Host committee outlines fan festivals, security and legacy plans for 2026 World Cup in New York–New Jersey

The New York–New Jersey 2026 World Cup host committee presented its local fan‑engagement plan to Queens officials, laying out a 39‑day series of events, a FIFA‑partnered festival at Liberty State Park, legacy mini pitches in underserved neighborhoods and coordinated security and transit planning.

Representing the host committee, Bruce Redmond, co‑host city manager, said the tournament runs Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, July 19 and that ‘‘we will have fan engagement … for all 39 days.’’ He told the meeting the committee plans a major FIFA fan festival at Liberty State Park ‘‘simply because we needed about a million square feet,’’ and that the committee has four organizing pillars: safety and security, mobility, fan engagement and legacy.

Why it matters: The region will host eight matches including the final. The host committee described an economic opportunity that it said will affect neighborhoods across the city and state, and urged local businesses and nonprofits to use a toolkit the committee is distributing to apply for licensing, sponsorship and official fan‑engagement opportunities.

The committee described practical rules for local viewing events and branding. Redmond warned that FIFA strictly protects its intellectual property and sponsor…