Flag Cities adds Newark, Jersey City for World Cup 2026

The basics:

• Goya’s Flag Cities 2026 will host 5 fan fests across North Jersey around FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife
• Newark (June 24), Jersey City (June 12) join Secaucus, Overpeck Park, East Rutherford/Rutherford on festival schedule
• Events include live match broadcasts, international cuisine, beverage gardens, music, kids’ zones, cultural activations, soccer-themed activities
• Supporting partners include NJ Transit, Table to Table, ESP Event Productions, New Jersey Youth Soccer

The Flag Cities 2026 regional fan festival has added Newark and Jersey City as host locations. Presented by Goya Foods, the series is tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The announcement came Wednesday at the headquarters of the Meadowlands Chamber in Lyndhurst.

Meadowlands Chamber President and CEO Jim Kirkos said Flag Cities aims to avoid the mistakes of the past – when the Super Bowl was in town – to maximize the impact of the World Cup. The event was first announced in December.

Good surprises

“These are the goals of Flag Cities: we would activate our communities in ways to make sure small businesses, local residents, and the region at large had the ability and opportunity to have some pride in the fact that these games are in our backyard,” said Kirkos. He applauded the work of Axiom Communications in playing a key role to organize the initiative. “When we birthed Flag Cities as a concept, quite frankly, we didn’t have an idea that we’d be in this room today with the communities that are represented.

“I can’t tell you how exciting it’s evolved in ways that we didn’t anticipate – in a good way.”

The five Flag Cities events will take place:

• June 12: Christopher Columbus Drive in Jersey City
• June 14: Overpeck Park in Bergen County
• June 21: Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus
• June 24: Mulberry Plaza in Newark
• June 26: Downtown East Rutherford and Rutherford

“As Goya celebrates its 90th anniversary, we are proud to expand our commitment to Flag Cities,” said Peter Unanue, third-generation executive at Goya Foods. “This series allows us to celebrate community, heritage, and the unifying power of food at an extraordinary moment for New Jersey.”

Now the series will feature five fan festivals across North Jersey. Events will take place in the days surrounding World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.

Organizers say they aim to bring the excitement of the global tournament into surrounding communities. That expansion also seeks to create opportunities for local businesses, cultural groups and residents. Each event expects to draw thousands of fans.

Flag Cities fests will include:

• Live broadcasts of World Cup matches on large LED screens
• Food trucks and international cuisine
• Beverage gardens
• Music and entertainment
• Kids’ zones
• Cultural activations
• Soccer-themed activities

Officials also announced several new partners supporting the initiative:

• NJ Transit will serve as the transportation service partner
• Table to Table will act as the food security partner, helping reduce food waste and support residents in need
• In Thyme Caterers will serve as official concessionaire
• ESP Event Productions and Mega Bite Events join as production partners
• New Jersey Youth Soccer will lead youth programming

Additionally, plans include beverage and brand activations with Casamigos Tequila, Buchanan’s Scotch and Don Julio 1942.

“As New Jersey’s global gateway and its largest city, built by immigrants, we are ready to welcome the world and showcase our rich and varied cultural heritage,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “This partnership ensures that our residents, businesses, and visitors will experience the energy of the FIFA World Cup 2026 – amplified by our vibrant neighborhoods and thriving downtown.”

For the fans

The expansion builds on the Flag Cities concept first introduced in late 2025. It also aligns with broader statewide efforts led by Gov. Mikie Sherrill to spread World Cup-related celebrations and economic activity across New Jersey communities ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Last month, Sherrill scrapped the planned Fan Fest at Liberty State Park in lieu of community programming, such as Flag Cities events.

“Jersey City has always been one of the most international and dynamic cities in the country, and Flag Cities is a natural fit for our community,” said Jersey City Mayor James Solomon. “Bringing this celebration to the heart of Jersey City will showcase our local businesses, vibrant neighborhoods, and the incredible diversity that defines our city as we join the world in celebrating the FIFA World Cup.”

Jersey City has always been one of the most international and dynamic cities in the country, and Flag Cities is a natural fit for our community.
– Jersey City Mayor James Solomon

Organizers expect tickets for the fan festivals to go on sale later this month. They also expect to announce additional sponsors and brand activations in the coming weeks as programming continues to expand.

‘The premier fan festival platform’

“Since day one, I’ve talked about making sure Hudson County is part of the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup, and we are proud to join the Flag Cities initiative to do exactly that,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “With Secaucus and Jersey City participating, we are celebrating the diversity that defines our region and creating spaces for residents and visitors alike to come together and experience the excitement of the 2026 World Cup.”

Since day one, I’ve talked about making sure Hudson County is part of the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup, and we are proud to join the Flag Cities initiative to do exactly that.
– Hudson County Executive Craig Guy

“With the eyes of the world on our region as matches take place at MetLife Stadium, Bergen County is proud to host a Flag Cities event at Overpeck Park that will bring fans together while showcasing our communities and local businesses,” said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco.  “This initiative ensures that the energy and economic impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are felt across Northern New Jersey, not just inside the stadium.”

This initiative ensures that the energy and economic impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are felt across Northern New Jersey, not just inside the stadium.
– Bergen County Executive James Tedesco

Kirkos added, “Flag Cities has quickly become the premier fan festival platform in Northern New Jersey. With five confirmed locations, we are delivering a coordinated, high-impact regional celebration that amplifies tourism, economic activity, and community pride.”

The Flag Cities website is now live. It provides event details, updates and sponsorship information for businesses and fans interested in participating.