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The basics:

• Liberty State Park named site of FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ
• Event to feature live match screenings, concerts, fan zones
• 2026 World Cup Final set for MetLife Stadium July 19, 2026
• Skyline to Shoreline tour and countdown clock launched

Wednesday marked a major milestone in Jersey City for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The NYNJ Host Committee held a One Year to Go celebration at Liberty State Park, which was announced as the official site of the FIFA Fan Festival New York New Jersey.

During next summer’s 39-day tournament (June 11–July 19, 2026), Liberty State Park will serve as the region’s central hub for celebration. The experience will feature real-time broadcasts, live entertainment, interactive fan activations and sponsorship integrations. Live Nation, in partnership with DPS, will produce the 39-day fan fest event.

Officials, leaders, key stakeholders – and a number of the region’s sports teams – gathered June 11 for the event, where an official rendering of the Fan Fest was unveiled.

“The FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ will be the largest and most visible fan experience of the entire tournament,” said NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry. “Liberty State Park offers a landmark setting and reflects the scale and energy of the region. This isn’t just about watching matches, it’s about celebrating the game, showcasing what makes NYNJ special – and creating lasting impact for our communities, partners, and millions of fans.”

‘It’s going to be iconic’

New York Giants legend and Paterson native Victor Cruz kicked off the event.

“It’s an absolute honor to be here with you today at Liberty State Park – just standing one year from something that’s truly historic,” said Cruz. “Something great is coming here – the FIFA World Cup 2026. Right here, as I’d like to say, in my backyard. This is my home. I’m born-and-raised in New Jersey – so this is my backyard.

“I’ve obviously played in some big games, some big moments. But this is another level. We’re talking about the biggest sporting event in the world coming to the New York New Jersey region. And this very park will be the place in the country where fans can catch every single one of the 104 matches – right here on these grounds, with views of the Statue of Liberty; and all the vibes that are happening. It’s going to be incredible. It’s going to be iconic.”

Gov. Phil Murphy said, “What a special treat to be with you all – and what a special day. One year from today – in Mexico City by the way – the 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off.”

As NJBIZ has reported, MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including the Final.

“As you know, most importantly, it will end not too far from here – on July 19, 2026, for the most watched event in human history,” Murphy continued.

More to come

The governor stressed how important a role Liberty State Park will play during the World Cup. He noted that 96 of the 104 matches will not happen at MetLife Stadium.

“And where are people going to go to watch them? A lot of them are going to come right here,” said Murphy. “This will be the official Fan Fest. The Live Nation folks have said to me that capacity is up to 45,000 fans here. We’ll have Fan Fest, by the way, on both sides of the Hudson. But this will be the big one – and it will be extraordinary.”

“Framed by the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, this iconic site will serve as the central gathering place for fans from across the world,” said Lasry. “This will be the largest and most visible fan experience of the entire tournament.”

The Host Committee plans to announce additional Fan Zones across the region in the coming weeks and months.

Other key detail:

• Host Committee launched the Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour. The mobile fan experience will travel across the region this summer, featuring soccer zones, music, giveaways and community storytelling. It will appear at festivals, parks and neighborhood events through Labor Day;
• To mark the milestone, buildings and landmarks across the region will be lit up in Liberty Green; and
• A new countdown clock structure has been installed at MetLife Stadium.

“I want to thank you all again for being here to help us celebrate this incredible milestone moment for our region,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy, who serves as chair of the Host Committee. “We are so excited to welcome you here – and look forward to seeing you again one year from today, by hosting our Fan Festival at this iconic American landmark.”