New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have teamed up to unveil the branding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches that will be hosted at MetLife Stadium.
New Jersey and NYC submitted a joint bid to host matches in the East Rutherford football stadium, which also houses the New York Giants and the New York Jets. The region was approved by FIFA as a host city last summer and MetLife Stadium will host several World Cup matches during the next tournament.
The world’s largest sports tournament deserves similarly big branding and Murphy and Adams seem up to the challenge. The theme for the matches played in East Rutherford is “WE ARE NYNJ,” a fitting motto that highlights the connection between the country’s largest city and its neighboring state, which combine to create one of the most diverse and populous metropolitan areas across the entire globe.
We’re hosting matches during the @FIFAWorldCup in 2026! Post a selfie in front of our Times Square billboard and tag us on your story. It’ll be up from 9-10am! #WeAreNYNJ pic.twitter.com/kf6YtKdKWn
— FIFA World Cup 26 New York and New Jersey™ (@FWC26NYNJ) May 18, 2023
This announcement comes after FIFA unveiled the branding for the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles on May 17. “WE ARE 26” was displayed alongside the trophy in a message that prioritizes community and diversity within North America. The tournament will span three countries (US, Mexico and Canada), 16 cities and include 48 teams—making it the largest sporting event in history.
In honor of the inauguration, FIFA, Host Cities, broadcasters and brands collaborated to create unique portraits that embody their FIFA World Cup narratives. These portraits showcase renowned landmarks, icons, and iconic structures that fans can look forward to experiencing in 2026. The portraits spotlight local heroes from the Newark Fire Department, young soccer players, and diehard fans stretching from New Jersey to across the five boroughs.
The road to the 2026 #FIFAWorldCup has begun! #WeAre26
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 18, 2023
Mayor Adams highlighted that in New York City, all 48 teams are represented. “New York is the greatest city in the world, so it’s only right that we’re hosting the biggest sporting event in the world,” said Mayor Adams. “With over 200 languages and dialects spoken here and every one of the 48 countries that will qualify for the World Cup represented right here in the five boroughs, our city and region represent the diversity of the world’s sport. New Yorkers can’t wait to welcome fans from across the globe to our city to experience our world-class sights, bright lights, and our unique, diverse culture.”
“I want to give FIFA a big thank you for bringing the World Cup back to New Jersey and New York. From the very beginning, our region has been at the heart of American soccer. We’re ready for the world’s biggest event. Big events are in our blood, they’re in our DNA, and they’re what we do best,” said Governor Murphy at the brand announcement.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is still some time away, but one thing is for certain: New York and New Jersey fans are ready to celebrate the greatest tournament that the world has to offer.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
