New Jersey reacts to ‘New York - New Jersey Stadium’ branding ahead of 2026 World Cup
“One hundred percent should be ‘New Jersey Stadium,’ man. If it’s in our land, it belongs to New Jersey,” said Trace, in Carlstadt.
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As preparations ramp up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a temporary name change at MetLife Stadium is leading to some strong reactions across New Jersey.
The stadium, which is in East Rutherford, will be referred to as the “New York New Jersey Stadium” during the tournament, with its MetLife branding covered. The change is part of FIFA policy requiring host venues to remove corporate-sponsored names and logos, instead using neutral geographic identifiers to protect official sponsors.
Drivers along the New Jersey Turnpike have already noticed the change, as some of the stadium’s signage has already been obscured ahead of the global event. Eight matches will be held at the venue between June 13 and July 19, including the final.
Still, for many New Jersey residents, the updated name is not particularly welcome.
“One hundred percent should be ‘New Jersey Stadium’, man. If it’s in our land, it belongs to New Jersey,” said Trace, in Carlstadt.
The stadium, home to both the New York Jets and New York Giants, has long carried New York branding despite being located in New Jersey.
“Oh, yeah. It definitely should be New Jersey, New York Stadium, 100%. Let’s start right now. The world could see it, and then we’ll just keep it going forward from there,” said Douglas Palsi, owner of Redd’s, a popular sports bar around the corner from the stadium.
Other local business owners also weighed in too.
“We are New Jersey. We are not New York. The stadium is New Jersey-based. Therefore, New York has nothing to do with us,” said Vera Faris of Erie Coffee & Bakery. “We pay our taxes. New York does not pay my tax rate!”
FIFA’s naming policy is standard across all World Cup venues and is intended to eliminate conflicts with corporate sponsorships, ensuring exclusive branding rights for tournament partners.
MetLife Stadium, one of the largest venues in the NFL with a capacity of 82,500, has hosted more than 600 major events, including Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.
