KICK OFF YOUR OWN BEACHSIDE TOURNAMENT – WORLD CUP STYLE
AS THE FIFA™ WORLD CUP 2026 ignites passion across North America, Jersey Cape beaches are becoming more than just a summer escape – they’re turning into sandy soccer sanctuaries.
With the world’s biggest football tournament unfolding across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the excitement is spilling far beyond the stadiums. In the Jersey Cape, from Ocean City to Cape May Point, the Atlantic coastline is buzzing with World Cup energy. Here, the pristine white sands are doubling as impromptu pitches where locals and visitors alike are embracing the global game.
While Cape May County has long been a magnet for sunseekers and wellness enthusiasts – offering beachside yoga, Pilates, and aerobics – this summer, the focus shifts to football. Families are staging friendly matches at low tide, kids are practicing penalty kicks between sandcastles, and solo players are perfecting their footwork under the golden sun.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer inspired by the World Cup spectacle, the beaches of the Jersey Cape offer a scenic and spirited way to join the celebration. So, pack your sunscreen, bring a ball, and get ready to kick off your own beachside tournament – World Cup style.
There are few beaches more perfect for seaside sports than Wildwood, which has acres and acres of beach available for events. Each year, the Cape Express soccer club hosts a beach soccer competition, and this year is expected to draw more teams and spectators than usual as the World Cup comes to the area. The five-on-five tournament will be held over two separate weekends, June 27 and 28, and again July 18 and 19. Young soccer enthusiasts shed their cleats (although socks are not uncommon to protect tender feet from the hot sand) for heated games in the sand. Most games are held on the beach between Spencer and Poplar avenues.
Wildwood’s expansive beach is also home to other athletic events. In late May (29 to 31), Morey’s Piers hosts its annual Beach Jam volleyball competition on Pigdog Beach (near Cedar Avenue), but nearly every resort along the coast has nets in strategic locations for casual beach volleyball games.
Another sport well-served by the beach is flag football. On July 11 and 12, the Wildwood beach will host the Battle at the Beach Flag Football tournament for youth and adult teams of up to ten players.
Baseball on the sand is a natural fit, although the grounders don’t travel nearly as far as they would on turf. Wildwood will host two beach baseball tournaments this year, the first from Aug. 7 to 9, and the following weekend, Aug. 14 to 17.
Not to be left behind, field hockey players, in a five-on-five format, will participate in the Sticks in the Sand hockey tournament on Aug. 1 and 2. Players use traditional sticks but replace the hard rubber ball with a larger softer rubber ball to execute play on the beach.
And although difficult to imagine, basketball even has its days in the sun as Wildwood will host a beach three-on-three basketball tournament Aug. 1 and 2 on the sand. Dribbling is impossible in the sand but be prepared to see some expert passing and awesome dunking on the shore.
In recent years, ultimate frisbee has gained popularity, and the world’s largest beach ultimate frisbee event is held every July on the Wildwood beaches. More than 500 teams from around the world converge in the resort to compete in co-ed four-on-four contests for players of all ages and ability levels. The games are held from Montgomery to Schellenger avenues.
Many of the seaside resorts in the Jersey Cape have a variety of runs and races, and those who like to run or walk are hard pressed to find better scenery than the beach in which to exercise. So, as the entire continent goes athletic with the advent of the most popular sporting event in the world, travel to the beach in Cape May County for sun, sand, and fresh air, and get moving!
With the world’s biggest football tournament unfolding across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the excitement is spilling far beyond the stadiums. In the Jersey Cape, from Ocean City to Cape May Point, the Atlantic coastline is buzzing with World Cup energy. Here, the pristine white sands are doubling as impromptu pitches where locals and visitors alike are embracing the global game.
While Cape May County has long been a magnet for sunseekers and wellness enthusiasts – offering beachside yoga, Pilates, and aerobics – this summer, the focus shifts to football. Families are staging friendly matches at low tide, kids are practicing penalty kicks between sandcastles, and solo players are perfecting their footwork under the golden sun.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer inspired by the World Cup spectacle, the beaches of the Jersey Cape offer a scenic and spirited way to join the celebration. So, pack your sunscreen, bring a ball, and get ready to kick off your own beachside tournament – World Cup style.
There are few beaches more perfect for seaside sports than Wildwood, which has acres and acres of beach available for events. Each year, the Cape Express soccer club hosts a beach soccer competition, and this year is expected to draw more teams and spectators than usual as the World Cup comes to the area. The five-on-five tournament will be held over two separate weekends, June 27 and 28, and again July 18 and 19. Young soccer enthusiasts shed their cleats (although socks are not uncommon to protect tender feet from the hot sand) for heated games in the sand. Most games are held on the beach between Spencer and Poplar avenues.
Wildwood’s expansive beach is also home to other athletic events. In late May (29 to 31), Morey’s Piers hosts its annual Beach Jam volleyball competition on Pigdog Beach (near Cedar Avenue), but nearly every resort along the coast has nets in strategic locations for casual beach volleyball games.
Another sport well-served by the beach is flag football. On July 11 and 12, the Wildwood beach will host the Battle at the Beach Flag Football tournament for youth and adult teams of up to ten players.
Baseball on the sand is a natural fit, although the grounders don’t travel nearly as far as they would on turf. Wildwood will host two beach baseball tournaments this year, the first from Aug. 7 to 9, and the following weekend, Aug. 14 to 17.
Not to be left behind, field hockey players, in a five-on-five format, will participate in the Sticks in the Sand hockey tournament on Aug. 1 and 2. Players use traditional sticks but replace the hard rubber ball with a larger softer rubber ball to execute play on the beach.
And although difficult to imagine, basketball even has its days in the sun as Wildwood will host a beach three-on-three basketball tournament Aug. 1 and 2 on the sand. Dribbling is impossible in the sand but be prepared to see some expert passing and awesome dunking on the shore.
In recent years, ultimate frisbee has gained popularity, and the world’s largest beach ultimate frisbee event is held every July on the Wildwood beaches. More than 500 teams from around the world converge in the resort to compete in co-ed four-on-four contests for players of all ages and ability levels. The games are held from Montgomery to Schellenger avenues.
Many of the seaside resorts in the Jersey Cape have a variety of runs and races, and those who like to run or walk are hard pressed to find better scenery than the beach in which to exercise. So, as the entire continent goes athletic with the advent of the most popular sporting event in the world, travel to the beach in Cape May County for sun, sand, and fresh air, and get moving!
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Cape May County
800-227-2297
Interested in advertising with us?
Find out why advertising in the Vacationer is so different from your other choices.
Rate Card here
Contact our sales staff here