Some businesses near 2026 FIFA World Cup stadium say tournament hasn't boosted sales
Businesses located just a few miles from the stadium told News 12 on Saturday they have been surprised by the lack of activity in recent weeks.
Some businesses near the New York/New Jersey Stadium said they have yet to see a boost in customers despite the fact that the FIFA World Cup has brought thousands of visitors to New Jersey this summer.
“We were expecting so many people,” said Aneeva Gulshan, who works at Lahore, a restaurant in Secaucus. "We thought it was going to be really packed because of the World Cup, but it’s not.”
Businesses located just a few miles from the stadium told News 12 on Saturday they have been surprised by the lack of activity in recent weeks.
"The way it was broadcasted like this big amazing, million mad march coming around here,” said John, of Charlie’s Corner. “They’re not here.”
The World Cup is projected to bring more than a million visitors to the New York–New Jersey region. However, some local business owners believe many of those visitors are not spending the majority of their time in New Jersey.
“Most of the people are going to New York,” said Joanne Kreeger, of Gianna’s Restaurant and Lounge.
With no on-site parking at the stadium, many visitors are using dedicated train and shuttle services from Manhattan. Those routes are designed to take fans directly to and from the venue, limiting stops in surrounding communities.
"I think it has to do with no one is allowed to bring cars. You can't drive." Kreeger said. “It just hasn’t been working.”
Before the tournament began, the New Jersey Department of Transportation identified several areas near the stadium as likely to be “exceptionally busy” on match days.
Some residents, however, said they have not experienced the expected congestion.
“I was worried about the traffic,” said Roy Steele, of North Arlington. “We left early and got here in a couple minutes. There was no traffic.”
Some businesses said road closures near their storefronts may also be making access more difficult.
“Some of our workers were facing issues getting here because of road closures,” Gulshan said.
Others said they are still hoping visitors will eventually venture beyond the stadium.
“Hopefully people start searching ‘bars near me’ and give us a shot,” John said.
