For this proud N.J. city -- and its immigrants -- World Cup arrival is cause for celebration

World Cup fever arrived in New Jersey as Fayez Ghabour, a 69-year-old owner of E & F Food Market on Bergen Avenue in Jersey City, displayed replica jerseys priced at 15 dollars. He sold out 25 Brazil shirts in five minutes and reported a $5,000 restock order arriving the next day. Ghabour, who grew up in Egypt, has owned his shop for four decades and has watched matches from around the world since migrating to America 45 years ago.

The day marked the World Cup’s official New Jersey arrival, with a 39-day celebration culminating in the championship at the Meadowlands. In Jersey City, residents gathered at bars and parks as Brazil and Morocco fans debated the on-field matchup; Ismael Saibari opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Vinícius Júnior equalized 11 minutes later. Authorities warned of traffic disruptions as France faced Senegal at 3 p.m. at the Meadowlands, while many spectators planned to watch at home due to high ticket prices.