NYNJ Host Committee Welcomes Youth Soccer Players From New York and New Jersey to Today’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ Match
Student-athletes from New York City Public Schools and New Jersey youth soccer organizations to attend Germany vs. Ecuador as Guests of the NYNJ Host Committee
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY — Over 30 youth soccer players from New York and New Jersey are attending today’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between Germany and Ecuador at New York New Jersey Stadium as guests of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, through a collaborative effort led by the New York New Jersey Host Committee, the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL), and New Jersey Youth Soccer.
Today’s opportunity builds on the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Mikie Sherrill, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and partners across the region to expand access to FIFA World Cup 2026™. Through state and city ticket access initiatives, including programs announced by Governors Hochul and Sherrill and the Mayor’s affordable ticket program, more than 2,500 New Yorkers and New Jerseyans are being connected to the world’s biggest sporting event.
Representing New York City are members of the boys and girls soccer teams from Newtown High School in Queens. The student-athletes are attending the match on behalf of the PSAL and the thousands of young athletes who participate in New York City public school sports programs each year.
Representing New Jersey are members from the Salvation Army East Orange Community Center, Elizabeth Youth Soccer, Dover Soccer Club, Lakewood Soccer Club, and the New Jersey State Referees Association, attending through New Jersey Youth Soccer.
The experience is designed to give young athletes the opportunity to witness the World Cup firsthand and inspire the next generation of players, coaches, referees, and leaders in the game. All attendees were also provided with free transportation to and from the matches on the Official NYNJ Stadium Shuttle and NJ TRANSIT.
“New York’s strength has always come from the people and communities who call our state home,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As welcome the world during the FIFA World Cup, these young athletes represent the future of our great state. I’m proud they will have the opportunity to experience this historic tournament firsthand and be inspired by the world’s best players on soccer’s biggest stage. Experiences like these will help ensure the impact of the World Cup is felt far beyond these 39 days.”
“New Jersey is proud to be at the center of the FIFA World Cup, and we want to ensure that communities across our state have the opportunity to share in the excitement of this historic event,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “By connecting young athletes across New Jersey to this once-in-a-generation experience, we are inspiring our kids, strengthening our communities, and ensuring the tournament leaves a lasting impact across our state.”
“New York City is the soccer capital of America — and the sport belongs to every kid who’s ever played in a schoolyard in Queens, kicked a ball in a park in the Bronx, or dreamed of playing on a stage like the World Cup,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Today, the kids who prove it every day in our public schools and our parks got to experience the tournament firsthand. That’s how we build a World Cup legacy that lasts long after the final whistle.”
“The next generation of American soccer talent is sitting in the stands today,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. “We want these young athletes to see the best players in the world and believe that one day they could be on that field themselves. That’s part of the legacy we hope this tournament leaves behind, inspiring more young people across New York and New Jersey to dream bigger through the game of soccer.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Governor Hochul and the NYNJ Host Committee to provide this incredible opportunity for our student-athletes,” said Daniel Harris, Senior Executive Director of the Public Schools Athletic League. “Queens is home to one of the largest and most passionate Ecuadorian communities in the country, and for many of these students, today’s match carries a special meaning. Being able to experience the FIFA World Cup firsthand, surrounded by the energy and pride of their community, is something they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
“As New Jersey welcomes the world, it is important that the benefits of the FIFA World Cup are felt throughout our communities,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer. “We are grateful to Choose New Jersey, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Governor Sherrill’s Office for partnering with us to identify deserving individuals and organizations who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend these matches. For many of these young people, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We hope the memories they create and the inspiration they gain will extend far beyond the final whistle and help grow the game for years to come.”
###
About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee is the local organizing body responsible for planning and delivering regional host city operations and fan engagement activities associated with FIFA World Cup 2026™. New York New Jersey Stadium will host eight matches during the tournament, including the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final on July 19, 2026.
