One year out from 2026 FIFA World Cup, NJ ready to be 'soccer central worldwide'
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Phil Murphy talks 2026 FIFA World Cup at NJ budget address
During his 2026 New Jersey budget address, Gov. Phil Murphy discussed the upcoming FIFA World Cup plans.
It's official. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium in one year.
To celebrate the last 365 days of preparation, Gov. Phil Murphy and the regional host committee, including CEO Alex Lasry and board chair Tammy Murphy, were at Liberty State Park in Jersey City Wednesday morning to outline the FIFA Fan Festival experience set to take place next summer.
Joined by fan favorites like Mr. and Mrs. Met, Giants legend Victor Cruz and representatives from most of the region's professional sports teams, a mini festival complete with food trucks and activities for kids was set up to show, on a small scale, what is coming in 2026.
With lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty serving as a backdrop, the park will be the premier fan festival during all 40 days of next summer's global event.
More than 100 matches, including the ones scheduled to be played at MetLife will be broadcast live for fans to enjoy along with entertainment presented by LiveNation, food and other cultural exhibits that represent the Garden State and our neighbors across the Hudson River.
What did NJ officials say?
Gov. Phil Murphy said that between this year's Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, the region will be 'soccer central worldwide, globally, for the next 15 months' and said there is a commitment to the legacy of the sport.
'MLS was born out of the 1996 World Cup. I can only imagine what will be born out of this World Cup and most importantly in the communities in the region on both sides of the Hudson,' he said.
Lasry said Liberty State Park will serve as the 'central gathering place for fans from across the world' and explained it will be the largest and most visible fan festival of the tournament.
Officials expect tens of thousands of fans to attend the festival during each of its 39 days and have partnered with LiveNation and DPS to produce the programming which will include concerts on rest days.
Among those fans will be 'all six Murphys,' according to first lady Tammy Murphy.
More: What has NJ spent — so far, at least — to fund the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
2025 FIFA Club World Cup gives NJ a preview of 2026
Fans get a little taste of the global soccer experience starting this weekend at MetLife when the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off.
This year's tournament features club teams — professional teams from leagues around the world — as opposed to national teams that will compete in the 2026 World Cup.
It's unclear whether the immigration and border security initiatives of the Trump administration will affect the tournaments. Among the teams to already qualify is Iran, which is one of the countries included in Trump's latest full travel ban.
President Donald Trump did attend the Club World Cup draw in December and said he "will try to be" at the tournament. He has hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino at his Mar-a-Lago Club and the White House. Infantino also attended Trump's second inauguration.
Murphy said Wednesday that his understanding is that there will be exceptions for big sporting events and this is the 'biggest in the world.'
He went on to say there is a 'long road to travel' between now and when the tournament starts but that all of the teams that qualify will be able to play.
When asked about concerns tourists may have about the presence of ICE and comments made by Vice President J.D. Vance about visitors, Murphy said he 'can't speak' for them but is 'hugely optimistic this is going to be a blowout success and a safe World Cup.'
'Based on all the vibrations I hear… this is going to be done in a first class welcoming way,' he said.
Lasry said the host committee's 'concern and goal' is that everyone that comes to the tournament has an incredible time.
Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com
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