Global Soccer Stars May Appear In Secaucus June 21, As Town Chosen To Be A World Cup Host Village

SECAUCUS, NJ — Here's something to look forward to once winter is over:

Most everyone knows MetLife stadium will host the World Cup this summer. Secaucus was chosen by the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce and Goya food company to be a "host town/flag city" for the World Cup.

What that means is that on June 21 (a Sunday), the heart of Secaucus at Plaza Center will be transformed to have:

• A live broadcast of World Cup games on large-scale LED screens
• Food trucks, international cuisine and beverage vendors
• A beer garden and VIP lounge
• Live music, DJs and community performances
• Kids’ zones with family-friendly activities
• Shopping vendors, soccer gear and local crafts
• Soccer-themed games and immersive fan experiences
• Embassy and cultural activities
• Flag installations, town-wide decorations and pep rallies

Also — and this is important — each town chosen to be a "Flag City" will honor the soccer teams playing the next day at MetLife stadium. So there may be some very big-name international soccer stars appearing in Secaucus on June 21. Stay tuned for more details on that.

All of this is sponsored by Goya, which has its global headquarters right on the Secaucus/Jersey City border. Additional sponsors are being finalized and will be announced soon. Ticket sales will begin in early 2026, and a limited number of VIP tickets will be available offering premium amenities.

Here are the five towns that were chosen to be World Cup "Flag Cities:"

• Friday, June 12: Riverside Park in Lyndhurst
• Sunday, June 14: Overpeck Park Bergen County
• Sunday, June 21: Secaucus downtown
• Wednesday, June 24: OPEN - they are still looking for a fifth town
• Friday, June 26: East Rutherford downtown

As the sponsor, Goya Foods will provide each festival with international food and beverage samplings.

In 2026, Goya will celebrate its 90th anniversary as the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, known for its authentic Latin flavors, commitment to quality and deep ties to communities across the country.

“As Goya celebrates its 90th anniversary, we are proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of Flag Cities,” said Peter Unanue, a third-generation top executive at Goya Foods. “For nearly a century, Goya has built deep roots in communities across New Jersey and the nation. Flag Cities reflects that same spirit of bringing people together through culture, food, and shared celebration as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2026™.”

For sponsorship or vendor opportunities at the June 21 event in Secaucus, please contact:

Lisa Herrmann- LisaH@Axiominc.net or Ron Simoncini – RonS@Axiominc.net