The big question weighing on everyone’s mind was finally put to bed — but it wasn’t the slam-dunk, sure-thing for Argentina that many in-the-know pundits had expected.
When the world champs faced England at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Atlanta, Georgia, it was England ahead and soclose to taking the win. But just in time, Argentina pulled out a 2-1 comeback victory over England, and will head to the New Jersey Meadowlands for the World Cup final.
England joins France in the consolation bracket and will play at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The winner takes third place.
Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m. at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Flag Cities Brought World Cup Fandom to the Streets
Once host cities were selected and most of the details were secured, the Meadowlands region got busy making the World Cup an experience for all — not just for ticket holders. With eight games, including the final, the Meadowlands Chamber and the Meadowlands Live! Convention & Visitors Bureau wanted to help make the World Cup experience a great one for all. Working with Axiom Communications, Flag Cities was launched in seven locations leading up to the final.
Presented by Goya Foods in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, these location-based World Cup festivals were supported in part by a $5 million state grant from the New Jersey World Cup Community Initiative. Each Flag Cities event featured a watch party, international food trucks, kid zones, soccer activations, music, and more.
Hackensack Meridian Health hosted an interactive fan zone where attendees could take a soccer-inspired, “health persona” quiz for a chance to receive a limited-edition poster, step into the spotlight with a personalized, AI-generated soccer video, and take home other exclusive giveaways and prizes.
Jose Lozano, Chief Growth Officer, Hackensack Meridian Health, said on social media that Flag Cities brought communities together through the excitement of the World Cup while promoting health, wellness, and active lifestyles. “We are proud to partner with this initiative and look forward to engaging with families and fans through interactive experiences that are educational, entertaining, and memorable.”
Jersey City: Inaugural Flag Cities Fan Festival
Some 18,000 fans packed the streets and showed solidarity for the inaugural Flag Cities Fan Fest in Jersey City, from 5 p.m. until midnight on Friday, June 12. Columbus Drive between Marin Boulevard and Washington Street was closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate a massive, fun-filled street festival featuring large-scale LED screens broadcasting the 9 p.m. World Cup Group D opener between the USA and Paraguay. The USA bested Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The lineup of live entertainment was headlined by The Village People and included Gisella Bellas Salsa Band and Manny Monroig. There were also food trucks, beer gardens, VIP lounges, kids’ zones, soccer-themed activations, vendors, and giveaways.
See also: Flag Cities 2026 Kicks Off in Jersey City for First Event of FIFA World Cup
Another watch party event is planned for the World Cup Final in Jersey City on July 19. The Around the World street festival on Claremont Avenue features an immersive World Village between Mallory and West Side Avenue from noon to 6 p.m. Produced in partnership with 3 Acres and the West Side Community Partnership, the watch party will pair the final match with a full cultural festival. Learn more about Choose New Jersey’s “This is New Jersey” campaign at ThisisNewJersey.com.
Bergen County: Overpeck Park, Leonia
Over 4,800 fans turned out for a double-header watch party and fan festival at Overpeck County Park in Leonia. Held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14, the Bergen County Flag Cities Fan Fest at Overpeck County Park featured oversized LED screens showing: Germany vs. Curacao at 1 p.m., NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas; and Netherlands vs. Japan, 4 p.m., AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas. (Germany beat Curacao 7-1; Netherlands vs. Japan ended in a 2-2 draw.)
“Soccer has a unique ability to unite people across cultures, generations, and communities, which makes Flag Cities a natural fit for Goya”, said Peter Unanue, President, Goya Foods. “We are proud to help create celebrations that bring people together through great food, shared experiences, and the spirit of the world’s game as New Jersey welcomes the global spotlight during the World Cup.”
Read more: Flag Cities Comes to Laurel Park, Secaucus
In addition to DJ sets, live music was headlined by the 1980s tribute band Jessie’s Girl. There were food trucks and international cuisine, a beer garden, vendor village, family activities, kids’ attractions, soccer-themed games and experiences, plus the Hackensack Meridian Health interactive fan zone.
