For the first time in more than three decades, the FIFA World Cup returns to America as the U.S. men’s national soccer team kicks off its first group-stage match against Paraguay.
New Jersey fans can catch all the action at the first Flag Cities event tonight, Friday, June 12, from 5 p.m. until midnight in Jersey City. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET.
This first official watch party and fan fest will see the United States (FIFA ranking 17) take on Paraguay (FIFA ranking 41) at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) just outside Los Angeles in Inglewood, California.
After tonight’s match, the U.S. will play Australia next week, then wrap up the group stage with a June 25 game against Turkey.
See also: Flag Cities 2026 Kicks Off in Jersey City for First Event of FIFA World Cup
The Jersey City fan fest is open to the public at no charge. The game will be shown on several massive LED screens, set against a backdrop of immersive fan experiences, food trucks of all kinds, local food vendors, international cuisine, cultural events, one-of-a-kind merchandise, kids’ zones, and more.
Live music will be headlined by the Village People, along with sets by Latin pop singer Manny Monroig and the Giselle Bellas Salsa Band.
Jersey City Flag Cities Location
Happening on Christopher Columbus Drive between Marin and Washington boulevards, fans are advised to take public transportation: the PATH train to the Grove Street Station, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, or NJ Transit buses. There is limited paid parking across the city. The following streets will be closed:
About Flag Cities
Flag Cities is free and open to the public, thanks to the support of Choose New Jersey, the state, the Economic Development Authority, the NY/NJ Host Committee and the host municipalities and counties participating in the program. Jersey City sponsors include Colliers Engineering & Design and JCT Solutions.
Flag Cities is produced by Axiom Communications (DBA Flag Cities Entertainment) on behalf of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce.
Rules to Attend Flag Cities at Jersey City
All guests are subject to magnetometer screening and bag inspection.
Where are the next Flag Cities parties?
- June 14: Overpeck County Park, Bergen County, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- June 21: Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- June 24: Mulberry Commons, Newark, 4 to 9 p.m.
- June 26: Riggins Memorial Field, East Rutherford, 5 to 11 p.m.
- June 28: Stephen Gregg Park, Bayonne, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- July 3: Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson, 4 to 9 p.m.
For more information about Flag Cities, click here.