WorldCupAC.com · Live News Hub
World Cup 2026 News
Latest news on NJ base camps, fan events, transit, and teams playing at MetLife and Lincoln Financial. Four NJ base camps confirmed: Brazil (Morris Township), Morocco (Basking Ridge), Senegal (Rutgers/Piscataway), Haiti (Stockton University). Updated May 7, 2026.
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Updated May 7, 2026 — MetLife officially renamed "New York New Jersey Stadium" for the tournament · Morocco confirmed as 4th NJ base camp · $5M community initiative grant recipients announced today including Atlantic City Beach Fest
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Days to Kickoff
8
Matches at MetLife
4
NJ Base Camps
34
NJ Fan Events Funded
$5M
NJ Community Grants
Jul 19
World Cup Final
Top Stories — NJ / May 2026
NJBIZ / Governor's Office · May 5–6, 2026
Gov. Sherrill joined Moroccan Ambassador Youssef Amrani to announce Morocco will train at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge — the same field that hosted Italy in the 1994 World Cup. NJ now hosts Brazil, Morocco, Senegal, and Haiti. Haiti will train at Stockton University in Galloway.
NJ Governor / Camden County · May 6, 2026
Gov. Sherrill announced winners in Camden County, including Atlantic City Beach Fest (Latin Fest, July 18–19) and Visit South Jersey's SoccerFest26 (Camden waterfront, June 25–27). "Flag Cities" events run June 8–July 16 across Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. North to Shore Festival spans Essex, Monmouth, and Atlantic Counties June 13–July 16.
WOBM / CBS New York · May 2026
FIFA rules require all corporate-named venues to drop their sponsor names during the tournament. MetLife becomes "New York New Jersey Stadium" from June 13–July 19. The name reverts to MetLife after the final.
New York Red Bulls / NYNJ Host Committee · April 8, 2026
The official NJ fan hub will be at SI Stadium (Red Bulls) in Harrison throughout the tournament. Features a 60-foot screen on the pitch, a Hype House with 20 large-screen TVs, a 360° bar, and live performances. Tickets $10 (under-12 free). The closest major fan hub to MetLife by train.
NJ Monitor / NBC New York · April 17, 2026
A normal $12.90 ticket becomes $150 for World Cup match days. Shuttle buses from Clifton will cost $80. NJ Transit says this recovers their $48M operational cost. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. Sherrill both demanded FIFA pay — FIFA refused. Penn Station will restrict non-ticketholders for 4 hours before each match.
NJ.gov / CBS Philadelphia · May 6, 2026
Stockton University in Galloway has been confirmed as Haiti's base camp. The Haiti national team will stay at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, putting a World Cup team just minutes from the Atlantic City boardwalk.
ESPN / NJ Monitor · February 2026
The originally announced FIFA Fan Festival at Liberty State Park in Jersey City was scrapped in February over logistical and cost concerns. The $5M redirected to 34 community organizations statewide — including South Jersey and Atlantic County events.
NJ Transit · April 2026
Round-trip Meadowlands Rail tickets go on sale May 13, limited to 40,000 per match day, only on the NJ Transit mobile app. Shuttle buses ($80 round-trip) depart from Clifton. Premium parking only at American Dream Mall, by advance purchase. No parking at the stadium.
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Brazil NJ BASE CAMP — Morris Township
Group C · Vinicius Jr · Raphinha · Coach: Carlo Ancelotti · Columbia Park Training Center (RWJBarnabas Red Bulls facility) · Hotel: The Ridge, Basking Ridge
NJ/PHI Matches
Jun 13 · MetLife vs Morocco
Jun 19 · Lincoln Financial vs Haiti
Jun 19 · Lincoln Financial vs Haiti
Brazil's base camp is the brand-new RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center in Morris Township — described as "north of $100 million" — with the squad staying at The Ridge Hotel in Basking Ridge. Their NJ base is 60 miles from Atlantic City and 30 miles from MetLife.
AOL / MyCentralJersey · May 2026
Neymar is expected to be left out of the final World Cup squad — Ancelotti's selection "is quite defined" and does not include Brazil's all-time leading scorer.
MySportDab / World Soccer Talk · April 2026
Brazil lost 2-1 to France in a World Cup warm-up at Gillette Stadium — Ancelotti says Brazil "is on the right path" despite the defeat.
Al Jazeera · March 26, 2026
Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Endrick and Matheus Cunha headline the expected Brazil attack with Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro in midfield, Marquinhos at the back.
Goal.com · March 2026
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Morocco NEW — NJ BASE CAMP · Basking Ridge
Group C · The Pingry School, Basking Ridge · Announced May 5 by Gov. Sherrill · Previously hosted Italy in 1994 World Cup
Matches
Jun 13 · MetLife vs Brazil
Jun 19 · Gillette vs Scotland
Jun 24 · Atlanta vs Haiti
Jun 19 · Gillette vs Scotland
Jun 24 · Atlanta vs Haiti
Morocco will train at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge — a private school whose upgraded "Miller Bugliari '52 World Cup Field" features two international-standard grass pitches. The same campus hosted Italy in 1994, and has welcomed AC Milan, Juventus, Manchester United, and Liverpool for training sessions.
NJBIZ / Governor's Office · May 5, 2026
New Jersey is home to nearly 10,000 residents of Moroccan descent. Moroccan Ambassador Youssef Amrani joined Gov. Sherrill at the announcement. Morocco opens Group C against Brazil at MetLife on June 13 — the tournament's very first match in New Jersey.
NJ Governor's Office · May 5, 2026
Morocco competes in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Their 2022 run to the semifinal made them the first African nation to reach that stage. The Atlas Lions are considered a serious dark horse to repeat that performance in 2026.
Pan Africa Football · May 2026
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Senegal BASE CAMP — Rutgers, Piscataway
Group I · Sadio Mané · Iliman Ndiaye · Nicolas Jackson · Coach: Pape Thiaw · Hotel: The Heldrich, New Brunswick
NJ/PHI Matches
Jun 16 · MetLife vs France
Jun 22 · MetLife vs Norway
Jun 22 · MetLife vs Norway
Rutgers University in Piscataway confirmed as Senegal's official World Cup base camp — the team stays at The Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center in New Brunswick, miles from The Yard fan zone.
New Brunswick Today · March 2026
Senegal face France (Jun 16) and Norway (Jun 22) — both at MetLife Stadium. Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr), Iliman Ndiaye, and Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) headline the attack. Senegal also beat England 3-1 in a 2025 friendly.
ESPN / FourFourTwo · 2026
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Haiti NEW — NJ BASE CAMP · Stockton University, Galloway
Group C · Hotel: Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel · Announced May 6, 2026
Matches
Jun 19 · Lincoln Financial vs Brazil
Jun 24 · Atlanta vs Morocco
Jun 24 · Atlanta vs Morocco
Haiti will train at Stockton University in Galloway and stay at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel — putting a World Cup national team just minutes from the Atlantic City boardwalk. This is the closest any World Cup base camp has ever been to Atlantic City.
CBS Philadelphia / NJ Governor · May 6, 2026
Haiti is in Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland. Their World Cup qualification is a historic achievement for Caribbean football. They face Brazil at Lincoln Financial Field on June 19 in Philadelphia.
CBS Philadelphia · May 2026
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France
Group I · Kylian Mbappé · Coach: Didier Deschamps (final tournament) · World Cup favorites
NJ/PHI Matches
Jun 16 · MetLife vs Senegal
Jun 22 · Lincoln Financial vs Iraq
Jun 22 · Lincoln Financial vs Iraq
Mbappé scored as France beat Brazil 2-1 at Gillette Stadium in their final US warm-up — Ekitike added the second. Upamecano was sent off. Ancelotti called Brazil "on the right path" despite the loss.
Al Jazeera · March 26, 2026
France then beat Colombia 3-1 with Mbappé coming off the bench — Désire Doué scored twice, Marcus Thuram once. Deschamps enters his final tournament as France coach having won both US warm-ups.
Al Jazeera · March 30, 2026
Mbappé says this France squad has "more talent" than 2022 — though he cautioned that only victory can confirm it. Deschamps' 13-year tenure ends after this tournament regardless of result.
Foot Africa / Téléfoot · March 2026
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Norway
Group I · Erling Haaland · Martin Ødegaard · First World Cup since 1998 · Base camp: Greensboro, NC
NJ Matches
Jun 22 · MetLife vs Senegal
Haaland scored 16 goals in qualifying while Ødegaard added 7 assists. Norway topped their European group ahead of Italy, returning to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
UEFA.com · April 2026
Haaland vs Mbappé — the Group I finale on June 26 at Gillette Stadium is already being called one of the must-watch matches of the tournament. Norway plays Senegal first at MetLife on June 22.
World Soccer Talk · April 2026
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England
Group L · Harry Kane · Jude Bellingham · Coach: Thomas Tuchel · Base camp: Kansas City
NJ Matches
Jun 27 · MetLife vs Panama
Tuchel compared England's reliance on Kane to Argentina's dependence on Messi — after a loss to Japan in a March friendly. England close their group campaign at MetLife on June 27 against Panama.
World Soccer Talk · April 2026
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Germany vs Ecuador — Group E
Germany base camp: Winston-Salem, NC · Both teams face off at MetLife on June 25
NJ Match
Jun 25 · MetLife
4:00 PM ET
4:00 PM ET
Germany arrive with Florian Wirtz leading a new generation — Julian Nagelsmann's side bounced back from early qualification struggles with a 6-0 win over Slovakia. Their MetLife match vs Ecuador on June 25 is a Group E group decider.
UEFA.com · April 2026
Latest Tournament News — Updated May 7, 2026
ESPN / Multiple Sources
Bosnia, Czechia, Sweden, Türkiye complete the European quota. DR Congo and Iraq win intercontinental playoffs. Italy miss their third straight World Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia.
beIN Sports
Preliminary lists of 35–55 players are due May 11. Final 26-man squads must be submitted before each team's first match. Injury replacements allowed up to 24 hours before a team's opening game.
Yahoo Sports
Full schedule with venues and times for all 104 matches across the US, Canada and Mexico — including every NJ and Philadelphia fixture.
Al Jazeera
Iraq edged Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final. DR Congo beat Jamaica 1-0. The 48-team field is complete for the first time in World Cup history.
Mappr
Italy, Denmark, Poland, Nigeria, Wales, Cameroon and Serbia all miss out. First-time qualifiers include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo.
CBS Sports
Team USA is in Group D with Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. The US opens June 12 in Los Angeles. No USMNT matches in NJ, but strong regional fanbase will follow all games.
World Soccer Talk
Running tracker of all 48 qualified teams and notable eliminations. Includes Argentina's Messi status update, Tuchel's England assessment, and Italy's absence.
FIFA.com
Official FIFA news, squad announcements, match previews and tournament updates. The definitive source for all World Cup 2026 information.
Stadium name update: MetLife Stadium is officially "New York New Jersey Stadium" for the duration of the tournament (June 13–July 19). The MetLife name returns after the Final.
Teams & News — New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife) · 8 Matches Including the Final
WABC / NYNJ Host Committee
Jun 13 6pm: Brazil vs Morocco · Jun 16 3pm: France vs Senegal · Jun 22 8pm: Norway vs Senegal · Jun 25 4pm: Ecuador vs Germany · Jun 27 5pm: Panama vs England · Jun 30: Round of 32 · Jul 5: Round of 16 · Jul 19 3pm: THE FINAL
WOBM / CBS New York · May 2026
FIFA rules require all corporate-named stadiums to use location-based names during the tournament. MetLife signage is already being updated in East Rutherford. The name reverts after July 19. Eight matches including the Final make this the most-watched stadium in America this summer.
Travel and Tour World · May 2026
New Jersey hosts the tournament's first big-market match on June 13. Both Brazil and Morocco have NJ base camps. Global travel demand for this match has surged — Brazil fans from NJ/NYC and large Moroccan diaspora communities across the region.
Al Jazeera
France beat Brazil 2-1 and Colombia 3-1 in their US tour. Mbappé scored in the Brazil match at Gillette. France open Group I at MetLife on June 16 vs Senegal — both teams' NJ base camps are confirmed.
NJ Transit · April 2026
Round-trip Meadowlands Rail tickets go on sale May 13 (mobile app only, 40,000 per matchday, non-refundable). Shuttles from Clifton $80. No parking at stadium. Penn Station restricted to ticketholders 4 hours before kickoff. Consider the $80 shuttle as the AC-region alternative.
WorldCupAC.com
Step-by-step guide from Atlantic City to MetLife via NJ Transit, plus driving, rideshare, and parking options. Updated with $150 train fare info and shuttle alternatives.
NYNJ Host Committee
Capacity 82,500. Official transportation, tickets, hospitality packages, stadium tours, and fan info from the NYNJ Host Committee. The Final on July 19 at 3pm ET expects a global TV audience of over 1 billion.
Teams & News — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia · 6 Matches
FIFA / CBS Sports
Ivory Coast vs Ecuador (Jun 14) · Brazil vs Haiti (Jun 19) · France vs Iraq (Jun 22) · Curaçao vs Ivory Coast (Jun 25) · Croatia vs Ghana (Jun 27) · Round of 16 (Jul 4)
NJ Governor's Office · May 2026
A unique Group C match where both sides have NJ base camps: Brazil trains in Morris Township, Haiti trains at Stockton University in Galloway (just outside AC). Both squads travel from NJ to Philly for this June 19 match.
Al Jazeera
After opening vs Senegal at MetLife, France face Iraq in Philly on June 22. Mbappé is fully fit after his knee return. France are the strong Group I favorites entering the match.
WorldCupAC.com
One NJ Transit train to Philadelphia 30th Street, then SEPTA Broad Street Line to the stadium. No Secaucus transfer, no $150 surcharge. ~90 minutes total. Philadelphia is keeping transit costs down unlike NJ.
Official NJ Fan Events — Updated May 7, 2026
Liberty State Park Fan Fest was canceled in February 2026. Gov. Sherrill redirected $5M to 34 community organizations statewide — including Atlantic City Beach Fest (Latin Fest, July 18–19) funded through this initiative.
NYNJ Host Committee · April 8, 2026
The NYNJ Host Committee's official NJ fan experience. Located at SI Stadium (Red Bulls), activated on select dates throughout the tournament. Features a 60-foot pitch screen, Hype House with 20 TVs and 360° bar, live music and cultural programming. Tickets $10 (under-12 free). Accessible by train from Penn Station.
Visit Atlantic City / NJ Governor · May 6, 2026
Visit Atlantic City was awarded a statewide community grant to host the Atlantic City Beach Fest (Latin Fest) on July 18–19 — the weekend of the World Cup Final at MetLife. This places Atlantic City at the center of the tournament's final days.
NJPAC / NJ Governor · May 6, 2026
Presented by NJPAC. A multi-county, multi-week festival running the full group stage and into the knockout rounds — covering Essex, Monmouth, and Atlantic Counties. One of the three large-scale regional grant recipients.
Meadowlands Regional Chamber · Starting June 8
North Jersey's major cities each "adopt" one World Cup match, hosting festivals celebrating the food and culture of the competing countries. Events June 8–July 16. Major cities include Newark, Jersey City, and surrounding communities.
Visit South Jersey · June 25–27, 2026
Visit South Jersey received $788,000 of the $5M grant, primarily for SoccerFest26 — a three-day event at the Camden waterfront from June 25–27. Additional smaller events in Gloucester and Burlington Counties.
Liberty Science Center · Jersey City
Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is hosting "Summer of Soccer & Science" from June 6 through the Final on July 19, with special programming on June 17, June 24, and July 9.
Ocean County / Multiple NJ Counties
Ocean County Public Affairs is hosting official World Cup watch parties across the county on key match days, including the Final. Three South Jersey locations: Little Egg Harbor Township, Jackson Township, and Lakewood.
NYNJ Host Committee · Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center's iconic rink becomes a FIFA pitch. The three-block campus activates July 6–19, including Top of the Rock. Telemundo broadcasts live from the plaza for all 104 matches in Spanish. Free and ticketed programming.
NYNJ Fan Zone Queens · June 17–28
Produced by Live Nation. Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing transforms into a flagship fan destination from June 17–28. Culturally diverse programming, food, and entertainment. Accessible via 7 train from Manhattan.
NJ Governor's Office — $5M Initiative Full List
34 total organizations statewide. Includes: Red Bank World Cup Activation Series (June–July) · Asbury Park Final Viewing (July 19) · Ivy Hill Soccer Fest Newark (May 23, June 19–20, July 9–12) · Hoboken Arts & Music Festival (May 17) · New Brunswick Hub City Celebration (July 2) · Carteret World Cup Festival (June 11–July 19)
⚠️ Key dates: NJ Transit World Cup train tickets ($150 round-trip) go on sale May 13 — mobile app only, 40,000 per matchday. Sell out expected. Shuttle bus tickets ($80) also available May 13.
Getting to the Games — Transit & Travel Guide · Updated May 7, 2026
NJ Transit / NJ Monitor · April 17, 2026
Round-trip Meadowlands Rail from Penn Station: $150 (normally $12.90). Limited to 40,000 tickets per match. Mobile app only — no day-of purchase. Specific boarding times assigned. Train runs 4 hours before kickoff and 3 hours after the final whistle. Tickets non-transferable and non-refundable.
NBC New York · April 17, 2026
Shuttles depart from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Clifton. $80 round-trip. Drop-off at Meadowlands Racetrack — about a 1-mile walk to stadium gates. Premium parking also available at American Dream Mall (advance purchase only, $200+). No parking at MetLife itself.
NJ Transit Official
Penn Station is restricted to World Cup ticketholders 4 hours before each match. Regular commuters can use PATH (33rd St) and Port Authority buses as no-cost alternatives. Rideshare drop-off at Meadowlands Racing via geofencing — premium pricing expected, no stadium drop-off.
Fox News / NJ Monitor
Sen. Schumer demanded FIFA cover the full rail cost. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the price as necessary to recover $48M in operational costs. FIFA's total World Cup revenue is projected at $11 billion. Philadelphia is keeping transit costs far lower — another reason to consider Lincoln Financial matches from AC.
WorldCupAC.com
MetLife via NJ Transit: ~2.5 hrs, requires Secaucus transfer, $150 train ticket. Lincoln Financial via NJ Transit + SEPTA: ~90 min, no surcharge, simpler route. For AC visitors, Philly matches are easier, cheaper, and faster. Updated guide with current fares.
NYNJ Host Committee
Official NYNJ guide covering rail, shuttle, rideshare, and accessibility options. All routes connect through Secaucus Junction for Meadowlands service. Accessible shuttle options available. Check here for the most up-to-date official information.
AC to MetLife tip: The $150 NJ Transit train departs Penn Station. From Atlantic City, consider a hotel near Secaucus or Newark the night before a match day to save the $150 ticket and avoid the Penn Station rush.
Best Live News Sources for World Cup 2026
FIFA.com
Official tournament news
NYNJ Host Committee
Local event news
NJ Transit FIFA Page
Match day travel
NJ Monitor
NJ-focused coverage
NJBIZ
NJ business & sports
ESPN Soccer
Squad news, analysis
World Soccer Talk
Deep WC coverage
BBC Sport
European team news
Goal.com
Squads, transfers, kits
Al Jazeera Sport
Global perspective
CBS Sports Soccer
US-focused coverage
beIN Sports
Squad & match news
News 12 NJ
Local NJ coverage
Yahoo Sports Soccer
Scores, standings
WorldCupAC.com curates links to external news sources. All articles are the property of their respective publishers. WorldCupAC is not affiliated with FIFA, the NYNJ Host Committee, or any team listed. Last updated May 7, 2026.