Mayor Solomon Announces Jersey City’s 2026 Fifa World Cup Celebration Series Across All Of Jc Mayor Solomon Announces Jersey City’s 2026 Fifa World Cup Celebration Series Across All of JC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAYOR SOLOMON ANNOUNCES JERSEY CITY’S 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP CELEBRATION SERIES ACROSS ALL OF JC
The most diverse city in America will host four major free events celebrating the global game from June through July – at no cost to taxpayers.
JERSEY CITY (May 18, 2026) — Mayor James Solomon today announced Jersey City's official 2026 World Cup celebration series: four ward-spanning activations that will transform the most diverse city in America into a regional hub for the world's biggest sporting event.
Anchored by our primary sponsors, including, RWJBarnabas - Jersey City Medical Center, KRE. and LeFrak and grants awarded through NJ UEZA and Choose New Jersey, the state's official business attraction and retention organization, and developed in partnership with neighborhood organizations, cultural communities, and special improvement districts, the series will bring fan festivals, cultural programming, small business activations, and live match viewing to every corner of the city, from Columbus Drive to Central Avenue, from Bergen Square to Claremont Avenue.
Generous sponsorships bring these events to Jersey City communities at no-cost to taxpayers, and each event is free to the public.
"Jersey City is home to more nationalities than almost anywhere in the United States, which means the World Cup isn't just a tournament here, it's a reflection of who we are,"
said Mayor James Solomon. "These four, completely free celebrations will showcase our neighborhoods, drive customers to our small businesses, and give residents and visitors unforgettable opportunities to come together and celebrate the World Cup – at no cost to taxpayers. We're proud to partner with Choose New Jersey to show the world what makes this city a truly global community."
The series includes:
Flag Cities — Thursday, June 12 | Ward E
Jersey City's first World Cup activation kicks off on Columbus Drive between Marin Boulevard and Washington Street from 5:00 PM to midnight. Made possible by a $1.3 million Choose New Jersey grant and produced in partnership with Axiom and Goya, Flag Cities is part of a regional fan festival series tied directly to MetLife Stadium, featuring large-scale programming, vendors, and live match viewing for an opening-week crowd.
Bergen Square Egyptian Cultural Activation — Saturday, June 21 | Ward C
Centered around the Egypt vs. New Zealand match, this culturally focused activation transforms Bergen Avenue from Vroom Street to Sip Avenue — the same footprint as Bergen Square Day — from 6:00 PM to midnight. Produced in partnership with the Journal Square SID and the Egyptian and Coptic community, the event will celebrate the Middle Eastern communities that have made Journal Square one of Jersey City's most dynamic neighborhoods.
The World on Central — Friday & Saturday, July 10–11 | Ward D
A two-day corridor activation aligned with the World Cup quarterfinals, The World on Central will run along Central Avenue (tentatively from South Street to Hutton Street). Supported by a $50,000 Choose New Jersey grant and produced in partnership with the Central Avenue SID, JCAST, and the Boys & Girls Club of Hudson County, the event is designed to drive foot traffic and spending to Central Avenue's small businesses during one of the tournament's most-watched weekends.
Around the World Watch Party — Sunday, July 19 | Ward B
On the day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, the West Side comes alive with an immersive "World Village" on Claremont Avenue between Mallory and West Side Avenue from noon to 6:00 PM. Produced in partnership with 3 Acres and the West Side Community Partnership, the watch party will pair the final match with a full cultural festival celebrating the global community that calls Jersey City home.
More details on programming, performers, vendors, and transit access will be announced in the weeks ahead. Learn more about Choose New Jersey's "This is New Jersey" campaign at
ThisisNewJersey.com.
--
Nathaniel Styer
Communications Director | City of Jersey City
[email protected]