Colombia vs. Portugal Watch Party at Hinchliffe Stadium to Headline Multicultural Citywide Celebration

PATERSON, N.J. — Passport to Paterson, the official 2026 cultural watch party series, today announced its full lineup of large-scale multicultural events celebrating global soccer, culture, food, music, tourism, and community throughout the summer of 2026.

Presented in partnership with the Andre Sayegh Civic Association and Hispanic Digital Media, Passport to Paterson will transform Paterson into one of New Jersey’s premier destinations for international soccer celebrations, with events hosted across iconic locations including historic Hinchliffe Stadium.

An official Passport to Paterson press conference will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Hinchliffe Stadium alongside Mayor Andre Sayegh, community leaders, sponsors, and cultural partners to formally launch the series.

The initiative aims to generate lasting economic and cultural impact for local businesses, restaurants, artists, performers, and tourism partners while showcasing Paterson’s rich multicultural identity on an international stage.

Official Passport to Paterson 2026 Event Schedule

Saturday, June 13, 2026
Brazil vs. Morocco
South Paterson Park
Event Begins: 5:00 p.m.
Match Begins: 6:00 p.m.

Friday, June 19, 2026
Brazil vs. Haiti
Hinchliffe Stadium
Event Begins: 7:30 p.m.
Match Begins: 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 25, 2026
USA vs. Turkey
School 9 Indoor Facility
Event Begins: 9:00 p.m.
Match Begins: 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 27, 2026
Colombia vs. Portugal — Official Colombia Watch Party
Hinchliffe Stadium
In partnership with Carlos Vaca and Colombianos en Nueva York
Cultural Festival: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Featuring international food vendors, sponsor activations, music, community organizations, cultural performances, family activities, and entertainment surrounding Hinchliffe Stadium.
Doors Open: 5:00 p.m.
Match Begins: 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 19, 2026
Championship Final Watch Party
Hinchliffe Stadium
Event Begins: 2:00 p.m.
Match Begins: 3:00 p.m.

The June 27 Colombia vs. Portugal celebration is expected to become one of the region’s largest Colombian community gatherings during the 2026 global soccer season, drawing attendees from across New Jersey, New York City, and the tri-state area.

“Passport to Paterson represents the power of culture, community, and economic opportunity coming together through one global moment,” said Farhanna Sayegh, community leader and co-founder of the initiative. “We wanted to create experiences that celebrate the diversity of Paterson while creating meaningful opportunities for local businesses, artists, families, and organizations to shine.”

Carlos Vaca of Colombianos en Nueva York, official partner for the June 27 Colombia vs. Portugal Watch Party, added: “For the Colombian community, this is about far more than soccer. It’s culture, identity, and unity. We are proud to partner with Passport to Paterson to create an unforgettable celebration representing Colombians across the region.”

Millie Sialer, Founder of Hispanic Digital Media and co-lead of Passport to Paterson, emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative: “The 2026 global soccer season gives cities like Paterson a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase culture, tourism, hospitality, and small businesses on a major international stage. Passport to Paterson is about creating experiences that leave a lasting economic and cultural impact long after the final match.”

Passport to Paterson events will feature large-scale live match screenings, international food vendors, sponsor activations, live entertainment, tourism initiatives, cultural showcases, and VIP hospitality experiences throughout the city.