For the past month, one celebration has become synonymous with Norway’s surprising World Cup run.
After goals and victories, thousands of Norwegian supporters lock arms and mimic the motion of rowing a boat — a nod to the country’s maritime heritage that has spread well beyond the stadiums. Fans have rowed through Times Square, outside MetLife Stadium, and even alongside Gov. Mikie Sherrill during the tournament.
On Saturday evening, the celebration found its way to Mercer County Park.
As Norway supporters on the Festival Grounds broke into their now-famous rowing routine during the quarterfinal against England, hundreds of soccer fans from across Central New Jersey cheered them on. Around them, families settled into lawn chairs and blankets, children kicked soccer balls across nearby fields, food trucks served cuisine from around the world, and two World Cup quarterfinals played on giant video screens.
For one day, Mercer County Park became a local version of the World Cup fan festivals taking place across the country.
Hosted by Visit Mercer, the free World Cup Watch Party drew soccer fans from throughout the region for England’s 2-1 victory over Norway followed by Argentina’s 3-1 win over Switzerland. Live music from Dockside, a DJ, interactive games, international food vendors, a beer garden and youth soccer activities transformed the Festival Grounds into an all-day celebration of both the world’s game and Mercer County’s diverse communities.
“We are celebrating that New Jersey is playing a major role in bringing all the countries here and being a major part in the World Cup,” Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said. “This is also a celebration of Mercer County and celebrating our diversity here—and bringing people under one big tent for the love of soccer.”
Bringing the World Cup closer to home
With the FIFA World Cup being played throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico — including matches in Philadelphia and at MetLife Stadium, where Sunday’s championship will be held — the watch party gave residents an opportunity to experience some of that excitement without leaving Mercer County.
Paul Larson of Lawrenceville considered heading to Philadelphia’s official fan festival but instead chose to stay local.
“I wanted to support Mercer County,” Larson said. “I thought about going to the fan fest in Philly, but this is much closer to home, and I wanted to support the local watch party.”
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, jerseys representing countries from around the world filled the Festival Grounds. While Norway drew one of the largest followings thanks to the team’s memorable tournament run and its supporters’ infectious rowing celebration, fans wearing England, Argentina, Switzerland, Brazil, United States and Lionel Messi jerseys mingled together throughout the event.
Celebrating cultures through soccer
For many attendees, Saturday wasn’t simply about watching matches.
It was an opportunity to celebrate family traditions and heritage.
Erin and Chris, who attended with their two children, proudly supported Norway because of Erin’s family roots.
“My grandparents are from Norway,” Erin said. “Every year we go to the Norwegian Day Parade in Brooklyn to share the culture, food and the history. It’s nice to get to experience this through soccer as well, and I’m glad I get to share it with my two kids.”
Galo, an England supporter from Lawrenceville whose wife is from England, said the event reflected one of New Jersey’s greatest strengths.
“In Jersey you have everyone, and you have every sort of person,” Galo said. “It’s awesome to hang out and celebrate everyone’s culture.”
As the sun began to set, many fans who had arrived for the afternoon remained for the evening quarterfinal between Argentina and Switzerland. Blue-and-white Argentine jerseys gradually replaced Norway’s red as anticipation built for Lionel Messi and the defending champions.
Karina, an Argentina supporter from Hamilton, said she was impressed with both the event and the atmosphere.
“It’s been a great experience,” she said. “The organization is awesome, the entertainment has been great, the screens have been perfect, and the crowd has good energy and have been nice.”
A growing soccer community
Beyond the World Cup, organizers also saw the event as a celebration of Mercer County’s growing soccer culture.
Local clubs and organizations, including Real Central Jersey, introduced fans to opportunities to stay involved with the sport after the World Cup concludes. Merchandise from the Trenton-based pre-professional club sat alongside displays from the Trenton Thunder and the newly relocated Trenton Ironhawks, underscoring Mercer County’s expanding sports landscape.
“Trenton and Mercer County has always been a hotbed for soccer,” said Real Central Jersey’s Ben Chrnelich. “We see the Colonial Valley Conference, and the colleges that are here like Rider, Princeton and TCNJ. The more awareness we can bring, the more fans that follow the team, especially the minor leagues. We have the Ironhawks for hockey, the Thunder for baseball, and us for soccer. It’s a great community to come around and cheer for the home team.”
Benson said the watch party fits into the county’s broader efforts to build on that momentum.
“The Thunder are making all the right moves to bring a team back,” Benson said. “ECHL hockey is back, and we are seeing the growth and interest in soccer from the young kids, and we know that is going to grow as well in the years to come.”
