2026 World Cup Live Updates: New York New Jersey Stadium matches, security and more

As the first match of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa got underway Thursday, fans gathered at a watch party in Passaic, New Jersey, which is home to one of the largest Mexican communities in the nation.

A nice long section of Monroe Street was off limits to everything except cheering on teams in the first matches of the World Cup.

Mayor Hector Lora is making sure that World Cup magic is lighting up soccer fans in the city and bringing fans outdoors to share in the experience.

Toni Yates reports from New Jersey with more on the watch parties surrounding the start of the World Cup.

To kick off the start of FIFA World Cup, Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYNJ Host Committee highlighted activations across New York State to ensure New Yorkers in every community get to enjoy the World Cup.

Two New York State flagship World Cup Watch Experiences will be taking place at Stony Brook University on Long Island and at Kensico Dam Plaza in the Mid-Hudson Region. The free events will take place on June 12 at Stony Brook University on Long Island and July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester County, timed to coincide with key tournament matches.

And there will be free fan events in all five boroughs of New York City:

• USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows: June 11-27

• Rockefeller Center: July 6-19

• Bronx Terminal Market: June 13-14

• Brooklyn Bridge Park: June 13-July 19

• Staten Island University Hospital Community Park: June 29-July 2

Just a few miles from where the 2026 World Cup final will be played, one New Jersey street is already celebrating soccer's biggest star.

In Berkeley Heights, Union County, the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Station Street will temporarily be renamed "Leo Messi Way" during the tournament, a tribute to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain.

Dani Beckstrom has the story:

Dani Beckstrom has the latest.

The transformation is underway at MetLife Stadium ahead of its first World Cup match there on Saturday.

The stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is forced to change its name from MetLife to New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the games, because FIFA has strict rules on endorsements.

New Jersey reporter Toni Yates was there, where she got a tour of the stadium as it prepares to welcome soccer fans from around the globe.

Toni Yates reports from the stadium.