FIFA Names New York/New Jersey a Host City for What Will be Largest FIFA World Cup™ in History

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY (June 17, 2022) — Leaders and community members from across New York / New Jersey expressed support and enthusiasm as FIFA named the region one of the official Host Cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ™ and celebrations took place across the region. Quotes from supporters can be found below.

“Beyond the broad-reaching economic benefits of hosting the world’s sport, soccer brings us together and promotes global citizenship even in these fraught times,” said New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “I want to thank Governor Murphy, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Choose New Jersey, and the New Jersey Sports and Exhibition Authority for making this incredible collaborative effort. We are ready to welcome the world!”

“The FIFA World Cup will be a terrific opportunity to bring the world to New York City in 2026. We look forward to showcasing the best of what New York City has to offer, and are eager to fill our hotels, restaurants, and museums with visitors as we host what is sure to be one of the most memorable sporting events in our city’s history.” said New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic & Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer.

“Governor Murphy and I are thrilled New Jersey and New York have been chosen as a host for the 2026 World Cup. Hosting the biggest sporting event in the world will have an immense positive impact on our state and regional economies as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy. “We can’t wait to show the world what the Garden State has to offer in 2026. Welcome, World!”

“NJ TRANSIT couldn’t be more pleased that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to MetLife Stadium,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “This is great news for New Jersey and the region, and NJ TRANSIT will be ready to deliver a first-class travel experience for the world’s biggest sporting event.”

“The chance to be a host region for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 is truly exciting and comes as terrific news for our economy, our local businesses, and our soccer fans,” said New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “With world-class dining, unmatched shopping, and countless unique sites to explore, New Jersey will have a lot to offer folks both inside and outside the stadium. We are here because of Governor Murphy’s strategic pursuit of economic opportunities that are elevating our profile to the benefit of our 9.3 million residents and I’m grateful to FIFA for recognizing all that New Jersey has to offer by selecting us.”

“New York is a global city beloved by visitors from every corner of the planet, with world class hotels, restaurants and attractions—so there is no better place to host Earth’s greatest sporting event,” said Vijay Dandapani, President and CEO of Hotel Association of New York City. “Our region’s hotels will be ready to welcome the world to New York for the World Cup with open arms. The Hotel Association of New York City thanks Mayor Adams and Governor Murphy for leading this exciting effort to bring the World Cup here and the guests who will help boost our region’s growth for the businesses and workers of New York and New Jersey.”

“I’m thrilled with World Cup soccer coming back to our region. Hudson County has one of the bigger soccer communities in the state. Come enjoy our Portuguese restaurants in Kearny to our steakhouses in Jersey City,” said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. “VIVA USA.”

“No other city hosts big events on a world stage like New York City.  Bringing the FIFA World Cup to the region in 2026 will be a monumental opportunity to once again showcase the City’s unique energy, diversity and welcoming spirit to an audience of global visitors and worldwide viewers,” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon.

“The opportunity to become a host region for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 will be great for our economy, tourism and our ability to be considered for more grand scale events like this one,” said New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald. “For many fans of soccer, the FIFA World Cup coming to New Jersey also would be a once in a lifetime chance to participate in the event. This is truly an exciting opportunity for New Jersey.”

“New York stands ready to provide a fan experience that will be second-to-none,” said Dan Gross, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management. “We look forward to welcoming the international soccer community to join New Yorkers across the five boroughs to cheer on their favorite teams and celebrate the beautiful game.”

“The 2026 New York/New Jersey World Cup is a historic and exciting win. From creating quality jobs, boosting tourism, and improving the public realm, this is an opportunity that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy,” said New York City Economic Development President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “I look forward to joining the millions of spectators rooting for their favorite teams in 2026, and I’m thrilled FIFA selected New York/New Jersey to host this global sporting event.”

“Being selected as a Host City venue for WC 26 is another momentous moment for the Meadowlands, NJ and NY. We will welcome the world and provide an awesome fan and visitor experience,” said Jim Kirkos, CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber. “Bring it on!”

“The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, and our 40,000 members across the hospitality industry, applaud Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Phil Murphy for their efforts to bring the World Cup to New York,” said Rich Maroko, President of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. “Our region is home to the best hotels and highest quality hotel jobs in the world, and our members are ready to host visitors from across the globe. New York is the ideal location for an international event of these proportions; hosting it here will be a boon not only to our vibrant tourism industry, but also the thousands of tourism workers across the region.”

“Thank you to FIFA for recognizing that New Jersey has the facilities, the location, and the commitment to host meaningful games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Wesley Mathews, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey, said. “Few states can match our history, our diversity, and our passion for the game. And MetLife Stadium has hosted countless big events, acting as an economic driver not only for our state, but for our region. We are more excited than ever to play a meaningful role in the next FIFA World Cup.”

“This will put New Jersey and New York on an international stage with one of the most popular sporting events in the world. It offers an opportunity to showcase the Garden State’s attractions and attributes during a marquee soccer competition that will generate enormous economic activity for the bi-state region,” said New Jersey Senate President Nick Scutari. “The host states of New Jersey and New York will work together to help make this the most successful World Cup ever.”

“Soccer is the world’s sport, so it’s only fitting that the 2026 World Cup will have games played right here in New York City where all nationalities come together,” said NYCFC CEO Brad Sims. “As we see every week, New York City has an incredible and diverse fanbase that is passionate about soccer; there truly is no place like it. We at NYCFC cannot wait to help welcome the world to our incredible City – and show everyone our love and support for the world’s game.”

“New Jersey and New York are the perfect place for the world’s game to showcase itself on the world stage,” said Tim Sullivan, President and CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. “Today’s announcement is great news not just for soccer fans but for the countless hotels, restaurants and small businesses that will benefit from Greater New Jersey hosting the World Cup.”

“Bergen County is excited to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “Not only will local fans get to see some amazing soccer, but they will also reap the overall economic benefits of being a host to an electrifying international event. Wherever the World Cup goes, you see economic growth and benefits to the local hospitality and tourism industries. And since Bergen County already has most of the amenities in place to successfully partner with FIFA and the state, we are looking forward to helping any way we can so soccer fans can enjoy the most prestigious soccer competition in the world.”

“New Jersey and New York have contributed so much to the growth of soccer in the United States,” said Gotham FC General Manager Yael Averbuch West. “It’s humbling to be recognized for those contributions as a host city for the 2026 World Cup. This is the biggest sporting event in the world and presents a unique opportunity for us to continue to grow the men and women’s game.”