Preparations for the FIFA World Cup 26 are rapidly ratcheting up here in the Garden State. Case in point, a kickoff meeting held Friday by the Meadowlands Chamber and Convention Visitors Bureau.

The annual “Mdest24!” event at the Meadowlands Chamber Headquarters in Lyndhurst will focus on initial steps to prepare members and stakeholders to capture as many tourism dollars and economic benefits as possible during the FIFA World Cup 26 in New Jersey. At that time, the Garden State will host eight matches over several weeks — including the Final.

The afternoon agenda offers a series of speeches and panel discussions.

The March 22 meeting features members and leaders of the NYNJ Host Committee, New Jersey Transit, New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and MetLife Stadium. Speakers will detail what they are doing to prepare for the event – and what surrounding businesses need to ensure success.

Beyond focusing on those initial steps, the Meadowlands Chamber and CVB says the event will guide New Jersey businesses on how to best serve regional visitors related to the World Cup.

NJBIZ will be on hand for the meeting – stay with us for continued and complete coverage.

Also at the ready:

The FIFA World Cup 26 Final – and eight matches in total over six weeks in the summer of 2026 – will offer the Red Bulls no shortage of opportunities to showcase and activate the Harrison arena and surrounding areas. Click here to read more.