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A massive World Cup fan fest that had been planned for Liberty State Park in Jersey City was scrapped Thursday in a surprise move.
The fan fest was slated to run from June 11 through July 19, but the state of New Jersey canceled the plans and instead announced it was allocating $5 million to support local community initiatives for soccer fans across the Garden State.
“The New York New Jersey Host Committee is working in close partnership with [Gov. Mikie] Sherrill’s administration and other leaders across New Jersey to expand fan engagement opportunities throughout the state,” a NYNJ Host Committee spokesperson told The Post in a statement. “Building on a centralized regional approach, this expanded model will bring World Cup–related experiences directly into communities across all 21 counties, ensuring broader access and participation.
“We look forward to sharing additional details as plans continue to advance in coordination with our state and local partners.”
The decision to cancel the fan fest came just under four months before the start of the World Cup and after tickets at the cost of $10 had gone on sale to fans who wished to attend.
The Post confirmed that fans who had purchased tickets will receive refunds.
The FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ had been announced to plenty of fanfare last summer in a press conference that included representatives from a number of the major New York/New Jersey professional sports teams, members of the NYNJ Host Committee and then-New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.
The new initiative — a partnership between New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the host committee — announced Thursday focuses on bringing fan experiences to areas across New Jersey, “while investing in small businesses, cultural associations, and community nonprofits.”
“New Jersey is the beating heart of the 2026 World Cup, and this initiative makes sure that every New Jerseyan — no matter where they live — can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment,” Sherrill said in a statement.
Thursday’s announcement does not indicate why the Liberty State Park fan fest was called off.
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