American Dream mall is offering fans a chance to win 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets through its Black Friday “Human Crane” event. The first 100 visitors can grab prizes — including two World Cup group-stage tickets worth $3,000. Learn how to enter, event timings, prizes, and why this Black Friday giveaway is drawing massive attention.
American Dream Mall’s Black Friday “Human Crane” Could Send Fans to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Black Friday usually means long lines, early alarms, and a rush for deals. But this year, shoppers at American Dream mall in New Jersey will be chasing something far more valuable than discounted electronics or winter coats. They’ll be competing for a shot at attending one of the most anticipated sporting events on the planet — the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The massive retail and entertainment complex is gearing up for a crowd as soon as dawn breaks the day after Thanksgiving. With MetLife Stadium hosting multiple matches — including the tournament’s final — demand for tickets has soared, and prices have skyrocketed. For many fans, the dream of seeing World Cup action in person feels out of reach. But on this Black Friday, American Dream is giving a lucky few the chance to experience the event without paying thousands of dollars.
Read Also… Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus: Inside Their Lifelong Bond, Guidance, and Grammy Moment
A Black Friday Event Unlike Any Other
This year’s promotion, called the “Black Friday Dream Grab,” turns an ordinary mall trip into a full-on competition. The most dedicated soccer fans will line up outside JD Sports starting at 5 a.m., hoping to be among the first 100 people allowed to participate in a life-sized arcade challenge.
Rather than entering a raffle or playing a simple game of chance, participants will take part in the mall’s famous “Human Crane.” The name isn’t just for show — contestants are strapped into a harness, suspended above a pit filled with prizes, and lowered as they attempt to grab whatever they can. It works exactly like those classic boardwalk crane machines, except people replace the mechanical claw.
Somewhere in that pit will be the ultimate reward: two tickets to a World Cup group stage match at MetLife Stadium, an experience valued at around $3,000. With global excitement already building for the tournament taking place across North America, these tickets are expected to be among the hardest to secure.
How Fans Can Participate
Only the earliest arrivals will get the chance to try their luck in the Human Crane. The rules are simple:
- Check-in starts at 5 a.m. outside JD Sports
- First 100 fans go to the Human Crane experience
- Next 150 people earn a chance to play the mall’s “Spin-to-Win” game
While only the Human Crane includes World Cup tickets as a possible prize, both games offer a mix of entertainment and surprises. Spin-to-Win participants can walk away with shopping gift cards and other rewards, though soccer tickets won’t be among them.
The Human Crane prize pit will also include tickets to a New York Yankees game, a New York Red Bulls match, the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and several other giveaways. Even those who don’t score World Cup seats could walk away with something worthwhile.
Why This Promotion Matters
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic moment for soccer in the United States. The tournament — the first to feature 48 teams — will be played in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford is one of the biggest venues selected and will host eight matches, including the final.
Because of that, interest in tickets has reached unprecedented levels. Fans from around the world are already preparing to travel to the New York–New Jersey region, and once seats officially go on sale, they’re expected to disappear quickly. Prices are also predicted to climb as the event draws closer.
For many fans, especially local families and young supporters, the chance to attend without spending thousands could feel like winning the lottery. American Dream’s event offers a rare opportunity to be part of a global spectacle happening right next door.
The Experience Beyond Shopping
American Dream has consistently positioned itself as more than a mall. With indoor amusement parks, an ice rink, water slides, and a massive selection of retailers, the complex has become a destination for entertainment and family outings. Its Black Friday promotions often lean into creativity, and the Human Crane has become one of its most eye-catching attractions.
By combining entertainment and the excitement of Black Friday crowds with one of the world’s most exclusive sporting events, the mall is creating a marketing moment that stands apart from typical holiday promotions.
What to Expect on Black Friday Morning
Shoppers should brace for a busy morning. Lines are expected to form well before sunrise, and with only the first 100 fans allowed to try the Human Crane, early arrival will be essential. Those hoping for World Cup tickets will need patience, stamina, and a bit of luck as they strap in and attempt to secure a prize while suspended over the pit.
Even for those who don’t win the grand prize, the atmosphere itself is likely to be buzzing. With dedicated soccer fans gathering, the anticipation of the upcoming tournament hanging in the air, and the excitement of Black Friday sales all around, the event promises an energetic start to the holiday shopping season.
A Chance to Turn Black Friday Into a Global Memory
While many Americans spend Black Friday searching for deals, the most passionate soccer supporters in New Jersey will spend it chasing a dream. For a handful of lucky winners, a simple morning at the mall could turn into an unforgettable summer experience at one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
At a time when World Cup fever is building across the country, American Dream mall is offering a chance that fans can’t find anywhere else — and one that might make waking up at 5 a.m. feel absolutely worth it.
