PATERSON, NEW JERSEY — About 2,000 residents and visitors gathered in South Paterson this past weekend for Passport to Paterson's opening World Cup watch party, providing early evidence that New Jersey's community-based World Cup initiatives are resonating with fans, families, and local businesses. Restaurants, cafes, and retailers throughout the neighborhood reported strong activity from morning through late evening as visitors turned a soccer match into a full-day community experience.

Now, organizers are preparing for what is expected to be the largest event of the series: the Official Colombia vs. Portugal Watch Party on Saturday, June 27, at Historic Hinchliffe Stadium.

Presented by the Andre Sayegh Civic Association in partnership with Hispanic Digital Media (HDM), Passport to Paterson is transforming the city into one of New Jersey's premier destinations for World Cup celebrations through a series of multicultural events that combine soccer, food, music, culture, and community.

"Seeing the sheer number of people come together for our opening event confirmed what we've believed all along: people are looking for opportunities to celebrate the World Cup as a community," said Mayor Andre Sayegh. "The June 27 event will be even bigger and will showcase Paterson's diversity, hospitality, and energy to visitors from throughout the region."

The June 27 celebration will feature an International Cultural Village, multicultural food vendors, live entertainment, family activities, sponsor activations, giveaways, and a large-screen broadcast of Colombia vs. Portugal from the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Organizers expect fans from throughout New Jersey, New York, and the broader metropolitan region to attend.

"This is exactly what the Welcome World Program envisioned," said First Lady Farhanna Sayegh. "Bringing people together, supporting local businesses, celebrating culture, and creating experiences that make communities part of the World Cup story."

The June 27 event is being presented in collaboration with ColombianosEnNY, one of the largest Colombian community platforms in the New York metropolitan area, helping engage thousands of Colombian fans throughout New York and New Jersey.

"We've seen tremendous excitement from the Colombian community and soccer fans throughout the region," said Carlos Vaca, CEO of ColombianosEnNY. "June 27 has all the ingredients to become one of the most memorable World Cup community celebrations in the area."

Passport to Paterson is an official participant in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee's Welcome World Program and one of 34 initiatives supported through New Jersey's World Cup Community Initiative, a statewide effort designed to extend the cultural and economic benefits of the tournament into communities throughout the state.

Many of the events take place at Historic Hinchliffe Stadium, a National Historic Landmark and one of the few remaining Negro League baseball stadiums in the United States, creating a unique backdrop where history, culture, and sport come together.

Saturday, June 27, 2026
Historic Hinchliffe Stadium

International Cultural Village Opens: 1:00 PM
Stadium Opens: 5:00 PM
Match Broadcast: 7:30 PM

Highlights Include:
• International Cultural Village
• Food trucks and multicultural cuisine
• Live entertainment and cultural performances
• Family-friendly activities
• Sponsor activations and giveaways
• Community exhibits and experiences
• Large-screen match broadcast
• Historic Hinchliffe Stadium setting

June 19, 2026 - Brazil vs. Haiti Watch Party
Historic Hinchliffe Stadium

June 25, 2026 - Turkey vs. USA Watch Party
School 9 Cafe

July 19, 2026 - World Cup Championship Celebration
Historic Hinchliffe Stadium

Together, the events are designed to showcase Paterson's rich cultural diversity while creating opportunities for local businesses, community organizations, and residents to participate in one of the world's largest sporting events.

For event information and registration, visit PassportToPaterson.com.