WORLD CUP 2026

Attention Local Businesses: Join the Welcome World Rewards Program by May 22

Bernards Township businesses are encouraged to participate in the NYNJ Host Committee’s official Welcome World Rewards Program for FIFA World Cup 2026™.

This free regional initiative helps connect local businesses with millions of visitors and fans expected throughout the tournament, arriving Memorial Day weekend and staying through July 19, World Cup final, by promoting participating businesses through a digital rewards and discovery platform.

Participating businesses can:

• Increase visibility during the World Cup
• Drive customer traffic
• Offer special promotions or themed experiences
• Be featured as part of the regional World Cup visitor experience

Enrollment is free for eligible independently owned businesses located in New Jersey and New York.

Enrollment Deadline: May 22, 2026

Apply for the Welcome World Rewards Program

Featured Bernards Township Events

Battle of Basking Ridge — June 13, 2026

Bernards Township (Basking Ridge), in partnership with Somerset County, has organized a signature community event for Central New Jersey on June 13^th, 2026:  The Battle of Basking Ridge Soccer Village & Community Viewing Party to be hosted in the historic Downtown Basking Ridge.  This celebration will feature: 

• Soccer Village and Cultural Street Festival
• Community watch party for Brazil vs. Morocco at 6 PM
• International food vendors
• DJ and cultural performances
• Soccer skill challenges and demonstrations
• Family activities and community partners

The event coincides with FC Berna’s regional youth soccer tournament expected to draw thousands of visiting families to Bernards Township.

Additional details, shuttle information, sponsors, and schedules will be posted here as the event approaches.

Bernards Township & FIFA World Cup 2026 Community Information Hub

FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest sporting event in the world, taking place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The New York/New Jersey region will host several matches, including the tournament Final, bringing global attention and visitors to our area this June and July.

Bernards Township is proud to join the celebration! We will be hosting community events, watch parties, and cultural activities that invite residents, local businesses, and visitors to participate in the excitement.

This webpage serves as the Township’s central source for information related to World Cup activities occurring in Basking Ridge, including:

• Community events and viewing parties
• Local business participation opportunities
• Cultural celebrations
• Visitor resources
• Official tournament links

Submit your Community Watch Party or Event Here

Support Local Businesses

Local businesses are encouraged to participate in the World Cup celebration by creating special events, promotions, and viewing opportunities.

Possible ways to participate include:

• Hosting World Cup watch parties
• Offering themed food or drink specials
• Decorating storefronts to celebrate participating nations
• Organizing soccer-themed community promotions

The Township will highlight participating businesses on this webpage as the tournament approaches.

Community Partnerships

Bernards Township is coordinating World Cup programming with several partners, including:

• Somerset County Tourism (https://visitsomersetnj.org/)
• Somerset County Economic Development (Economic Development | Somerset County)
• Local youth sports organizations
• Community cultural organizations
• Local businesses and nonprofits

These partnerships help ensure that residents and visitors can experience a vibrant community celebration while supporting the local economy.

Community & Economic Impact

Bernards Township’s 2026 World Cup related programming is designed to:

• Support local businesses and restaurants
• Increase tourism and visitation
• Showcase Historic Downtown Basking Ridge
• Promote community engagement and cultural celebration
• Create regional partnerships throughout Somerset County

The Township expects thousands of visitors to attend local World Cup-related events throughout Summer 2026.

Programming is being coordinated with Somerset County Tourism, Somerset County Economic Development, community organizations, and local business partners.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Battle of Basking Ridge Soccer Village and Cultural Fair provides sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations interested in supporting this community event.

Sponsorship levels vary, ranging from:

• Platinum Sponsor — $10,000
• Community Supporter — $250

Benefits may include:

• Event recognition
• Booth opportunities
• Promotional visibility
• Community engagement opportunities

For sponsorship and general information, please contact the Bernards Township Municipal Clerk’s Office:  municipalclerk@bernards.org or  908-204-3001.

Official World Cup and Additional Resources

For official tournament information, please visit the following sites:

FIFA World Cup 2026
Official tournament information, schedules, and news
https://www.fifa.com

NYNJ Host Committee
Information about matches and events in the New York / New Jersey region
https://nynjfwc26.com

Match Schedule and Results
Official FIFA tournament schedule
https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup

Tickets and Hospitality Information
Official FIFA ticket information
https://www.fifa.com/tickets

Somerset County Tourism

Helpful information if you are traveling and staying in Somerset County for the World Cup activities https://visitsomersetnj.org/fifa-world-cup-2026/

Residents should always use official FIFA sources when purchasing tickets.