Parisa Burton As New Jersey gears up to host eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium (temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the tournament), fans without tickets will still have the chance to experience the excitement through seven large-scale fan festivals hosted across New Jersey’s official Flag Cities this summer, presented by Goya Foods company. Read on for more about the Flag Cities 2026 series taking place in Jersey City, Bergen County, Newark, Secaucus, East Rutherford, Bayonne, and Paterson, NJ for summer 2026.
Flag Cities 2026 Series
Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, is headquartered in Jersey City and serves as the sponsor of Flag Cities 2026 events, in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health. The series brings an immersive fan festival experience to seven New Jersey destinations leading up to each match at MetLife Stadium.
Read More: WTF is Happening with NJ Transit for World Cup?
Over 200,000 tourists are expected to visit New Jersey during the World Cup, with matches at MetLife at a capacity of 80,000, according to New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
Back in February, New Jersey officials announced the cancellation of a large-scale Fan Festival planned for Liberty State Park in Jersey City, instead redirecting the multi-million-dollar budget toward decentralized local watch parties and community events, including the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce’s Flag Cities 2026 program.
The Flag Cities’ festivals will feature live entertainment, local and global cuisine, interactive soccer zones, an artisan vendor village, and massive LED TVs broadcasting the games. Guests can expect food trucks, beer gardens, kids’ zones and family activities, DJs, cultural performances, and a Goya tasting truck.
Per the Flag Cities website, “each event is uniquely tailored to celebrate the team, country, and culture playing the next day.” The events will also have their own notable act and watch party, with at least one game broadcast live.
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Flag Cities is produced by Axiom Communications (DBA Flag Cities Entertainment) for the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to generate over $3.3 billion in direct economic impact across New Jersey, with fan spending flowing into hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local businesses, according to Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee.
“Not everyone can afford tickets to World Cup matches, so it was important to get everyone involved, ” Jim Kirkos, president + CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber, told New Jersey Business Magazine. “We want the opportunity to showcase our communities and local businesses.”
All the Events
We’ve rounded up all the important dates, whether you’re planning to participate or just want to stay out of the crowd.
Jersey City | Christopher Columbus Drive between Marin Boulevard + Washington Boulevard
Friday, June 12th at 5:00PM-midnight
This event will air the USA vs. Paraguay match at 9PM. American disco group Village People will serve as the musical act for the event.
Ticket info:
- Admission FREE for all.
- Tickets and more info are available here
Recommended transportation:
- PATH service to Grove Street Station (just steps away from the event site)
- Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
- NJ TRANSIT bus routes
- Ferry service to Paulus Hook/Exchange Place area
There is limited paid parking garages available throughout downtown Jersey City, and rideshare is strongly encouraged, and the PATH to Grove Street Station is the easiest option from NYC, Newark, Hoboken, and Journal Square.
Bergen County | Overpeck Park, 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
Saturday, June 14th at 11AM-7PM
Taking place at Overpeck Park at 40 Fort Lee Road in Leonia, this fan fest will feature two international matches throughout the day: Germany vs. Curacao at 1PM + Netherlands vs. Japan at 4PM. Musical band The Royal Scam will be performing. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the show.
Ticket info:
- Adults ages 12+: $23.10 including fees
- Children ages 3-11: are $12.05, including fees
- Children 2 and under: FREE
- Get your tickets here
Recommended transportation:
- There is limited on-site parking, attendees are urged to use off-site parking at 40 Fort Lee Road or the free bus shuttle service.
- NJ TRANSIT bus routes serve the Overpeck Park area
- Rideshare is also encouraged
Secaucus | Laurel Hill Park
Sunday, June 21st at 11AM-5PM
At Laurel Hill Park, just walking distance from Secaucus Junction Rail Station, Spain vs. Saudi Arabia will be broadcast on massive LED screens for fans to watch, starting at 12PM.
Ticket info:
- Adults ages 12+: $23.10 including fees
- Children ages 3-11: are $12.05, including fees
- Children 2 and under: FREE
- Get your tickets here
Recommended transportation:
- NJ TRANSIT rail service to Secaucus Junction Station
- Complimentary shuttle buses and walking routes are available from Secaucus Junction to Laurel Hill Park
- Off-site parking lots with shuttle service also available
Newark | Mulberry Plaza
Wednesday, June 24th at 4PM-9PM
Newark’s Flag Cities’ event will host screenings of Scotland vs. Brazil at 6PM + Morocco vs. Haiti at 6PM. American rapper Soulja Boy will be the musical guest of the night.
Ticket info:
- Adults ages 12+: $23.10 including fees
- Children ages 3-11: are $12.05, including fees
- Children 2 and under: FREE
- Get your tickets here
See More: Hoboken to Host 12-day Series of Block Parties for World Cup
Recommended transportation:
- PATH service to Newark Penn Station
- NJ TRANSIT rail service to Newark Penn Station
- Newark Light Rail connections
- Pedestrian access from transit hubs
- Multiple paid parking garages nearby
East Rutherford + Rutherford Downtown | Riggin Memorial Field
Friday, June 26th at 5-11PM
East Rutherford will showcase two international matches: Uruguay vs. Spain at 8PM + Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia at 8PM at Riggin Memorial Field. Indie/Rock band Easy Honey will be performing here.
Ticket info:
- Adults ages 12+: $23.10 including fees
- Children ages 3-11: are $12.05, including fees
- Children 2 and under: FREE
- Get your tickets here
Recommended transportation:
- NJ TRANSIT rail service to Rutherford Station (one-block walk to event site)
- Local NJ TRANSIT bus service
- Ride share and public transportation strongly encouraged as there is limited parking available
Bayonne | Stephen Gregg Park
Sunday, June 28th at 11AM-6PM
Games airing at Stephen Gregg Park are still TBD. Check the event page here for updates. A notable act has not been announced yet for this event.
Ticket info:
- Adults ages 12+: $23.10 including fees
- Children ages 3-11: are $12.05, including fees
- Children 2 and under: FREE
- Get your tickets here
Recommended transportation:
- Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service to Bayonne stations
- NJ TRANSIT bus routes servicing Bayonne
- Off-site parking info TBA (shuttle service may be available)
- Limited local parking available
Paterson | Hinchliffe Stadium
Friday, July 3rd at 4PM-9PM
The final Flag Cities event will take place inside Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson. Games airing and performers are still TBD. Check the event page here for updates.
Ticket info:
- Adults ages 12+: $23.10 including fees
- Children ages 3-11: are $12.05, including fees
- Children 2 and under: FREE
- Get your tickets here
Recommended transportation
- NJ TRANSIT rail service to Paterson Station, then rideshare to Hinchliffe Stadium
- NJ TRANSIT bus routes service downtown Paterson area
- Parking garage located next to Hinchliffe Stadium (limited parking available)
- Public parking garages in downtown Paterson
- Public surface lots located near the Great Falls area
- Limited street parking where permitted
BONUS: Official NJ Soccer Kit Launch + Jersey Unveiling | Mulberry Commons, Newark
Saturday, May 30th at1-7PM
While not affiliated with the Flag Cities 2026 series, this pre-World Cup event is sure to get soccer fans hyped for the upcoming matches. The NJ Soccer Kit Project invited local designers to submit their vision for the first official state soccer kit representing the Garden State, and the winning design will be unveiled during this event outside of Prudential Center on May 30th from 1PM-7PM. Guests can expect DJs, food, soccer activations, and entertainment as the winning design is officially announced and celebrated. Read more about this event here.
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