Basking Ridge To Host FIFA World Cup Fan Events After Earning NJ Grant

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township has been selected for funding through New Jersey’s $5 million World Cup community initiative and is planning a series of public events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At the Tuesday night Township Committee meeting, Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy said Bernards was among 34 municipalities and organizations in New Jersey and one of two in Somerset County selected to receive an allocation from the $5 million World Cup community fan experiences.

She said the township’s application was submitted through Somerset County and was chosen "for its creativity and the opportunity to lift small businesses around this epic event."

The initiative was announced earlier this year by Gov. Mikie Sherrill and is supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in partnership with the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee.

Choose New Jersey, a nonprofit selected by the host committee, will administer the funding and manage the initiative for public fan events, initiatives and marketing efforts tied to the tournament.

Duarte McCarthy and Committeewoman Jennifer Asay partnered on the application to help the Township.

Asay said the township's plans begin at Charter Day on May 16 in Basking Ridge with a soccer zone featuring the FIFA World Cup 2026 Skyline to Shoreline double-decker bus near Oak Street School.

"Residents, families, and soccer fans of all ages will have the chance to experience the World Cup excitement up close near our very own Oak Street School," Asay said.

Asay also said a growing number of local businesses, organizations, and houses of worship will host community viewing parties during the World Cup.

She said schedules will be posted on the township website at bernards.org/resident/battle-of-br as details are confirmed.

The Township is also host the Battle of Basking Ridge on June 13, from 3 to 6 p.m. in downtown Basking Ridge, followed by a viewing party at 6 p.m. at Oak Street School.

Asay said the event is being built around a Brazil-Morocco match at MetLife Stadium.

Basking Ridge is hosting those two FIFA World Cup teams and expects about 10,000 attendees. Somerset County will provide shuttle service from multiple parking areas, and City Data, contracted by Somerset County, will track economic impact data, according to Asay.

• See Related: Basking Ridge's Pingry School To Host Team Morocco For FIFA World Cup 2026

"The World Cup is coming to New Jersey and Basking Ridge is ready," said Asay.

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