New Jersey is hosting Fifa’s World Cup at MetLife Stadium!
Camden, NJ
The funds will be distributed in two categories: one for three organizers who will produce large-scale regional events in multiple locations during the tournament, and another for organizations in northern, central, and southern New Jersey that will develop smaller-scale community activities in their respective locations.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for New Jersey to shine on the world stage, and we want to ensure that all residents can be part of this celebration,” said Governor Sherrill . “These funds will help ensure that the benefits of hosting the World Cup extend far beyond the stadium walls. Through this initiative, we are supporting small businesses and strengthening communities across the state to create unforgettable experiences that bring residents and visitors together before and during the tournament.”
The New Jersey World Cup Community Initiative , launched by Governor Sherrill and developed and funded by the NJDEA, will support community-driven activities to bring the excitement and economic impact of the World Cup to neighborhoods across the state. The NYNJ host committee selected Choosen New Jersey to administer the application and distribution of funds on behalf of the state, with final decisions approved by the NJDEA.
“This initiative, championed by Governor Sherrill, will help transform the world’s largest sporting event into an economic engine for local communities and small businesses across New Jersey,” said Evan Weiss, executive director of the NJEDA. “I appreciate the collaboration between Governor Sherrill, Choose New Jersey, and the NYNJ host committee to ensure the World Cup unites our communities and makes a significant impact in every corner of the state.”
These funds will enable the activation of fan zones, festivals, community fairs, and game-watching events, highlighting the diversity of New Jersey’s communities and amplifying the economic impact of small businesses across the state. A complete list of all the organizations that received funding can be found here .
“Choose New Jersey is proud to support this initiative by helping to turn community-driven ideas into reality,” said Amy Herbold, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “By managing the funding process and collaborating directly with local partners, we help ensure that these events are inclusive, impactful, and reflect the diversity of New Jersey, while also supporting the small businesses and local shops that are essential to their success.”
“Our goal is to make the World Cup experience accessible and felt in every corner of our region,” said Alex Lasry, executive director of the NYNJ Host Committee . “We are grateful to Governor Mikie Sherrill for her leadership in making this vision possible. These community events extend the tournament far beyond the stadium, creating authentic fan experiences that reflect the diversity, pride, and energy that define New Jersey, while ensuring that residents and visitors alike can be part of this historic moment.”
In addition, all events funded by these funds will be integrated into the Welcome World Rewards program, a free initiative from the NYNJ Host Committee that connects fans with local businesses and experiences. Attendees can register through a digital platform to accumulate points redeemable for official merchandise, exclusive experiences, and tickets to 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The program aims to encourage visitors to explore multiple destinations in the region, extending the World Cup experience beyond the stadium to neighborhoods, urban centers, and cultural spaces throughout the state.
Beneficiaries of the funds:
Regional multi-day and multi-location events:
Flag Cities (June 8 – July 16), led by the Meadowlands Regional Chamber and the CVB, will take place in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties, including Bayonne, East Rutherford, Hackensack, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson and Secaucus.
The North to Shore Festival (June 13 – July 16), presented by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), will take place in Essex, Monmouth and Atlantic counties.
Visit South Jersey World Cup Activations – Camden County (May 2 – July 19), produced by Visit South Jersey, will take place in Camden County.
Community experiences across the state:
AACCNJ World Cup Business Access & Economic Activation Initiative (July 17), African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Trenton
The Battle of Basking Ridge Soccer Village & Viewing Party (June 13), Somerset County, Bernards Township
Watch Party Combined with Atlantic City Beach Fest (Latin Fest) (July 18–19), Visit Atlantic City, Atlantic City
World Cup 2026 Watch Parties (June 19; June 24; June 28; July 15; July 19), Fort Lee Township, Fort Lee
Downtown Viewing Event (July 19), Asbury Park Great Chamber of Commerce, Asbury Park
Freedom to Play: Inclusive World Cup Soccer Experience at The NAACP Juneteenth Freedom Experience (June 6), McCovic Foundation, Edison
Game On! (June 12; July 12), Union County Urban League, Elizabeth and Union
Hackettstown Street Fair with World Cup Celebration (July 19), Hackettstown Business Improvement District, Hackettstown
The Halfway Point: Flemington’s World Cup Celebration (June 19), Flemington Improvement District, Flemington
Hoboken Arts and Music Festival (May 17; September 27), Hoboken City, Hoboken
Hub City Fan Celebration 2026 (July 2), City of New Brunswick—Department of Human and Community Services, New Brunswick
International Food & Dance Festival (July 12), Lackawanna Montclair Market LLC, Montclair
Ivy Hill Soccer Fest 2026 (May 23; June 19–20; July 9–12), Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association, Newark
Linden Welcomes the World: World Cup Activation Series (June 13–19), Uptown Linden Special Improvement District, Linden
Maplewoodstock (July 11–12), Music and Arts Education Project, Inc., Maplewood
Mount Holly World Cup Downtown Activation Series (June 19–20), Mount Holly UEZ, Mount Holly
New Jersey Youth Mini World Cup 2026 – Trenton Host City Activation (June 20), United States Latino Affairs Initiatives, Trenton
Ocean County World Cup Watch Parties (June 14, 19; July 19), Ocean County Division of Public Affairs, Business and Tourism, Little Egg Harbor Township, Jackson Township, and Lakewood.
Passport to Paterson: A World Cup Experience (June 13; June 19; June 25; June 27; July 19), Andre Sayegh Civic Association, Paterson
Red Bank World Cup Activation Series (June–July), Red Bank Municipality, Red Bank
Saturday Heights LIVE Watch Party (June 13), HIP INC., Haddon Heights
Summer of Soccer & Science (June 6 – July 19; June 17; June 24; July 9), Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Tri-County Fair 2026 (June 18–21), New Jersey CARE Center,
Carteret World Cup Festival (June 11 – July 19), Carteret Business Association, Carteret
Newark International Food Festival (July 18), Newark Alliance, Newark
Union City Soccer Festival & Fan Celebration ( June 13), City of Union City in collaboration with the New Jersey State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Welcome World! Princeton’s Global Food Festival & 2026 World Cup Party (June 20 & 28; July 14), Experience Princeton, Princeton
The World on Central (July 10–11), Jersey City, Jersey City
WorldCupGardenState.com Esports Tournament (June–July), Esports Innovation Center, Atlantic City, Glassboro, Newark
World Cup on the Waterfront at Food Truck Tuesdays (June 9, 23; July 14), Main Street Burlington, Burlington
World Cup Watch Party & Cultural Festival (June 27), Somerset County Business Partnership, Hillsborough