Broadwalk will be the site of a World Cup soccer watch party. (2025 Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
Can Red Bank turn Broadwalk turn into El Zocalo for a day?
Futbol fans will be able to watch the first game of the 2026 World Cup – Mexico vs. South Africa – on a big screen smack in the middle of downtown Red Bank on Thursday as the borough launches a series of public watch parties for the tournament.
Thursday’s event will take place on the seasonal pedestrian plaza, known as Broadwalk, located on Broad Street between Front and White Streets. Activities, including foosball and giveaways, begin an hour before the 3 p.m. game, followed by a concert by legendary Jersey Shore cover band Brian Kirk & the Jirks at 6 pm.
The borough received a $50,000 grant from a state initiative launched after Gov. Mike Sherrill scuttled her predecessor’s plan for one giant, weeks-long fan fest at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Instead, the state distributed $5 million in grants to local communities to throw bashes.
In Red Bank’s large Mexican-American community interest will be running at a fever pitch with folks no doubt scrambling to get off work in time to watch El Tri. It will be interesting to see how many decide to watch it on Broadwalk.
The next two watch parties will be held at Count Basie Park. The dates of those games/parties are below.
• Thursday, June 18, 2026 | Mexico vs. South Korea
• Friday, June 19, 2026 | USA vs. Australia
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
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