New $5M World Cup Community Initiative Launched, Replacing Liberty State Park Fan Fest

On Feb 19, 2026

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee (NYNJ Host Committee) are leading a new $5 million initiative to bring the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to every corner of New Jersey. At the same time, the FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ, which was supposed to be held at Liberty State Park, Jersey City, is being scrapped. The original Fan Fest location was planned to be the largest and most visible fan destination outside of the MetLife Stadium where the FIFA World Cup 2026 games will be played from June 11 – July 19.

The new initiative has been developed to support communities across the entire state in creating extraordinary fan experiences throughout the the games while investing in small businesses, cultural associations, and community nonprofits.

“New Jersey is the beating heart of the 2026 World Cup, and this initiative makes sure that every New Jerseyan — no matter where they live — can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment,” said Gov. Mikie Sherrill. “From fan zones to neighborhood watch parties to street fairs, we are investing in the communities and small businesses that make New Jersey extraordinary. The World Cup is coming to our state — and we are going to make sure it belongs to New Jerseyans first.”

The initiative will support two distinct categories of World Cup programming statewide. First, it will fund major fan zone experiences strategically distributed throughout New Jersey, creating large-scale public viewing destinations for fans across the state. Second, it will provide targeted support for small and mid-sized community watch parties, festivals, and street fairs, ensuring that celebrations are accessible and locally rooted in communities of all sizes.

As part of this initiative, the NJEDA will prioritize supporting events that are high-impact, beneficial to small businesses, and reflective of the rich and diverse cultures that will be represented by competing World Cup nations — many of which have deep roots in communities across New Jersey.

“The World Cup is an unparalleled opportunity to showcase New Jersey to the world and drive real economic impact for our businesses and communities,” said Evan Weiss, NJEDA CEO. “This initiative is about more than soccer — it’s about making sure that the energy and investment generated by this global event flows directly to the small businesses, cultural organizations, and neighborhood nonprofits that are the backbone of our state. We look forward to sharing the details of these funding opportunities and partnering with communities across New Jersey to make this a World Cup to remember.”

A Partnership Built for New Jersey

The initiative is being developed in close collaboration with the NYNJ Host Committee, which is leading the regional effort to prepare for and celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the tournament’s final, set to be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

“New Jersey will be at the center of the world’s biggest sporting event, and we have a responsibility to make sure its benefits are felt statewide,” said Alex Lasry, NYNJ Host Committee CEO. “Governor Sherrill’s investment expands access, drives business activity in local communities, and ensures the World Cup delivers lasting economic impact across the state. This is exactly the kind of leadership and partnership that will make the World Cup transformative for this region.”

Meanwhile, small business advocate and soccer aficionado Gus Penaranda, president and CEO of Evolvere Consulting and former head of the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council and New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce, said the cancellation of the FIFA Fan Festival is a huge disappointment. “The festival was the destination for the tens of thousands of people who could not get a ticket but wanted to experience the World Cup and support their team. Understanding the logistical nightmare this would have been, this decision should have been made months ago not 110 days out when local businesses in the area have already expended time and money,” he said.

He questions the ability to distribute the $5 million in just 110 days’ time. His other concern is that money will go to politically connected events or organizations already partnered with the World Cup Host Committee.

This initiative is funded by previously appropriated Fiscal Year 2026 dollars. Pending approval by the EDA Board, more information about this initiative will be announced by the NJEDA and the Host Committee in the coming weeks. Organizations and community groups interested in learning more are encouraged to monitor the NJEDA’s and the Host Committee’s official communications for updates.

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