Argentina vs. Spain World Cup final legacy: South Bronx United driving community growth through soccer

As Argentina and Spain prepare to meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, the world's attention will turn to football's biggest stage.

The showpiece fixture will bring the tournament to a close in front of a global audience, with thousands of supporters descending for one of the biggest events in the world of sport.

But while the final will crown a world champion, one community organization in New York City, which understands the value of soccer and shares the love for the beautiful game, is ensuring the tournament's legacy extends far beyond the finale on Sunday, June 19. 

South Bronx United, which has used soccer as a tool for youth development since 2009, is one of the organizations supported through Play Collective.This joint initiative from the adidas Foundation, Beyond Sport and Common Goal is investing in community organizations across FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities to expand access to sport and create opportunities for underserved young people.

Using soccer to create opportunities beyond the game

South Bronx United uses soccer as a vehicle for social change, helping young people build the confidence, leadership and resilience needed to succeed in school, employment and beyond in their local communities.

Today, the organization supports nearly 2,000 young people and their families each year. The methodology is simple: They put soccer at the core of delivery including community sessions, mentoring, academic enrichment, college preparation, workforce development and immigration legal services.

South Bronx United works primarily with children and young people aged 6 to 24 across the South Bronx and Northern Manhattan, with the majority of participants coming from immigrant and first-generation families. By combining sport with education and wraparound support, they aim to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their circumstances.

South Bronx United to strengthen coach-mentor model

Play Collective investment and support will allow South Bronx United to strengthen the coach-mentor model that sits at the heart of its youth development work while also expanding community soccer programming that embeds social-emotional learning. 

The organization plans to recruit and onboard a full-time coach-mentor who will deliver soccer and classroom-based programming while leading the expansion of community initiatives into new neighborhoods.

Alongside coaching a team of 22 student-athletes, the coach-mentor will provide valuable mentorship, social-emotional learning and academic support, helping young people build character, confidence and essential life skills both on and off the pitch.

The expanded program will also increase access for diverse youth, particularly girls and immigrant communities, allowing South Bronx United to reduce waiting lists and reach more young people. 

Beyond the final, building a World Cup legacy in New York

Over the course of the last five weeks, millions of people around the world have tuned in to watch their team play, but soccer has and always will be about more than who lifts the trophy. South Bronx United exemplifies the true spirit of soccer, and through its partnership with Play Collective, the organization will expand its programs to support young people across the South Bronx and Northern Manhattan for years to come, creating a lasting impact. By investing in coaching, mentorship and community-based opportunities, the initiative aims to ensure the World Cup leaves behind more than unforgettable moments on the pitch.

For South Bronx United, the tournament's greatest legacy will not be the team that is crowned champions on Sunday, but the opportunities created for the next generation long after the final whistle.