In a major update just days before the start of the tournament’s regional festivities, organizers have announced that all seven “Flag Cities” events—a summer-long series celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026™—will now be free and open to the public.
The decision to eliminate admission costs was made possible through a partnership between Goya Presents Flag Cities, Hackensack Meridian Health, and a coalition of state and local entities, including Choose New Jersey, the State of New Jersey, the NJEDA, the NY/NJ Host Committee, and various county and municipal partners.
The new policy goes into effect immediately, starting with the Bergen County celebration at Overpeck County Park this Sunday, June 14. Running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the event is expected to draw thousands of soccer fans and families to enjoy a day of sports, music, and culture.
“One of the goals of Flag Cities has always been to make the excitement of the World Cup accessible to everyone,” Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, III, said. “By making this event free, we’re ensuring that families from across Bergen County and beyond can be part of this historic moment.”
Expanded entertainment lineup
To celebrate the transition to free admission, organizers unveiled an updated entertainment schedule featuring high-profile headliners:
- Overpeck County Park (June 14): Headlined by Jessie’s Girl, America’s premier 1980s tribute band.
- Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus (June 21): A “Freestyle Night” featuring performances by TKA, George Lamond, and Judy Torres.
- Stephen Gregg Park, Bayonne (June 28): Live performance by Trapped in Static.
These events supplement the inaugural celebration in Jersey City on June 12, which features the Village People.
Each Flag Cities festival is designed as an immersive “fan zone” experience, featuring:
- Live Match Broadcasts: Giant LED screens airing World Cup matches throughout the day.
- Interactive Experiences: An “AI-generated” soccer video fan zone hosted by Hackensack Meridian Health and an interactive photo booth by Goya Foods.
- Cultural & Culinary Offerings: A variety of food trucks, international cuisine, and beer gardens themed around the countries participating in the tournament.
- Family Activities: Soccer-themed games, skills clinics, and dedicated children’s attractions.
To accommodate the expected crowds, organizers are providing free parking and shuttle service for the Overpeck Park event. Attendees can park at several designated off-site locations, including the Kulite Products Parking Lot (Leonia), Glenpointe Parking Garage (Teaneck), and Leonia High School. Continuous shuttle buses will transport guests to and from the park throughout the day.
For a full schedule of upcoming events in Newark (June 24), East Rutherford (June 26), Bayonne (June 28), and Paterson (July 3), as well as further information on parking and updated lineups, residents are encouraged to visit FlagCities.com.
