Local officials say 'WE ARE NYNJ' is theme for 2026 FIFA World Cup games at MetLife Stadium
TIMES SQUARE (WABC) -- Officials from New York City and New Jersey excitedly unveiled their branding as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
New York City and New Jersey submitted a joint bid to host matches at MetLife Stadium during the tournament. The themes for the World Cup at MetLife Stadium will be "WE ARE 26" and "WE ARE NYNJ".
FIFA named the region as a host city last June. That means some of the tournament's matches will be played in East Rutherford, just a few miles from the New York City.
Michael Strahan was joined by Mayor Eric Adams and other local officials in Times Square to kick off the efforts to get the local stadium prepped.
"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," Adams said.
Adams noted that with so many languages and dialects spoken in the area, New York is excited to welcome fans from all over the world.
"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," he said.
Billboards in Times Square displayed the newly unveiled New York/New Jersey 2026 official logo on Thursday. The New Year's Eve 'time ball' even displayed a countdown to 2026.
On Thursday night, Vessel at Hudson Yards, One Vanderbilt, Goethals Bridge and the Oculus will be lit up in honor of the 2026 games.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says he has "soccer fever" and is grateful to FIFA for bringing the game to our area.
"Big events are in our blood, they're in our DNA, and they're what we do best," Murphy said.
FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest sporting event ever. It will feature three host countries, 16 host cities, 48 teams, and 104 soccer matches.
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