As the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off, Delaware North team members at MetLife Stadium (temporarily called NYNJ Stadium) were delivering memorable moments across eight World Cup events. A massive hospitality team delivered culinary, concessions, premium hospitality, fan-zone activations, and retail experiences for guests. For Delaware North, it was an opportunity to showcase what world-class hospitality looks like on a global stage. So, how did Delaware North support the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Bringing the World Cup to life

Hosting an event of this scale required more than great food and exceptional service – it took planning, teamwork, and operational excellence. Across the tournament, hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world visited NYNJ Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere at every match. Every meal served, every transaction completed, and every guest interaction contributed to an experience designed to bring people together through the power of sport.

Hospitality at scale

While football captured the headlines, Delaware North team members were hard at work before, during, and after every match. Their dedication helped transform the stadium into a destination where food, culture, and sport came together. The scale of the event is reflected in the numbers. More than 110,000 retail transactions were recorded, along with guests ordering 105,823 hot dogs, and 84,000 servings of chicken tenders. Behind every sale was a dedicated team working seamlessly to deliver exceptional hospitality across multiple locations within the stadium, guided by retail leaders including Joe, Director of Retail, and Matthew, Retail Operations Manager.

Delaware North retail team members pose for a picture on the field after the World Cup final. Pictured from left to right are Mike, Retail Warehouse Manager, Lisa, Retail Admin, Joe, Director of Retail, Karla, Retail Buyer, and Matthew, Retail Operations Manager.

Delivering excellence together

The FIFA World Cup 2026 demonstrated what can be achieved when thousands of hospitality professionals unite behind a common goal: delivering unforgettable guest experiences. More than 2,500 Delaware North team members were behind the tournament final alone. From Chefs and Food and Beverage Attendants to Retail and Operations Managers, every team member played an important role in bringing the tournament to life.

Culinary leaders from across the business came together to support the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, with Kevin, Director of Culinary, Michael, Executive Chef at MetLife Stadium, Zachary, Executive Chef at Lambeau Field, and Troy, Regional Executive Chef for Sportservice helping lead the operation. Our U.K. culinary team members contributed their expertise, with Pawan, Executive Head Chef and James, Junior Sous Chef from Wembley Stadium, who traveled to NYNJ Stadium to support the delivery of food and beverage services during the event. This was another great example of Delaware North team members coming together to deliver the hospitality and service that kept guests at the heart of the experience.

An event to remember

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be remembered for its enormous scale and unforgettable moments on the pitch. For Delaware North, it will also be remembered as a powerful demonstration of what hospitality can achieve when teams from across the business come together to support a common goal. Behind every meal served, purchase made, and guest interaction was a dedicated team working together to support one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Ready to play your part in events like this? Explore job opportunities with Delaware North.