Get in on the Excitement – Sporting Action in New Jersey

A camping trip in New Jersey can be as sedate or as thrilling as you make it. We're set to have some BIG thrills in New Jersey in 2026 when it comes to sports events. First and foremost - the 2026 FIFA World CupTM is happening here!

When the FIFA World CupTM rolls into the region, sports fans are in for something truly special -- and that's just the beginning.

FIFA World CupTM Comes Home -- and Big

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (branded as "New York/New Jersey Stadium" for the tournament) will host eight World Cup matches, including five group-stage games, a Round of 32, a Round of 16 match, and culminating in the final on July 19, 2026.

The choice of MetLife makes sense: the venue already supports major professional sports and mega-events, making it fit for the global stage.

At the same time, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia (an easy drive from the Skylands and Delaware River Regions) is also part of the 2026 schedule -- the city will host several group-stage matches and at least one knockout-round game, giving local fans a chance to experience the World Cup without traveling to New Jersey.

Beyond the matches themselves, the region expects an immersive fan experience. In Jersey City, Liberty State Park will become home to the official "FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ," with big-screen broadcasts, cultural events, food, and music for fans across the region -- whether or not they have stadium tickets. Learn more about the sporting event and fan festival at https://nynjfwc26.com/.

Year-Round Sports -- Professional & College Variety

If you love sports beyond soccer, both New Jersey and Philadelphia deliver all year long.

In New Jersey

New Jersey Devils (NHL) call Newark home -- for hockey fans, that means plenty of fast-paced winter action.
New York Red Bulls (MLS) and NJ/NY Gotham FC (NWSL) play soccer in Harrison, offering pro-level action close to home.
Minor-league and independent baseball teams like the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and Somerset Patriots bring America's pastime to local stadiums.
The New York Giants and New York Jets both play football at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, NJ and one of the largest stadiums in the NFL.

In Philadelphia, PA -- Pro Teams & Collegiate Energy

Nearby Philadelphia is a rare U.S. city that hosts pro teams in all four major leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL), plus vibrant soccer, rowing, and college sports scenes.

Fans can cheer for the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), and Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) -- all in one city.
Love college sports? Explore the athletics of schools like Drexel Dragons or Saint Joseph's Hawks, which offer NCAA-level competition in sports including basketball, lacrosse, soccer -- even rowing.
For rowers and river-sport fans, the region's storied waterways -- especially the Schuylkill Navy -- deliver top-tier regattas such as the Dad Vail Regatta and Head of the Schuylkill Regatta.

Why 2026 is a Golden Moment

2026 represents a unique convergence: the world's biggest soccer tournament lands in New Jersey and Philadelphia -- while the region's rich pro and college sports culture continues buzzing as always. Whether you want to experience the global flair of the World Cup, catch a playoff-caliber hockey or baseball game, or enjoy collegiate athletic competitions and historic boat races, there's never been a better time to be a sports fan here.

Here's a 2026 sports-calendar "road-map" for a fan living near New Jersey / Philadelphia -- blending the 2026 FIFA World CupTM with pro and college seasons nearby. It can help you plan a full year of games and events.

June-July 2026: FIFA World CupTM takes over

The 2026 World CupTM runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Several group-stage matches -- and knockout rounds -- will happen in USA cities. The knockout rounds will culminate with the final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium (branded "New York/New Jersey Stadium") in East Rutherford, NJ.
If you want to catch a game (or two) or be part of fan-fest events nearby -- this is the major sports event of the year.

Planning tip: June-mid July is basically "all World Cup, all the time." Good time to take vacation, coordinate travel or book early for tickets / fan-festival passes.

Spring-Fall 2026: Baseball season in Philly / region

The Philadelphia Phillies will play their full 2026 season at Citizens Bank Park.
For fans who enjoy America's pastime -- expect regular-season games roughly from April through September (weather and game-day scheduling permitting).

Pairing with the FIFA World CupTM: Because baseball season overlaps the FIFA World CupTM, you could start the year watching Phillies games, then shift to soccer when June arrives, then maybe return to Phillies games after the Cup.

Winter-Spring 2025-26: Basketball in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia 76ers NBA season spans October 2025 through April 2026 (regular season), with potential playoffs into June 2026 if they make a deep run.
So, before baseball ramps up, you can catch plenty of Sixers games -- a great winter/spring complement to baseball and soccer.

Hockey / Other Pro & College Sports -- Year-Round Options

While exact 2026 schedules vary, many pro leagues (NHL, etc.) run through winter and spring -- so that adds variety, especially if you like indoor sports.
Also look out for college-level sports, rowing, local/regional events in the Philly-NJ area, especially spring and fall. These often fill gaps between major-league seasons.

New Jersey Sporting Fan Calendar

New Jersey has campgrounds all across the state that offer year-round camping. So you can plan an RV adventure (or rent a cabin) to catch some of your favorite teams at any time. We highly recommend reserving spaces NOW for the big soccer matches in July.

Period What to Watch / Do

Jan-Apr 2026 Basketball: catch 76ers games; maybe hockey or college sports

Apr-Sep 2026 Phillies season -- enjoy baseball games on weekends / evenings. Don't forget about NJ's own minor-league and independent tams - Jersey Shore BlueClaws, Somerset Patriots, Sussex County Miners, and New Jersey Jackals!

June-July 2026 FIFA World CupTM -- attend matches or fan-fests around NJ / Philadelphia

After July 2026 Return to baseball or other late-season sports; follow championship soccer aftermath & local soccer growth. Gear up and find your way back to MetLife Stadium for New York Giants and New York Jets football action.

Additional Resources:

FIFA World Cup 2026TM NYNJ: https://nynjfwc26.com

FIFA World Cup 2026TM Resources from Visit New Jersey: https://visitnj.org/FWC26

MetLife Stadium (football): https://www.metlifestadium.com/

The Prudential Center (Hockey): https://www.prucenter.com/

Guide to New Jersey Minor League Baseball Teams: https://visitnj.org/article/minor-league-baseball

Sports in Philadelphia: https://www.visitphilly.com/sports/

Thumbnail and feature images courtesy of Meadowlands CVB.