Maplewood Gears Up for Summer season of Enjoyable as 2026 World Cup Arrives in NJ

From Maplewood Township:

Mark your calendars, Maplewood. This summer time, the 2026 World Cup lands in close by East Rutherford for eight exciting matches at MetLife Stadium, culminating within the Grand Finale on July 19, 2026. The World Cup is anticipated to convey greater than 1,000,000 vacationers to the New York-New Jersey area, and Maplewood plans to profit from it.

“The six-month countdown has begun,” stated Mayor De Luca. “We are planning all sorts of local World Cup activities, from watch parties to themed menu offerings to youth soccer events. This is being called the biggest and greatest sporting event ever, and it’s a fun opportunity to showcase our town while rooting on our teams as a community,” stated De Luca.

The 2026 World Cup, which kicks off  June eleventh in Mexico, will span 3 host nations – Canada, Mexico and the United States – over 39 days. Eight of the 78 matches, together with the finale, might be at MetLife Stadium (which might be quickly renamed NYNJ Stadium). You can discover the complete NJ-based schedule at the FIFA World Cup NY-NJ website. 

“We’re planning some World Cup-themed activities for our parks, town pool and summer camps,” stated Melissa Mancuso, Director of Community Services. “A family fun day is in the works, as are soccer-themed movies in the park. We hope to collaborate with our local youth soccer clubs to sponsor events, with the goal of introducing even more kids and adults to the game,” stated Mancuso.

Other actions within the pipeline embrace themed ebook readings on the Maplewood Memorial Library and artwork shows on the 1978 Maplewood Arts Center. And, after all, certainly one of Maplewood’s finest options – our native meals scene – plans to get in on the motion. “Maplewood is home to so many fun international & local restaurants. They are gearing up to host menu offerings that represent the flavors of the World Cup,” stated ErinRose, Executive Director of the Maplewood Village Alliance. Nicole Wallace, Executive Director of the Springfield Avenue Partnership, added, “With Poland, Ireland, Ukraine and other countries playing in the qualifying matches, we plan to start some of our restaurant promotions as early as March.”

Stay tuned to the Township’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook for particulars on upcoming occasions.