From Central Park to Center Stage: Shaw Sports Turf Provided Field for First-Ever YouTube FIFA Creator Cup

When international soccer, content creators and one of the most iconic locations in the world come together, the result is an event unlike any other.

This past summer, New York City's famed Wollman Rink in Central Park transformed from a beloved seasonal destination into a global soccer stage for the first-ever YouTube FIFA Creator Cup. Live streamed exclusively on YouTube, the event brought together top content creators, world-class athletes and celebrities for an unforgettable 7v7 exhibition match designed to celebrate the growing excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At the heart of the action was more than 15,500 square feet of Shaw Sports Turf's Legion® turf system, creating a high-performance playing surface capable of supporting a world-class event in one of the world's most recognizable urban settings.

A Global Audience Tunes In

The YouTube FIFA Creator Cup served as a unique intersection of sports, entertainment and digital culture. Hosted by YouTube phenomenon IShowSpeed, one of the platform's most-subscribed creators, the event featured creators whose combined audiences exceed 350 million subscribers.

Leading up to and throughout the tournament, participating creators attended FIFA events and matches, sharing their perspectives on the sport, its culture and the communities that surround it. From tactical analysis and skill challenges to behind-the-scenes experiences, they helped introduce new audiences to the global game.

The excitement culminated in a thrilling exhibition match held at Wollman Rink, with the event generating more than 4.3 million views on YouTube and reaching fans around the world, all being played on Shaw Sports Turf.

A Match Worthy of the Spotlight

The competition delivered plenty of drama.

Team IShowSpeed, coached by FIFA World Cup champion Cafu, faced off against Team Celine Dept in a high-energy matchup that kept fans engaged from kickoff to the final whistle. When the dust settled, Team IShowSpeed emerged victorious with a narrow 7-6 win.

To cap off the event, players celebrated with a custom LEGO-built trophy inspired by the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, adding another memorable moment to an already unforgettable day.

Delivering Performance in an Iconic Venue

Hosting a soccer event in Central Park requires a surface capable of performing under unique conditions while delivering a professional-level experience for players and fans alike.

For the YouTube FIFA Creator Cup, Shaw Sports Turf installed 15,580 square feet of its Legion turf system, providing a durable, consistent playing surface at the center of the action. The temporary pitch allowed organizers to transform an iconic New York City landmark known for its winter ice skating into a global soccer destination while delivering the performance expected for an internationally streamed event.

Building Momentum for the World's Game

As anticipation built around the FIFA World Cup, events like the YouTube FIFA Creator Cup showcased soccer's ability to connect people across cultures, generations and digital communities.

From millions of viewers watching online to the creators sharing their experiences with audiences around the world, the event demonstrated how the game continues to evolve and reach new fans in innovative ways.

And for one day in Central Park, Shaw Sports Turf's Legion turf system helped provide the stage where sport, entertainment and community came together on a global scale.

Project Details

• Location: Wollman Rink, Central Park, New York City
• Event: YouTube FIFA Creator Cup
• Product: Legion Turf System
• Size: 15,580 square feet
• Viewership: 4.3+ million YouTube views
• Match Result: Team IShowSpeed def. Team Celine Dept, 7-6
• Coach: Cafu, FIFA World Cup Champion
• Broadcast: Live streamed globally on YouTube

Watch the event highlights: YouTube FIFA Creator Cup