This NJ Park To Host 2026 World Cup Fan Festival

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Liberty State Park will serve as the official site of the FIFA Fan Festival when the 2026 World Cup comes to New Jersey and New York next year.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced the selection at a "One Year to Go" celebration held at the park on Wednesday.

"In just one year, Liberty State Park will transform into the heart of celebrations as we welcome fans from around the world to experience the world’s biggest game," Murphy said in a post on social media.

In 2018, FIFA selected the United States, Canada and Mexico as joint hosts for the 2026 tournament — the first World Cup to feature 48 teams. The tournament will include 104 games, up from 64 from 1998 through 2022, and the 11 U.S. stadiums are all NFL homes with lucrative luxury suites and club seating.

Eight matches will be played at MetLife Stadium, including the final game.

As the site of the Fan Festival, Liberty State Park will serve as the central hub for celebrations. LiveNation will produce the 39-day event, according to a NJBIZ report.

“The FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ will be the largest and most visible fan experience of the entire tournament,” NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry said at Wednesday's event, according to NJBIZ. “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.”

The committee plans to announce additional fan zones across the region in the coming weeks and months.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

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