As FIFA World Cup 2026 draws closer, North Jersey is preparing for a series of high-energy fan festivals designed to engage local communities and soccer enthusiasts alike. The Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce officially unveiled Flag Cities 2026, a coordinated set of events leading up to five of the Group stage matches at MetLife Stadium, which will host a total of eight games including the Round of 32, Round of 16, and the World Cup Final on July 19.

Jim Kirkos, president and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber, emphasized that Flag Cities 2026 offers more than just viewing opportunities. “Hosting the World Cup is an unprecedented moment for our region, and Flag Cities gives our communities the chance to lead the celebration,” he said. “These events unify civic pride, business engagement, and soccer passion in a way that reflects the energy and diversity of the Meadowlands. We’re proud to welcome fans from around the world and across New Jersey into this experience.”

The program includes a mix of cultural, culinary, and entertainment activities. Each Flag Cities event is expected to draw 8,000 to 15,000 attendees, offering a ticketed experience with special discounts for local residents. Activities include live broadcasts of World Cup matches on large LED screens, international cuisine from food trucks, beer gardens, live music, DJs, family-friendly kids’ zones, and immersive soccer-themed experiences. Local vendors will also participate, providing crafts, gear, and unique shopping opportunities, while embassies and cultural organizations will host activations highlighting the international flavor of the tournament.

Event sites across North Jersey have already been announced: Riverside Park in Lyndhurst on June 12, Overpeck Park in Bergen County on June 14, Secaucus Downtown on June 21, an open TBD location on June 24, and East Rutherford Downtown on June 26. The official World Cup draw on December 5 will reveal which national teams will play at MetLife Stadium, adding an element of anticipation for the communities hosting each festival.

Sites for the events include:

• June 12: Riverside Park in Lyndhurst
• June 14: Overpeck Park in Bergen County
• June 21: Secaucus Downtown
• June 24: Open – TBD
• June 26: East Rutherford Downtown

The World Cup draw takes place Dec. 5, which will reveal which teams will play at MetLife Stadium.

Key Flag Cities 2026 program details:

• Each event will draw an estimated attendance of 8,000 to 15,000
• Event is ticketed –price TBD – with tickets set to go on sale in the first quarter of 2026
  • Host town residents for the event will receive a discount
• Programming will include:
  • Live broadcast of World Cup games on large LED screens
  • Food trucks, international cuisine and beverage vendors
  • Beer garden and VIP lounge, live music, DJs and community performances
  • Kids’ zones with family-friendly activities
  • Shopping vendors, soccer gear and local crafts
  • Soccer-themed games and immersive fan experiences
  • Embassy and cultural activations
  • Flag installations, town-wide decorations and pep rallies

Goya Foods serves as the Presenting Sponsor as well as the culinary and cultural centerpiece of Flag Cities. Axiom Communications will produce the series. Axiom Communications, a longtime regional production partner, will manage the events’ logistics and programming. Ron Simoncini, president of Axiom, highlighted that Flag Cities 2026 has been in development for over 18 months. “This was hatched as a reaction to: How do we make sure municipalities and our membership at the Chamber, and other local businesses, are involved in the World Cup? This once-in-a-lifetime, eight-game series in the Meadowlands is our answer,” he said.

Local leaders echoed the excitement. Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III described Overpeck Park’s festival as a unique opportunity to showcase the county to the world. “We’re proud to partner with the Meadowlands Chamber to help build excitement for this once-in-a-generation moment,” Tedesco said. “Hosting a Flag City celebration is a fantastic way to bring our communities together, showcase the best of Bergen County, and show visitors what our region is all about.”

For Goya Foods, the event also carries special significance. Peter Unanue, third-generation executive of the family-owned company, noted that Flag Cities aligns with Goya’s mission to unite communities through food and culture. “For nearly a century, Goya has built deep roots in communities across New Jersey and the nation. Flag Cities reflects that same spirit of bringing people together through culture, food, and shared celebration as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said.

Flag Cities 2026 promises to be more than a series of fan gatherings; it is a celebration of soccer, community, and culture that will energize North Jersey this summer. With tickets set to go on sale in the first quarter of 2026, fans can expect an immersive experience that complements the excitement inside MetLife Stadium, while bringing international flair and civic pride to neighborhoods across the Meadowlands. Soccer enthusiasts and families alike will have the opportunity to engage with the World Cup in a way that is uniquely New Jersey.

For fans looking to stay connected to the latest updates and festival programming, Explore New Jersey’s soccer coverage will provide ongoing insights and detailed schedules as the events draw nearer.