General | 6/12/2026 2:17:00 PM

NEWARK, N.J. – Rutgers–Newark alumnus Kreshnik Berisha '24 is helping bring the FIFA World Cup to the city through the creation of the Newark Fan Village in the Ironbound district.

Running from June 11 through July 19, the Fan Village will serve as a community gathering space featuring watch parties, local vendors, cultural programming, live entertainment, and food representing the diverse cultures that make up the Ironbound. The event also coincides with the neighborhood's annual Portugal Day Festival.

A 2024 graduate of Rutgers–Newark's Global Affairs master's program, Berisha said the goal was to create an event that reflects Newark's international identity and deep connection to soccer.

"Soccer speaks to people the way food speaks to people. It's a point of connection that's very seamless. It happens organically and naturally," said Berisha.

Rutgers–Newark is among the sponsors of the Fan Village.

"Soccer unites people across continents, languages and cultures, and that spirit of global connection mirrors who we are as an institution," said Rutgers–Newark Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson.

For the latest news, updates, and information on Rutgers-Newark sports, visit rutgersnewarkathletics.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Scarlet Raiders news by following Rutgers-Newark Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Story adapted from Rutgers–Newark News. Original story by Carrie Stetler. Read the full article here.