10. Inside the bid
Just when you thought you had heard it all about how New Jersey landed the world’s
biggest event — the final of the FIFA 2026 World Cup — Gov. Phil Murphy dropped this
gem: Robert DeNiro was the state’s secret weapon.
Murphy called De Niro the unsung hero.
The governor explained how the first lady got De Niro to narrate the promotional video,
“The World is Welcome” — a 3-minute, 17-second production that highlighted the
region’s diversity, one of the key selling points.
Then, the first lady got De Niro to call in and speak to FIFA President Gianni Infantino,
during a key presentation in which New Jersey was pitching to host the final.
“How cool is that?” Murphy told a crowd at a World Cup event.
Then he added this nugget: “They spoke in Italian. So, we thought, ‘That’s a good sign.’”
9. Growing the game
The World Cup opens on June 11 and ends on July 19.
The key is having its impact last for generations.
Click here to read BINJE’s Year in Review 2025 Digital Edition
Sure, there will be hundreds of demonstrations and clinics for kids. And a few dozen
mini-pitches will be put in around the state, too.
Lex Chalat, the executive director of Soccer Forward, a group aimed at expanding
soccer’s reach, wants something more.
After noting how the 1994 World Cup led to the creation of the U.S. house league, she
offered this possibility for 2026.
“Since 1994, the amount of people playing the sport has doubled,” she said. “But who is
playing the sport and what’s the access look like, and what’s the inclusion look like?
That’s what Soccer Forward is really trying to make the most of for next year.”
8. Craziness
We’re just starting to see the level of craziness that will be a part of every World Cup
game. Take a look at this guy, who we caught up with during a U.S. national team
game outside of Philly.
If you’re going to the games, get your customs ready.
7. FanFest
Nearly two dozen huge screens showing the matches. Up to 45,000 people watching
them. All in front of the Statue of Liberty and one of the most iconic skylines in the
world.
When the New York/New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA 2026 World Cup officially
announced Liberty State Park as the home of the Fan Festival, they showed all the
reasons why it was the perfect place.
If you can’t make the matches — and most people won’t be able to — this may be the
next best thing.
6. NJ Transit
There will be no parking at MetLife Stadium during the World Cup. It’s unclear (but
seemingly unlikely) that will be any available to the general public at American Dream.
The best (and only) option is going to be NJ Transit. This reporter used it to go the Club
World Cup final — and found it to be easy and efficient.
Spare us the talk about how the 2026 World Cup will be a far bigger event. It will – but
it’s not like they can fit more folks in the stadium.
NJ Transit appears ready to meet the challenge. Besides, why would you want to
risk have this happening.
5. The real fear
Traffic tie-ups are a legitimate concern. But they are not the most concerning.
Will there be a terrorist attack? Will the federal government turn the event into an ICE
effort?
While Murphy offered assurances last summer, no one really knows.
4. American Dream
We’re not sure how American Dream will be used during the World Cup, but after the
success it had as a before, during and after party during the Club World Cup, we’re
confident in saying it will be a place to be.
3. Flag cities
Here’s the question every municipality and business owner wants to know: How can I
take advantage of this supposed $3 billion of economic activity coming to the area?
Working to ensure we will not have a repeat of the Super Bowl, local leaders have been
working hard to come up with a plan.
The Hispanic Chamber and others have produced a booklet for small businesses. The
Meadowlands Chamber has created a Flag Cities promotion. There was this “open
letter” from the small business community.
Newark, with its incredible Ironbound section, sees an opportunity, too.
Higher ed also is stepping up.
NJIT created an AI platform to gauge fan interest. Montclair State wants to serve as a
media site. And Stockton feels its world-class grass would be a perfect training pitch.
2. Companies
Small businesses are hoping to profit from the event.
Big business has been expected to help put the event on.
The logistics around the World Cup are expensive. Local companies need to contribute.
John Saraceno and Onyx Equities were the first to offer support to the Host
Committee – and did so while encouraging others to do the same.
Hackensack Meridian Health, Bristol Myers Squibb and a few others have stepped
up.
1. The schedule
We know, we know: Any World Cup match will have incredible energy and passion.
But let’s not pretend all 48 nations are equal.
And let’s acknowledge how great a draw MetLife Stadium got.
France, Brazil, Germany and England — all Top 10 teams and all former champions —
will play one of their first-round matches at MetLife.
Another match will feature Norway and Erling Haaland, one of the top players in the
world.
To be fair, no Messi. But he’s played a half-dozen times in the past few years. MetLife
has to be thrilled with its draw.
Same goes for Philly, which will feature matches with Brazil, France and Croatia.
