Activists Protest Goose Euthanasia at World Cup 2026 Event in New Jersey

As fans of Morocco and Brazil gathered at New York’s MetLife Stadium for their World Cup Group C match on Saturday, a group of wildlife activists made their presence known along the roadside leading to the venue. Standing in frigid temperatures, the protesters waved handmade signs reading ‘Honk if you love geese’ and ‘No to gassing geese,’ drawing curious looks and comments from passersby.

The demonstrators, affiliated with Animal Protection of New Jersey (APL), aim to raise awareness about the treatment of Canada geese in Liberty Park, Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey. For several weeks, they have organized efforts outside the World Cup venue to highlight their cause.

Additional protests and leafleting events are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, in North Bergen, New Jersey, followed by a demonstration at Teterboro Airport a week later.

One supporter expressed on social media that how Canada geese are treated reflects broader societal values. “There are so many different ways to coexist with them, yet so many people want to dispose of them like they are insects,” the post read. “Ugly people, that’s what they are.”.

The activists are opposing plans by the borough council that would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to euthanize geese in Liberty Park due to concerns over excessive fecal droppings affecting public spaces.

Wildlife advocacy groups have been actively protesting against these lethal measures, which involve capturing the geese and exposing them to fatal levels of carbon dioxide.

Concerns about goose droppings include potential water quality issues and risks associated with avian flu, as well as the unpleasant odor affecting local residents and park users.

This protest is part of a larger trend seen during the World Cup; similar demonstrations occurred outside Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where families of the disappeared and social justice movements rallied alongside teachers advocating for pension reforms and salary increases.

Throughout the tournament, further protests are expected from various groups including pro-Palestinian activists, critics of FIFA’s pro-Israel stance, Iranian dissidents opposing their regime, immigrant rights organizations, and community rights campaigners.