New Jersey
FIFA, here are some better facts about NJ for fans ahead of the World Cup at MetLife
USMNT opens 2026 World Cup at SoFi Stadium
FIFA announced the schedule for the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. Men’s National Team will open at SoFi Stadium, while MetLife Stadium will host the World Cup final.
Fox – LA
You may have heard the biggest sporting event in the world is coming to New Jersey as MetLife is set to host the FIFA World Cup championship in 2026. People from all over the world will be traveling to the tri-state area to watch some of the best athletes in the world compete for one of the most prestigious prizes in sports.
Those who are coming from all across the globe for this iconic event may be unfamiliar with our home, New Jersey, so here is a little introduction to assist those who may be new to the area. This may be particularly helpful if you’re only going off the facts listed by FIFA. The website still says “New York’s most famous natives include Jay-Z and Bruce Springsteen.”
Here’s more info, from locals:
The final is in New Jersey, not New York
On FIFA’s website, their is a section where people can observe the “host countries and cities.” When you click on the icon a list of cities appear that are hosting World Cup games. One may notice that each city has it’s own square, but one square that stands out is titled “New York New Jersey.”
New York New Jersey is not a place. New York is a place, and New Jersey is a place. MetLife stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, not New York. The stadium is home to the New York Giants and the New York Jets, so it may appear confusing but the World Cup finals will be held in New Jersey and not the neighboring New York. MetLife Stadium is very close to the New York City in case tourists want to venture there before the big game. The stadium is about just under 10 miles from New York City by car.
World Cup tickets How to get World Cup tickets 2026 as final will be played at MetLife Stadium
Famous people and soccer stars from New Jersey
New Jersey is home to some of the most famous celebrities in the world. Iconic singers like Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston to well-known actors such as James Gandolfini and John Travaolta all were born and raised in northern New Jersey. One of the greatest athletes of all time, professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal was also born in New Jersey.
New Jersey is also the home to many professional soccer athletes too. A total of 19 New Jerseyans currently play in the the United States soccer league, MLS, in the 2024 season. Those players include Alejandro Bedoya from Englewood who currently plays for Philadelphia Union, Matt Miazga from Clifton who plays for F.C. Cincinnati and Bento Estrela from Bloomfield who plays for the New York Red Bulls.
The legendary 2019 U.S. Woman’s World Cup team that won the championship had two New Jersey natives on their roster, stars Tobin Heath from Basking Ridge and Carli Lloyd from Delran. Heath has also played for Arsenal and Manchester United in her professional career.
Other women’s soccer stars from New Jersey are Heather O’Reilly from East Brunswick who helped aid the United States woman’s national soccer team to a 2015 World Cup victory, and Christie Pearce Rampone from Ocean County, New Jersey who is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA World Cup champion.
This past year’s United States Woman’s national soccer team that played in the World Cup also had two New Jersey natives competing on the roster, defender Alana Cook of Fair Hills, and goalkeeper Casey Murphyof Bridgewater.
On the men’s U.S. international team, New Jersey was represented by Joe Scally from Lake Grove played in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Tim Howard, one of the greatest goalkeepers in American history, also hails from the Garden State.
These 18 celebrities were born in North Jersey
Other major sports events
This is not the first major sporting event to be hosted at MetLife Stadium. The Super Bowl, one of America’s biggest sporting event, was held at MetLife Stadium in 2014. The Copa América Centenario Final was also held at MetLife in 2016.
The New Jersey stadium has hosted numerous international soccer matchups, college football games and concerts of the world’s biggest artists. MetLife has seen some legendary performances, and the World Cup final in the summer of 2026 may be the most historic for the venue.
When it was still known as Giants Stadium, MetLife has even hosted World Cup matches before back in 1994.
World Cup 2026 betting odds: Here are the favorites to win the final at MetLife Stadium
Food in New Jersey
New Jersey is home so some classic eateries. You cannot find a place in the world with better bagels. Almost every deli can serve you an iconic bacon or Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwich.
Northern New Jersey is proud to be one of the most diverse areas in the country. You can find restaurant of so many different cultures from Italian, Spanish, Mediterranean, Asian and so much more within just minutes of MetLife stadium.
Activities in the area
For all those traveling across the world to see this game, or any of the other World Cup games at MetLife as the stadium is set to host eight total World Cup matches, there so many great ways to keep yourself entertained in the northern New Jersey area.
Right across from MetLife Stadium is the American Dream Mall, the second largest shopping mall in the United States. The enormous complex has plenty of activities such as the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, the DreamWorks water park and the Big Snow ski resort. The mall of course is home to so many shops and dining experiences.
Despite its urban centric location, North Jersey has some great outdoor activities around MetLife Stadium. New Jersey offers some great hiking locations such as Ramapo Valley County reservation, about 25 miles from MetLife Stadium.
With so much to do in New Jersey, what makes this state even better is that it is so close to one of the most iconic cities in the world, New York City. Those who are visiting will find it convenient how MetLife is just a short trip away from Manhattan. When in the city, World Cup watchers can see a Broadway show, visit some iconic tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty or just chill in Washington Square Park.
New Jersey cannot wait to welcome so many visitors as the Garden State is set to host one of the most iconic events in the whole world.
Is there anything better than going out for breakfast? I mean, sure, you can make bacon, eggs, and toast at home, but there’s just something relaxing about going out to a Jersey Diner and getting your coffee in a plain white mug, looking over a massive menu, and feeling the back of your legs stick to the pleather booth.
Jersey loves a good breakfast spot.
A New Breakfast Chain Is Coming To NJ, With 2 Locations Planned
And there’s a new breakfast chain getting ready to open two locations in New Jersey that promise an elevated breakfast experience, which could be perfect for your next brunch.
And this new elevated breakfast concept is being run by a mother-son duo, who don’t love seeing that?
The Maple House Is Coming Soon To New Jersey
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According to NJ.com, Monmouth County natives Anthony DeGrande and his mother, Lisa Dalton, are the brains behind Monmouth County’s newest breakfast place, The Maple House.
The Maple House will specialize in an elevated breakfast experience, whipping up menu items such as cookie butter pancakes, a braised short rib melt, and addictive salads. The Maple House will be a great new addition to the New Jersey breakfast scene.
The Maple House Is Planning 2 NJ Locations
The Maple House already has big expansion plans, too. The first location is getting ready to open sometime in May off Oceanport Avenue in Fort Monmouth, but there are already plans in place for a second location.
The Maple House also plans on debuting in Neptune, off of South Main Street, in the near future as well.
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PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) — One person was killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Paterson.
The violence erupted around 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue.
Children nearby gasped in horror at the sound of rapid gunfire. They were just about to sing Happy Birthday to their 13-year-old friend at her backyard party, but instead of blowing out the candles, they ducked for cover when they heard gunshots in the distance.
“Just hearing it – it was scary to witness, to hear. Especially on my birthday. Like a time I’m trying to play with my friends, get together,” said the 13-year-old.
She also says she had a friend who was there who saw what happened.
“He was going to the bodega – he went running back, but he had saw two people come out of a car and then shoot, but it was like an automatic gun,” she added.
Bystanders watched in shock and panic as first responders treated the victims. One of them was lying in the street next to a car and another was on the ground next to a bicycle.
Local councilman Luis Velez says the City of Paterson has taken measures to reduce crime in this part of town – what he calls a ‘hotspot’ — in part by installing security cameras. He is encouraging the community to cooperate.
“Paterson Police is doing their job as I know, they’re doing a great job to reduce crime, but one again we, the police, nobody, not even the news media has a crystal ball to say this is going to happen now,” Velez said, “Some people see corners getting built up, they see activities and they’re afraid to come out and say something, but our police department is trained to keep it confidential and approach to bring the quality of life in this area.”
The 13-year-old hopes her next birthday party is not ruined by the sound of gunshots.
“First we thought it was fireworks, but then we heard sirens and everyone started going home because they were scared,” she added.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Let’s be honest, we didn’t need a national list to tell us this. New Jersey has the best restaurants, the best food, and some of the most talented chefs anywhere in America.
It’s something locals have been saying forever, and now the rest of the country is catching up. Still, it’s always nice to see that recognition on a big stage.
We Already Knew New Jersey Was the Best
USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list highlights standout dining destinations across the country.
From humble roadside gems to chef-driven hotspots earning major buzz, the list celebrates places that truly stand out, and New Jersey showed up in a big way.
Three New Jersey Spots Earn National Recognition
This year, three Garden State restaurants made the prestigious list:
- The Pasta Shop – Denville
- Ram & Rooster – Metuchen
- Anjelica’s – Sea Bright
And yes, that includes a Jersey Shore favorite, because of course it does.
These restaurants represent everything people love about dining in New Jersey, quality, creativity, and flavors that keep you coming back.
A Jersey Shore Standout Shines
There’s something special about seeing a Jersey Shore restaurant included among the best in America. It’s not just about great food, it’s about the full experience, the atmosphere, and that unmistakable local charm.
Anjelica’s in Sea Bright earning a spot only reinforces what shore locals already know: some of the best meals you’ll ever have are right here, close to home.
No Surprise, Just Well-Deserved
At the end of the day, this recognition feels less like a surprise and more like confirmation. New Jersey’s food scene has always been top-tier, and lists like this just make it official.
Keep Reading: Beloved New Jersey Restaurant is Closing
So whether you’re heading to Denville, Metuchen, or down the shore, you already know, you’re in for something special.
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If You Grew Up in the ’70s and ’80s, These Foods Were Super Fancy
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