Why New Jersey is the Best Place for Business Growth and the World Cup

An estimated 1.2 million visitors will gather in New Jersey to experience the thrill of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ games at MetLife Stadium. New Jersey was chosen as the host for the world’s biggest game because it is home to a robust infrastructure, vibrant international communities, and passionate sports fans.

Beyond the state’s status as a hub for sports and entertainment, New Jersey is also a sought-after business destination with unmatched market access and a highly educated workforce that ensures international businesses are poised for success.

Many of the assets that make New Jersey such a dynamic location for the World Cup are the same reasons companies choose New Jersey to scale and succeed.

Location

Efficient Market Access

New Jersey places businesses at the center of the North American consumer market, between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. By establishing operations here, a company can reach one-third of the United States population and one-third of its economy within a single day’s drive.

This unparalleled geographic advantage ensures millions of people won’t have to travel far to see a World Cup game for themselves and allows businesses to scale rapidly, connect with customers quickly, and build a robust presence in the United States.

“New Jersey is the center of the world,” said Sharon Carmeli, Chief Compliance Officer at Bluevine, an Israeli fintech company that expanded to Jersey City. “The access that we have for the capital markets, the private equities of the world… Jersey City is where we have it all.”

Infrastructure

Seamless International Air Travel

The airports in the New Jersey region connect businesses directly to the global marketplace, ensuring products and people move without friction, whether they’re flying in for the big game or a vital business meeting.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is part of the busiest airport system in the world, along with the nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York. Together, they offer 866 daily nonstop international flights to 131 cities. Its immense capacity ensures that executives, clients, and partners can travel between a company’s New Jersey headquarters and its international offices with ease. The nearby Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) also offers a wide array of flights

Newark is home to one of United Airlines’ largest operational hubs. According to United, it offers over 400 daily flights out of Newark Liberty International Airport, making international travel convenient. 

Our airport system’s density of flight options means business leaders and fans from around the globe can find the route they need at the time they need it.

The Premier East Coast Port

Successful global businesses rely on resilient, efficient supply chains. New Jersey has a robust logistics infrastructure, with an integrated network of ports, railways, and highways that keep goods moving swiftly and safely.

At the heart of our logistics infrastructure is the Port of New York and New Jersey. As the busiest seaport and the largest maritime cargo center on the East Coast of the United States, it provides direct, high-capacity access to international shipping lanes. Whether a business relies on importing raw materials or exporting finished products, this port ensures its supply chain remains cost-effective.

An Unmatched Rail and Highway Network

New Jersey also offers an extensive rail network and highway system, facilitating rapid distribution across the continent and making travel to World Cup games easier. Companies can move freight from ship to train to truck with remarkable efficiency, minimizing transit times and maximizing operational margins.

The state is also located in the center of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Amtrak Acela trains make traveling to destinations like Boston and Washington, D.C., quick and efficient.

Talent

When businesses expand operations to a new country, they need to know that they can attract top-tier talent. New Jersey, which boasts the highest concentration of engineers and scientists in the United States, offers an elite pipeline of talent for any business.

Higher Education

Some of the most highly educated talent in the country comes from our prestigious higher education institutions, including New Jersey Institute of Technology, Montclair State University, Kean University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Princeton University, which has been named the best university in the country by U.S. News & World Report for 15 consecutive years. These universities also offer collaborative research opportunities for companies located in New Jersey.

Our talent ecosystem further includes a robust pipeline of skilled workers trained at our many prestigious community colleges, ready to work as lab technicians, in advanced manufacturing facilities, and more.

Quality of Life & Safety

Businesses need assurance that relocating executives and their families will feel welcome and supported in their new homes. New Jersey offers that assurance, as one of the top 10 safest states in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. We’re proud to be known for our safe, welcoming communities.

Inclusive Communities

There’s a reason New Jersey is called The World’s State^®. It boasts the second-highest concentration of foreign-born residents in the United States. One-third of all New Jersey business owners are foreign-born, creating a uniquely supportive environment for international entrepreneurs. The state’s international communities are also a major reason the world’s most popular game already has a massive fanbase here.

They include:

• Palisades Park, which has one of the largest and fastest-growing Korean diaspora communities, with the highest density of Korean-Americans of any municipality in the United States.
• Newark, with its vibrant Ironbound district, where Brazilian and Portuguese immigrants have made their homes and operated their businesses for centuries.
• Edison, where a stretch of Oak Tree Road is known as “Little India” due to its concentration of Indian families and businesses.

People of all nationalities come to New Jersey to find the comforts of home. New Jersey was also among the first states to mandate an inclusive history curriculum in schools, reflecting our deep commitment to equality and respect for all people.

“Diversity allows people coming from outside countries to settle better,” said Himanshu Gadgil, Ph.D., CEO of Enzene, a global CMC in biologics development that expanded from India to Pennington, New Jersey. “When we were looking to get into the U.S. we went from coast to coast. Life in New Jersey offers our employees a quality of life that’s not possible in most other places.”

World-Class Education for the Next Generation

For international families relocating to the United States, education is often the highest priority. New Jersey delivers unmatched peace of mind in this crucial area. According to U.S. News & World Report, our state has the #1 public school system and the #1 STEM high school in the country. We also rank first in K-12 foreign language enrollment, ensuring a globally minded curriculum for young learners

Business Assistance

As fans flock to New Jersey for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, they’ll get to experience the best of the state’s sports and entertainment scene, just as businesses that choose New Jersey get one of the best business launchpads in the country.

Interested in tapping into New Jersey’s global connectivity, advanced infrastructure, diverse talent pool, and exceptional quality of life? Choose New Jersey is ready to help you navigate every step of the process.

Choose New Jersey provides free, confidential support to companies looking to establish operations in our state. Our team of industry specialists offers personalized guidance, strategic insight, and comprehensive market intelligence to ensure your success.

We maintain a robust network of international global centers to serve you locally. Our experts are ready to assist with site selection, state resource information, and critical partner introductions.

Do not miss the opportunity to position your business for lasting global success.

Ready to explore your expansion opportunities? Contact our Business Development team today at [email protected] to start the conversation. Let’s work together to build your future in New Jersey.