Princeton Scores FIFA World Cup Grant For Global Food Festival, Watch Parties

PRINCETON, NJ – Princeton will host a series of global food festivals and World Cup watch parties this summer. Experience Princeton was awarded a grant through New Jersey's $5 million World Cup community initiative, state officials announced.

The "Welcome World! Princeton's Global Food Festival & World Cup Watch Parties 2026" events are scheduled for June 20, June 28, and July 14, coinciding with FIFA World Cup 2026 matches played at New Jersey Stadium.

Princeton was among 34 New Jersey organizations to receive funding through the NJ World Cup Community Initiative, launched by Gov. Mikie Sherrill and developed and funded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The grants support community-driven fan zones, watch parties, street fairs and festivals across the state ahead of and during the tournament.

"These grants will help ensure that the benefits of hosting the World Cup extend beyond the walls of the stadium," Sherrill said in a statement. "Through this initiative, we are supporting small businesses and empowering communities across New Jersey to create exciting experiences that bring residents and visitors together throughout our state ahead of the tournament, and during the World Cup.”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs through mid-July, with matches in the New York-New Jersey region among the most anticipated of the 48-nation tournament.

All grant-funded events will be integrated into the NYNJ Host Committee's Welcome World Rewards Program, a free digital platform where fans can earn points redeemable for merchandise, exclusive experiences and World Cup match tickets.

Choose New Jersey administered the grant application and distribution process on behalf of the state, with final awards approved by the NJEDA.