Tom Krosnowski

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May 21, 2026, 10:24 PM

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Updated

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Soccer is the world’s game, but it isn’t the first sport people think of in the United States - including New Jersey.

Hosting the FIFA World Cup Final offers a chance to change that.

New Jersey Youth Soccer CEO Evan Dabby says registration increased after East Rutherford hosted matches in 1994 and 1999. Right now, enrollment is up to 120,000 kids.

Despite the well-documented challenges of hosting - transportation, traffic and tickets among them - the kids at Jackson Soccer Club see it in a different way.

“We only live like an hour away, and that’s very different than when it’s in Portugal and Africa," said 14-year-old Zia.

“I’m learning to watch other defensive players that are professional and seeing how they move around the field and put it into my play," said 14-year-old Emily.

On Thursday, Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced plans for 26 new mini-pitches across New Jersey, coordinating with the host committee.