The Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday formally announced the “Flag Cities 2026” program, a major initiative featuring a series of vibrant fan-festival celebrations set to take place in the days leading up to each of the five FIFA World Cup 2026™ games hosted at MetLife Stadium.
The announcement, made at a press conference featuring regional leaders, unveiled the host towns, event dates and the Presenting Sponsor: Goya Foods.
“Hosting the World Cup is an unprecedented moment for our region, and Flag Cities gives our communities the chance to lead the celebration,” Jim Kirkos, president and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber said. “These events unify civic pride, business engagement, and soccer passion in a way that reflects the energy and diversity of the Meadowlands.”
Produced by Axiom Communications, the Flag Cities events are designed to deliver a rich, soccer-infused atmosphere that provides authentic cultural connections from each visiting team. Each location is expected to draw an estimated attendance of 8,000 to 15,000 people, combining local families, youth teams, fans, and international visitors.
The announced event sites and dates are:
| Date | Location | Host Town |
| Friday, June 12 | Riverside Park | Lyndhurst |
| Sunday, June 14 | Overpeck Park | Bergen County |
| Sunday, June 21 | Secaucus Downtown | Secaucus |
| Wednesday, June 24 | OPEN | TBD |
| Friday, June 26 | East Rutherford Downtown | East Rutherford |
Flag Cities programming will be packed with entertainment and activities, including:
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Live Broadcasts: World Cup games shown on large-scale LED screens.
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Culinary Delights: Food trucks, international cuisine, and beverage vendors, featuring a beer garden and VIP lounge.
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Entertainment: Live music, DJs, and community performances.
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Fan Experiences: Kids’ zones, soccer-themed games, shopping vendors, and cultural activations, including flag installations and town-wide decorations.
As the Presenting Sponsor, Goya Foods—celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026—will be the culinary and cultural centerpiece.
“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™,” Peter Unanue, Third Generation executive at Goya Foods said.
Bergen County Executive James Tedesco confirmed that Overpeck Park, known for its size and accessibility, will host one of the celebrations, stating, “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.”
Ticket sales are slated to begin in early 2026, and municipalities will host pre-event kickoff ceremonies in the spring to build momentum. The Meadowlands Chamber also launched a regional “Name the Egret” contest and will unveil a line of branded commemorative souvenirs soon.
