Newark, Jersey City added to Flag Cities’ World Cup festival roster

GOYA Presents Flag Cities on Wednesday took two more big steps to becoming the
premier fan festival destination in the area for the World Cup with the announcement of
two more host locations in marquee spots in Newark (Mulberry Commons) and Jersey
City (Christopher Columbus Drive).

The locations join previously announced host locations in Secaucus (Laurel Hill Park),
Bergen County (Overpeck Park) and East Rutherford (Main Street) — giving the event
blanket coverage in North Jersey.

Here’s how the initiative will work.

Each location will hold a one-day festival on the day before each of the five opening-
round matches to be played at MetLife Stadium.

The festivals, which will charge a small fee to enter, will have food and entertainment
and plenty of soccer — both to play and to watch on big screen TVs.

Meadowlands Chamber CEO Jim Kirkos, who conceived of the event with partner
Axiom Communications as a way for the area to capture the spirit of the event, said the
announcement was a significant moment in what has been more than a two-year
process of planning.

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

The elected officials present couldn’t have agreed more.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka emphasized the significance of the announcement.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Jersey City Mayor James Solomon said his city is eager to welcome the world.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Goya Foods Co-President Peter Unanue said the company values being the presenting
sponsor of such a big event during such a big year for the company.

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

Additional companies are jumping on board, too.

Among other advancements in the event series, NJ TRANSIT was named service
partner, promising special programming for transportation services, as well as a
cooperative advertising and notification program to riders.

Goya Presents Flag Cities also announced several key partners supporting the event
series.

FIFA official sponsor brands: Casamigos Tequila, Buchanan’s Scotch and Don
Julio1942 Tequila will collaborate to bring cocktails and brand experiences to life during
these events.

In Thyme Caterers of Moonachie has been named the official concessionaire. Event
production partners include ESP Event Productions and Mega Bite Events. New Jersey
Youth Soccer will also be participating with on-site activations for kids and families.

And Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue, will serve as the official
food security partner, adding a critical philanthropic touchpoint that will serve to educate
attendees, reduce food waste and feed local neighbors in need.

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy said the GOYA Presents Flag Cities initiative is a
perfect fit for the region.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco agreed.

“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,” he said. “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.”