Passport to Paterson

The World Comes to

Paterson

A citywide World Cup 2026 watch series celebrating global culture, community, and connection in the heart of New Jersey.

welcome world

Proud recipient of New Jersey’s World Cup Community Initiative Grant, supporting culturally curated FIFA World Cup 2026™ fan experiences in Paterson in partnership with statewide leaders including Choose New Jersey, NJEDA, and the FIFA World Cup 26™ NYNJ Host Committee.

what is

PASSPORT TO PATERSON

Passport to Paterson is a five-event World Cup 2026 watch series transforming the City of Paterson into a global cultural destination. Across multiple neighborhoods and iconic venues, residents and visitors will experience international matches alongside food, music, and cultural programming that reflects the diversity of the region. This is more than watching soccer—it is a shared cultural experience bringing the world together in one city.

WHY PATERSON

Big City Energy

Paterson is New Jersey’s third largest city and one of its most diverse communities.

diverse community

It is home to vibrant immigrant populations including Colombian, Moroccan, Haitian, Turkish, and many other communities that shape the city’s cultural identity.

PERFECT GATHERING PLACE

During World Cup season, Paterson becomes a natural gathering place for global celebration—offering visitors a chance to experience multiple cultures in one destination.

EVENTS PREVIEW

Five citywide watch events will take place across Paterson:

June 13, 2026

5:00pm
(6:00pm game)

Brazil vs morocco

June 19, 2026

7:30pm
(8:30pm game)

Brazil vs. Haiti

June 25, 2026

9:00pm
(10pm game)

USA vs Turkey

June 27, 2026

1:00pm cultural village
(7:30pm game)

Colombia vs Portugal

July 19, 2026

2:00PM
(3PM game)

World Cup Final

Each event includes family-friendly programming, cultural activations, and local business participation.

THE TEAM

PASSPORT TO PATERSON is led by a team deeply rooted in community, culture, and large-scale event execution across New Jersey.

The initiative is co-led by Farhanna Sayegh, Board President of the Sayegh Civic Association, and Millie Sialer, Founder of Hispanic Digital Media. Together, they bring a shared focus on civic engagement, cultural storytelling, and building platforms that connect communities to opportunity.

Farhanna Sayegh

Board President of the Sayegh Civic Association

Millie Sialer

Founder of Hispanic Digital Media

Simone Barazzotto

helping bring European soccer culture, community energy, and international connections to the heart of Paterson.

THE PROGRAM

Their combined experience spans community-centered programming, multicultural marketing, and high-impact public events that bring together residents, small businesses, and grassroots organizations. With a strong understanding of Paterson’s diverse cultural landscape, the team is committed to creating an experience that is both locally grounded and globally inspired.

COLLABORATION

Passport to Paterson is built on collaboration—bringing together partners, stakeholders, and communities to transform a citywide vision into a shared celebration.

No passport required.