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The basics:

• NJIT launches public World Cup platform for fans visiting NY/NJ region
• Site includes transit updates, dining recommendations, event listings
• CGI employees mentor students on AI tools, user experience design
• Platform supports activity surrounding 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium

New Jersey Institute of Technology is expanding its World Cup-related technology efforts. The interface is designed to help visitors and residents navigate the 2026 FIFA World Cup experience across the New York/New Jersey region.

NJIT launched the new public-facing digital hub May 8. The njit-worldcup.com platform builds on an earlier fan sentiment and analytics project NJIT unveiled in September 2025. Developed by students and faculty within the Martin Tuchman School of Management, that original effort focused on tracking real-time fan reaction, online conversations and audience engagement surrounding the tournament.

The newly launched public hub expands that concept into a broader consumer-facing resource. The site combines fan sentiment tools with practical information for visitors.

Features include regional event listings, transit information, dining recommendations, watch parties and other World Cup-related resources tied to activity throughout New Jersey and the broader metropolitan area.

Officials said the platform intends to help fans better navigate the tournament. It can also provide insights into what people are saying and feeling around World Cup events in real time.

The effort reflects a growing collaboration between New Jersey Institute of Technology and CGI. The New Brunswick company is one of the world’s largest technology and professional services firms. CGI employees volunteered time to mentor students involved in developing the platform. The partnership helped shape areas including user experience, AI-enabled tools and how information is organized for visitors.

Real-world learning

“This collaboration reflects CGI’s commitment to connecting real-world expertise with academic innovation,” said Douglas Vargo, vice president and head of the National AI & Alliances Team for CGI’s U.S. Commercial and State Government division. “Every person traveling to the New York/New Jersey region for the World Cup deserves a great experience, and if this platform helps even one fan find the right train, discover a local restaurant or feel more connected to the tournament, then we’ve done something meaningful.”

NJIT officials said the initiative gave students an opportunity to work directly alongside industry professionals. It also afforded the chance to contribute to a live project connected to one of the world’s largest sporting events.

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“This collaboration reflects the kind of work we value at NJIT — applied, student-centered and connected to real community needs,” said Oya Tukel, dean of NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management. “The World Cup gives our students a rare opportunity to apply business, technology and analytics skills in a live regional context, while working with professionals who understand how these projects are built and delivered.”

“We gained meaningful experience by working with CGI professionals, and together we created something that can genuinely help people visiting our region during one of the world’s biggest events,” said Nandkumar Patel, a master’s student studying business analytics.

“Having watched the World Cup for years, it’s exciting to contribute to a project connected to such a global event in our region,” added Sergio Giraldo, a junior Honors College student studying data science and business.

Officials emphasized that the hub is intended as a free public resource rather than a commercial platform.

The project also represents another example of how universities, technology firms and students are building public-facing tools and activations tied to the World Cup. The tournament will bring eight matches — including the July 19 final — to MetLife Stadium. 

In addition to the matches, NJBIZ has reported extensively on events, activations, watch/block parties and other programming tied to the World Cup.