1M Visitors Coming to the World Cup Will Transform N.J.’s Summer
In less than 100 days, the eyes of the world will turn to New Jersey. Eight FIFA World Cup matches — including the final — will be played at MetLife Stadium.
More than 1 million visitors are expected to travel to our region during the tournament, and when the final match kicks off on July 19, more than a billion people will be watching across the globe.
This region wasn’t just selected to host games. We were chosen to host the final, and that distinction creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity for New Jersey. Unlike most mega sporting events, which bring only a weekend of activity, the World Cup delivers more than a month of global attention, tourism and spending.
And because of the final, we are the only region in the tournament that will be hosting throughout the entire duration of the 2026 World Cup. That translates to nearly $2 billion in direct regional spending flowing into our hotels, restaurants, transportation systems, retail shops and entertainment venues. To put that in perspective: even the biggest events we’ve seen at MetLife Stadium — from the Super Bowl to Taylor Swift to Bruce Springsteen — will be exceeded by the size, duration and global visibility of the World Cup.
And unlike many other major events, this summer’s opportunity extends well beyond the stadium. Many of the millions of visitors coming for the World Cup won’t have a ticket. They’re coming for the energy and the experience that surround this tournament. They want an authentic Jersey experience. Teams from around the world will be living and training in our communities for weeks, bringing extended economic activity to local hotels, restaurants and businesses.
The Host Committee is committed to helping New Jersey seize this moment.
From the state’s World Cup Community Grant Initiative to our soon-to-be-announced small-business engagement plan, we are working to make sure opportunities exist at every level — from major destinations to our main streets. But these programs alone won’t define the outcome.
The real success of this World Cup will depend on how communities and business owners step forward, open their doors and find ways to welcome fans.
- Restaurants can create matchday specials.
- Downtowns can host public viewing events.
- Cultural organizations can build experiences that reflect the global diversity that already defines New Jersey.