NJ towns tapped to hod FIFA fan events

It will be a tour of events called Flag cities 2026

By: Katie Sobko
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... The Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce is doing its part to get the community involved in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup by helping to host several fan festivals in New Jersey.
..... Five communities will participate in what is essentially a tour of events called Flag Cities 2026. The events are presented by Goya.
..... "We made some mistakes a bunch of years ago when the Super Bowl was in town and I said we wouldn't make those mistakes again," Jim Kirkos, President and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber, said. "We will hold activities in our communities in ways to make sure small businesses, local residents and the region at large have the ability and the opportunity to have some pride in the fact that these games are in our backyard."
..... These events will include live match broadcasts, food trucks, beer gardens, vendors, crafts, cultural activities and more.
..... Table to table will serve as the official food security partner, adding a critical philanthropic touch-point that will serve to educate attendees and provide direct food contributions to food insecure families through its network.

When and where will 2026 FIFA World Cup Flag Cities events be held?

..... They will be held: * Friday, June 12: Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City.
* Sunday June 14: Overpect Park, Bergen County.
* Sunday June 21: Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus
* Wednesday June 24: Mulberry Plaza, Newark.
* Friday June 26: The Rutherford: East Rutherford and downtown Rutherford.
... But what will they cost?
..... Right now, nothing for taxpayers. Ron Simoncini, a spokesperson for the Meadlowlands Chamber, said that the events will be funded primarily by sponsorships and ticket sales.
..... He noted that tickets are expected to go on sale next month, [04/2026] after the entertainment is announced on April 15 [2026] so "people can know who they're coming to see when they buy the tickets."
..... The tickets costs will vary depending on the venue, with some free and others charging $10 for childern and $20 for adults. That would include the watch parties, live entertainment, soccer activities and more expect food and drinks.
..... That's not to say they wouldn't welcome a slice of the $5 million program Governor Mikie Sherril recently announced as part of an initiative to bring more community engagement to the tournament throughout New Jersey.
..... Money from that would lead to upgraded entertainment and potentially free ticks as well as more marketing and advertising, Simonicini said.
..... He stressed the value of the partnership with New Jersey Transit for the Flag Cities program because that means cross promotion in stations and on vehicles throughout the state.
..... A fan festival coordinated by the regional host committee and sanctioned by FIFA in Liberty State Park was scrapped last month. [02/2026]
..... It had been the only FIFA sanctioned fan gathering on this side of the Hudson.
..... There are still plans for a Fan Zone in Queens and a Fan Village at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.

NY hosting too, but NJ footing the bill so far

..... Bring the World Cup to the Garden State costs money, and though hosting duties are part of a joint bid with New York City, New Jersey taxpayers have footed the bill so far.
..... Trenton lawmakers have disbursed at least $77.5 million to a New Jersey Sp rots and Exposition Authority Improv-for "International Events, Improvements & Attractions" over the last four state budgets.
..... Though no estimated cost for the tournament has been made public, the total spent or contrasted is about $307 million, according to documents obtained by NorthJersey.com .

..... Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse: Email"sobko@northjersey.com

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