Meadowlands regional leaders announced during a Dec. 2 press conference the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce Flag Cities 2026 program, a series of fan-festival celebrations that will be held in the days leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 games at MetLife Stadium. The presenting sponsor is Goya and the host towns and event dates were also revealed at the press event.
Flag Cities will be produced by Axiom Communications, delivering food, music, entertainment, and cultural connections from each visiting team at sites across the Meadowlands Region.
The press conference featured remarks from Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco; Lyndhurst Mayor Robert Giangeruso; Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli; East Rutherford Mayor Jeffrey Lahullier; Jim Kirkos, president and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber; Peter Unanue, third generation executive at Goya Foods; Ron Simoncini, president of Axiom Communications; and members of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners and host-town municipal officials.
Sites have been chosen for four of the five events:
- Friday June 12: Riverside Park in Lyndhurst
- Sunday June 14: Overpeck Park Bergen County
- Sunday June 21: Secaucus downtown
- Wednesday June 24: OPEN
- Friday June 26: East Rutherford downtown
Each Flag City event will honor the teams playing the next day at MetLife, combining local families, youth teams, cultural groups, soccer fans and out-of-town visitors.
Each Flag Cities programming includes:
- Live broadcast of World Cup games on large scale LED screens
- Food trucks, international cuisine, and beverage vendors
- 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 activations
- Flag installations, town-wide decorations, and pep rallies
As the presenting sponsor, Goya Foods will serve as the culinary and cultural centerpiece of Flag Cities, elevating each festival with international food and beverage sampling.
In 2026, Goya celebrates its 90th anniversary as the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States.
“As Goya celebrates its 90th anniversary, we are proud to be the presenting sponsor of Flag Cities,” said Unanue, third generation executive at Goya Foods.
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. Municipalities will host pre-event kickoff ceremonies to build momentum in the spring.
MetLife will host eight matches beginning June 13 leading up to the final match on July 19.
