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The basics:

• Newark Fan Village, Flag Cities 2026 partner for free June 24 World Cup celebration
• Event runs 2 p.m.-midnight in Newark‘s Ironbound
• Fans can watch six World Cup matches; enjoy food, music, cultural programming
• Organizers say combined showcases city’s culture, hospitality, global appeal

Two of Newark’s largest World Cup fan experiences are joining forces for a daylong celebration of soccer, culture, food and entertainment in the heart of the city.

Flag Cities 2026, presented by Goya and in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, and Newark Fan Village have partnered to create “Kicking It in Newark Together.” The free public event takes place June 24 at Newark Fan Village, located at 70 Ferry St. in the city’s Ironbound neighborhood.

Organizers say the collaboration combines the strengths of both events into a single destination for fans looking to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As part of the partnership, the Flag Cities Newark event originally planned for Mulberry Commons will relocate to Newark Fan Village.

The new venue offers additional capacity. It’s also easily accessible for local residents and visiting soccer fans alike. Newark Fan Village is located just two blocks from Newark Penn Station and about 22 minutes by train from MetLife Stadium.

The event runs from 2 p.m. to midnight. Soccer fans can watch live broadcasts of all six scheduled World Cup matches on giant LED screens. It will also feature cultural performances, international cuisine, interactive soccer activities, vendors and live music. Headline entertainment will include DJ Funkmaster Flex and DJ Big Ben.

Join the festivities:

Teaming up

Among others, the partnership brings together:

• Newark Fan Village
• Flag Cities 2026, presented by Goya and in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health
• The City of Newark
• New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
• Choose New Jersey
• Newark Alliance
• Ironbound Business Improvement District
• Newark City Parks Foundation

Mayor Ras Baraka said the event reflects Newark’s unique role as a global gathering place during the World Cup.

“Newark has always been a city where the world comes together — and the FIFA World Cup 2026 gives us the opportunity to show that on a global stage,” said Baraka. “This Fan Village is more than an event; it is an economic driver, a cultural celebration, and a source of civic pride for every resident of this city. My administration is fully behind this initiative, and I am proud that Newark will be at the center of this historic moment.”

‘Made in Newark’

Organizers say the goal is to create an experience that celebrates soccer as well as the diverse communities that make Newark a destination for international visitors.

“We are thrilled to partner with Newark Fan Village to create an unforgettable World Cup celebration that brings together soccer, music, food, and culture in one incredible location. This collaboration reflects what Flag Cities is all about – uniting communities, bringing diverse cultures together, and creating memorable experiences that showcase the energy and spirit of New Jersey on the world stage,” said Jim Kirkos, president and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce and a chief organizer of Flag Cities.

Kreshnik Berisha of Newark Fan Village said local stakeholders developed the project to showcase the city’s strengths.

“The Newark Fan Village is truly a ‘Made in Newark’ product. It was conceived, designed, and brought to life by people who live, work, and believe deeply in this city,” Berisha said. “Our goal has always been to showcase the very best Newark has to offer – from its vibrant arts and cultural community to its unmatched passion for sport, to its culinary excellence and entrepreneurial spirit.

“The World Cup gives us a global stage, but the story we’re telling is uniquely Newark: a story of diversity, resilience, hospitality, and community pride.”

No admission fee

Admission is free and open to the public. The six World Cup matches scheduled for June 24 feature:

• Switzerland vs. Canada
• Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar
• Morocco vs. Haiti
• Scotland vs. Brazil
• South Africa vs. South Korea
• Czechia vs. Mexico

Attendees can also enjoy food, entertainment and cultural programming representing countries from around the world.

The Newark celebration builds on early momentum for the Flag Cities series. Organizers report more than 22,000 fans attended the first two events. That includes approximately 18,000 in Jersey City June 12 as well as an additional 6,000 at Overpeck Park June 14.

A third stop took place June 21 in Secaucus as the free fan festival continues its run through North Jersey ahead of additional events in East Rutherford, Bayonne and Paterson.