House of GOAL will host two screenings during its opening week. On July 5, audiences can enjoy The Home Game, which follows a determined Icelandic team chasing FA Cup dreams despite overwhelming odds. Four days later, Maradona '94: The Fall takes the spotlight, offering a deep dive into the infamous World Cup that marked the decline of Diego Maradona’s legendary career. After the screening, director Angus MacQueen will host a Q&A session, sharing insights into the making of the film, his inspirations, and his perspective on “El Diego.”

Guest Podcasts: Fozcast, Soccernomics, Drafted

House of GOAL will also feature special guest podcasts, bringing in outside creators to share their own perspectives. The Fozcast, hosted by Premier League great and former England international Ben Foster, will offer fans a glimpse into the life of a professional footballer. The lineup also includes Latina Fútbol Club, a show that shines a spotlight on the best in women’s football and music culture.