Where exactly is the heart of the upcoming World Cup games? According to FIFA, it's in a hybrid location dubbed "New York New Jersey," a term stirring up quite the regional rivalry as the northeasterly neighbors jostle over naming rights and host credentials.

The state of New Jersey and New York City both played pivotal roles in securing the bid to host the World Cup, but as the event draws nearer, New York state officials have increasingly entered the spotlight. This fusion of efforts has not quelled the competitive spirit between the two; instead, it has sparked a border-state rivalry marked by both light-hearted banter and intense politicking.

Despite the matches being set at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been vocal, proclaiming, "New York is not just hosting the World Cup, New York is the World Cup." This claim hinges on the expectation that most fans will lodge and spend their leisure time in New York between games. However, New Jersey officials have not taken these comments lightly, feeling overshadowed by the Big Apple's larger-than-life image.

In response to perceived slights, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) took to social media, humorously cautioning, “If you’re planning to watch a FIFA match in New York, you’ll be SOL.” Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill achieved a small victory for her state by getting one of the temporary signs at MetLife Stadium altered to read "New Jersey New York" rather than the original "New York New Jersey." She celebrated this change with a triumphant six-second video, asserting, "For those keeping score at home, the World Cup is in New Jersey. And now the sign reflects that."

This isn't the first time the New York-New Jersey combination has caused consternation. Former U.S. national team goalkeeper Tony Meola, a New Jersey native, expressed his longstanding discontent with the joint moniker. Reflecting on his time with the then New York/New Jersey Metrostars, now known as Red Bull New York, Meola stated, “I never liked it. I grew up there, I played there — it’s New Jersey.”

As the World Cup approaches, the playful yet poignant tug-of-war over identity continues. Whether viewed from the bustling streets of New York or the sprawling suburbs of New Jersey, one thing is clear: the stage is set not just for a showcase of international soccer, but also for a local derby of pride and recognition.