Trenton, NJ — A proposal to raise taxes to help cover 2026 World Cup costs is exposing divisions among New Jersey Democrats, after U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer publicly pushed back on a plan tied to Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration.
Gottheimer warned against shifting costs onto residents and businesses in the Meadowlands region, where MetLife Stadium will host World Cup matches, including the final. The dispute centers on a proposal to increase the state sales tax from 6.625% to 9.625% within the New Jersey Meadowlands District—a defined 30-square-mile zone spanning parts of Bergen and Hudson counties.
There’s just one misconception. It has been reported in the news that the proposal covers a 30 mile radius around Met-Life Stadium, but the reality is that the Sherrill World Cup Tax Zone is 30 miles from the Meadowlands District in its entirety, which allows the governor to reach even further to pull more taxes out of New Jersey businesses and residents in the region. That would put portions of the Jersey Shore well within its boundaries.
Sherrill says this tax will help New Jersey pay the costs to host the event, but she’s still looking toward FIFA to pay an additional $40 million in transportation fees, on top of a $10 million grant provided by the Trump administration to New Jersey to help cover transportation costs.
That means even parts of the northern Jersey Shore and most of North Jersey would be included in Mikie Sherrill’s new tax increase zone.
Tax plan draws intra-party opposition
In a letter to state leaders, Gottheimer argued the tax increase would unfairly burden families and small businesses already dealing with high costs.
“People in our state are already stretched too thin,” Gottheimer wrote, urging officials to exclude New Jersey taxpayers from World Cup-related tax hikes.
His stance places him at odds with fellow Democrats navigating how to fund transportation, security, and infrastructure tied to the global event.
What the Meadowlands District includes
The proposed tax zone covers a tightly defined regional planning area managed by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
The Meadowlands District spans roughly 30 square miles across 14 municipalities, including:
- Bergen County: East Rutherford, Carlstadt, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, Little Ferry, South Hackensack, Ridgefield, Rutherford, North Arlington, Teterboro
- Hudson County: Secaucus, Kearny, Jersey City, North Bergen
The area includes wetlands, transportation hubs, industrial zones, and major event venues like MetLife Stadium. Drawing a 30 mile radius, could include as far south as Long Branch at the Jersey Shore.
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Key Points
• Gottheimer opposes proposed World Cup tax increase in Meadowlands District
• Plan would raise sales tax to 9.625% in 30-square-mile zone
• Dispute highlights growing divide among NJ Democrats
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Funding pressure ahead of 2026
New Jersey officials are under increasing pressure to fund the logistical demands of hosting the World Cup, including transit upgrades and crowd management.
Debates over who should pay—taxpayers, the state, or FIFA—have intensified in recent weeks, especially as projected costs climb.
Gottheimer emphasized that while he supports hosting the World Cup, the financial burden should not fall on local residents.
Political and economic stakes
The disagreement reflects a broader balancing act for state leaders: leveraging the economic boost of a global event while avoiding backlash over new taxes.
Supporters of targeted funding measures argue the Meadowlands area will directly benefit from increased tourism and investment.
Opponents counter that residents and small businesses should not be asked to subsidize an event expected to generate billions in revenue globally.
What happens next
The proposal remains under discussion, with no final decision announced on whether the tax increase will move forward.
As planning for the 2026 World Cup accelerates, divisions within the state’s Democratic leadership could shape how New Jersey ultimately funds one of the largest sporting events in the world.
