As we get closer to the FIFA World Cup matches set for MetLife Stadium, five New Jersey cities and towns have been confirmed as spots that will host pop up fan fests. The Goya Presents Flag Cities 2026 fan festivals will have live music, local and international cuisine, interactive soccer zones, artisan vendors and giant LED screens airing the games.
Each event will be uniquely tailored to celebrate the team, country and culture playing in the Garden State, according to the Flag Cities site. The fan fests are set for Jersey City, Newark, Secaucus, East Rutherford and Overpeck Park in Bergen County.
Here is the schedule (details are subject to change):
June 12 – Jersey City
The celebration kicks off along Christopher Columbus Drive with a fan fest ahead of the Brazil vs. Morocco match at MetLife Stadium on June 13.
June 14 – Overpeck Park in Bergen County
The 811-acre county park, which is situated in parts of Leonia, Palisades Park, Ridgefield Park and Teaneck, will host a day of soccer fun before the France vs. Senegal match on June 16.
June 21 – Secaucus
Laurel Hill Park hosts a pre-game fan fest before Norway vs. Senegal takes the field at MetLife Stadium on June 22.
June 24 – Newark
Mulberry Plaza in downtown Newark will be a hot spot for soccer fans ahead of the Ecuador vs. Germany matchup on June 25.
June 26 – East Rutherford & Rutherford
Downtown East Rutherford and neighboring Rutherford will host a fan celebration the day before Panama vs. England plays at MetLife Stadium on June 27.
Tickets for the events are expected to go on sale next month. Each ticket will include access to the festival, entertainment and on-site experiences. A limited number of VIP tickets with premium amenities will also be available. Fans can sign up for early access to ticket sales, VIP packages and city-specific announcements on the Flag Cities website.
In February, Governor Mikie Sherrill launched a $5 million World Cup Community Initiative designed to bring fan experiences to cities and towns across the state while investing in small businesses, cultural associations, and community nonprofits.
“New Jersey is the beating heart of the 2026 World Cup, and this initiative makes sure that every New Jerseyan — no matter where they live — can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment,” said Governor Sherrill. “From fan zones to neighborhood watch parties to street fairs, we are investing in the communities and small businesses that make New Jersey extraordinary. The World Cup is coming to our state — and we are going to make sure it belongs to New Jerseyans first.”
Flag Cities is produced by Axiom Communications, DBA Flag Cities Entertainment, on behalf of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, according to the Goya Presents Flag Cities 2026 site.
Last month, The New York and New Jersey World Cup host committee announced it had canceled its mega fan festival that had been planned for Liberty State Park in Jersey City in favor of the multiple locations.
In New York City, the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee, Telemundo and Rockefeller Center will host the official NYNJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center, turning the plaza into a giant watch party. The Rockefeller Center Rink will become a pop-up soccer pitch with big screens airing live matches.
MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19.
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