Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Flag Cities 2026 launches with fan fests tied to World Cup matchdays at MetLife Stadium
- Events across Bergen County expect 8,000–15,000 attendees each
- Programming includes live match broadcasts, food trucks, kids’ zones & cultural activations
- Goya serves as presenting sponsor; Axiom Communications will produce the series
World Cup fever is rising as regional leaders in North Jersey announce a major new effort to capitalize on the world’s largest sporting event.
During a press conference featuring a number of leaders and key stakeholders at the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, officials formally launched the Flag Cities 2026 program. The series of fan-festival celebrations will take place leading up to five FIFA World Cup 2026 Group stage matches at MetLife Stadium. In total, MetLife Stadium will host eight matches. The games include the Group stages, a Round of 32 match, a Round of 16 match and the Final July 19.
“Hosting the World Cup is an unprecedented moment for our region, and Flag Cities gives our communities the chance to lead the celebration,” said Jim Kirkos, president and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber. “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 group released several program particulars. Those details include dates of the events, which will honor the teams playing the following day at MetLife Stadium.
Sites for the events include:
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.
“Flag Cities has been in development for over a year-and-a-half,” said Ron Simoncini, president of Axiom Communications. “Proud to say that our firm, Axiom Communications, has been working with the Chamber as an affiliate, a producer, a collaborator, an agency for many years now. And this was hatched as a reaction to: How do we make sure that municipalities and our membership at the Chamber, and other local businesses are involved in World Cup? This once-in-a-lifetime, eight game series that will be in the Meadowlands.”
Creating opportunity
Kirkos stressed this marks a big day for the Chamber.
“We have learned so many lessons over the years when we produce big events in the region, especially at MetLife Stadium,” said Kirkos. “And what we promised ourselves back almost six years ago when we started the planning and working with the stadium and the host committee – relative to getting a World Cup here, being a host city – we promised ourselves that we would be better at making sure the local communities and, for us, as a business organization, making sure that more local businesses have the opportunity to do some business.”
He noted there are only so many seats in the stadium.
“But millions of people that will travel here and those that live and reside in our beautiful communities will want to have the opportunity to embrace the fact that the greatest game in the world has come here for eight games, including the World Cup Final. We were convinced that we were not to let this opportunity go by again – and that we would create opportunities.”
Working together
“Next year, Bergen County will be center stage as we welcome the world the Meadowlands for FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III.
Tedesco is working closely with organizers for the Overpeck Park celebration. “We’re proud to partner with the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce to help build excitement for this once-in-a-generation moment. Hosting a Flag City celebration at Overpeck County Park is a fantastic way to bring our communities together, showcase the best of Bergen County, and show visitors what our region is all about.”
Hosting a Flag City celebration at Overpeck County Park is a fantastic way to bring our communities together, showcase the best of Bergen County, and show visitors what our region is all about.
– Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III
“As Goya celebrates its 90th anniversary, we are proud to partner to be the Presenting Sponsor of Flag Cities,” said Peter Unanue, third generation executive at family-owned Goya Foods. “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.”
“We’re excited about the opportunity to do this – and we will work really hard with our communities to make sure these are spectacular events, that people will be proud of,” Kirkos added. “On July 20, the day after the World Cup Final, I promised myself that we would have done everything possible to make sure that we stepped up as an organization to help our communities, the region, and member businesses to find a way to be active and involved and engage in World Cup.
“And that’s our mission – and that’s what we will do.”
