One Year Countdown Begins as Liberty State Park is Named FIFA Fan Festival™ Official Site

One Year Countdown and Exciting Developments for FIFA World Cup 2026

As the countdown begins for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ held in New York and New Jersey, millions of soccer enthusiasts around the world are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. In an exciting announcement made by the NYNJ Host Committee, Liberty State Park is now officially named as the site for the FIFA Fan Festival™ from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This festival will serve as a central hub for fans and a symbolic gathering point nestled against the iconic Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.

The FIFA Fan Festival™ NYNJ will welcome tens of thousands during the 39-day tournament complemented by real-time broadcasts of the matches, live entertainment, and interactive fan experiences. In addition to this central event at Liberty State Park, fans can look forward to multiple other fan zones that are currently in the planning stages by the Host Committee.

"The FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ will encompass the largest and most dynamic fan experience throughout the tournament," stated Alex Lasry, the CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. Liberty State Park, with its spectacular views and significant historical context, perfectly embodies the excitement of the region and will play a crucial role in celebrating the universal love for soccer. This festival is designed to highlight the spirit of community, bringing together fans to not only watch the matches but also engage in the cultural richness of New York and New Jersey.

The planning of this festival has been awarded to Live Nation, a global leader in live entertainment, in collaboration with renowned event producer DPS. An interesting feature of the festival will be concerts organized on days without matches, providing a platform for showcasing the intersection between soccer, music, and local culture. As noted by Geoff Gordon, Chairman of Live Nation's Northeast Region, the FIFA World Cup is a prestigious event that draws billions of viewers worldwide, presenting an exceptional chance to spotlight the region's diversity and create remarkable experiences for fans.

Alongside the official announcement of Liberty State Park as the festival site, the Host Committee also launched the Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour™, aiming to bring a mobile fan experience across New York and New Jersey throughout the summer. This tour will highlight local culture through soccer zones, music, giveaways, and community storytelling, making stops at various events and festivals until Labor Day 2025. Each location on the tour will reflect the unique spirit and ethos of its respective community.

To amplify excitement leading up to the World Cup, a coordinated effort will illuminate buildings and landmarks in the signature Liberty Green color. Notable sites such as Madison Square Garden, Rockefeller Center, and One World Trade Center will partake in this lighting initiative, painting the skyline in a way that commemorates the event. A specially designed countdown clock will also be unveiled at MetLife Stadium, serving as a reminder that the world's biggest sporting event is on the horizon.

Bettina Garibaldi of the Host Committee emphasized the importance of visibility and connection that this countdown will provide, reinforcing the build-up to the World Cup while ensuring every initiative captures the essence of the diverse communities that make New York and New Jersey special.

Fans are eager to participate and can keep an eye out for tickets, which will soon be available for purchase on the official FIFA website. Additionally, there will be opportunities for individuals to join the volunteer community through the FIFA platform.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, the NYNJ Host Committee is dedicated to delivering a remarkable event that not only celebrates soccer but also fosters community bonds. Keep an eye on their official channels for updates. The energy is palpable, and excitement is set to escalate as the tournament draws near, promising an unforgettable summer in 2026.