NJ and NY Celebrate Unveiling of Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Branding

On May 18, 2023

As a symbolic start to the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 16 host cities across the US, Mexico and Canada unveiled their unique branding for the storied tournament today. 

For the first time in its history, the World Cup will feature three host countries, across 16 cities, with an expanded format that will include 48 teams (up from 32) and 104 matches.

New Jersey and New York City submitted a joint bid to host matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, and unveiled their branding during a ceremony in Times Square this morning, with the themes: “WE ARE 26” and “WE ARE NYNJ”.

Massive Times Square billboards displayed the newly unveiled New York/New Jersey 2026 official logo, while the iconic New Year’s Eve ball displayed a countdown to 2026.

“I have to admit, as a lifelong fan of ‘the beautiful game,’ I’ve got soccer fever,” Gov. Phil Murphy said at the unveiling. “I want to give FIFA a big thank you for bringing the World Cup back to New Jersey and New York. From the very beginning, our region has been at the heart of American soccer. We’re ready for the world’s biggest event. Big events are in our blood, they’re in our DNA, and they’re what we do best.”

The last time the US hosted the World Cup was in 1994 in a tournament which broke overall attendance records that stood unsurpassed until the 2022 iteration in Qatar. In 1994, New Jersey hosted games at then Giants Stadium in East Rutherford.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams noted that with more than 200 languages and dialects spoken in the region, every one of the 48 countries that will qualify for the World Cup will be represented in New York and New Jersey.

“Our five boroughs, our city and the region represent the diversity of the world’s sport,” Adams said. “New Yorkers can’t wait to welcome fans from across the globe to our city to experience our world class sights, bright lights, and our unique, diverse culture.”

Adams also noted that landmarks across the region – including Vessel at Hudson Yards, One Vanderbilt, Goethals Bridge and the Oculus – will be lit up to honor the 2026 games.

“Today’s launch is the culmination of an exciting collaboration between FIFA and the 16 host cities,” Colin Smith, FIFA COO World Cup, said. “Months ago, we embarked on a creative journey together to ensure that the colors, cultures, people and places synonymous with each city were ingrained in every element of the city brand identities. We’re all thrilled to be able to reveal this unique artwork to the world along with our country and city partners and can’t wait to see them applied to channels and locations intended to excite and welcome fans for 2026.”

Last night, an unveiling of the tournament-wide official brand and logo took place in Los Angeles, with a Griffith Observatory ceremony welcoming legends of the game and celebrities.

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