EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (PIX11) - Walk into Mulligan's in Hoboken and you may feel like you've died and gone to soccer heaven. After hearing that the next FIFA World Cup final will be played just a few miles away, that is exactly how owner Paul Dawson is feeling.
"Every country in the world wants the World Cup final," said Dawson, "and we have it. It's unheard of, you know? All dreams come true."
His soccer bar is known for its passionate fans, and with nearby MetLife Stadium hosting the World Cup final and several other matches, it's like he's holding the trophy himself.
"Let's enjoy it. Let's go out and let's have a good time," said Dawson.
And his bar isn't alone. In the shadow of MetLife Stadium is a sports pub that can't wait for the World Cup every four years as it is. Now, in 2026, Blarney Station Pub will be one of many businesses in Rutherford and East Rutherford looking to score their own goal.
"It's crazy, because growing up in Rutherford, it's such a small town," said Paris LaPorta, assistant manager at Blarney Station Pub. "I'm excited for all the local businesses to have the opportunity to have a lot of people coming in and supporting them and seeing what their small town really has to offer."
"I went years ago when the Cosmos were here, I always went to the games," said Shirkey Sharkey, a Rutherford resident who reminisces of the days of the New York Cosmos professional soccer team that played at Giants Stadium. Soon, the stadium that took its place will build its own soccer legacy that she will want to witness.
"My goodness, yes I would love to [go]. I haven't been there since the Cosmos, that's the last time I was at a soccer game," said Sharkey.
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