JERSEY CITY, NJ — Liberty State Park has been officially selected as the location for the FIFA Fan Festival during the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by New Jersey, New York, Canada, and Mexico.
Governor Phil Murphy announced the decision at a “One Year to Go” celebration held at Liberty State Park on Wednesday. Highlighting the significance of the event, Murphy stated, “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.”
The 2026 tournament will mark a historic expansion to 48 teams, a significant increase from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. This expansion will bring 104 matches to stadiums across the United States, with 11 venues, all NFL stadiums equipped with luxury suites and club seating, hosting games. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is set to host eight matches, including the highly anticipated final.
Liberty State Park, serving as the central hub for fan celebrations, will host the 39-day Fan Festival produced by LiveNation. According to Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee, the Fan Festival “will be the largest and most visible fan experience of the entire tournament.” He emphasized that the venue’s iconic setting is well-suited to reflect the energy and scale of the region, describing the event as more than just a place to watch matches, but as a celebration of the game and a platform to showcase what makes the New York-New Jersey area unique.
The Host Committee has indicated plans to announce additional fan zones throughout the region in the upcoming weeks and months, promising an extensive array of experiences for visitors and local communities alike.
