NYNJ Host Committee, Governor Hochul, Governor Sherrill, and Mayor Mamdani Expand Access to FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final for Over 40 New Yorkers and New Jerseyans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Announcement builds on initiatives that have provided more than 2,500 New York and New Jersey residents with access to FIFA World Cup 2026™ match tickets
NEW YORK NEW JERSEY – As part of its commitment to making the FIFA World Cup 2026™ accessible to communities across the region, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, in partnership with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, today announced that over 40 New Yorkers and New Jerseyans will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final on Sunday, July 19, as guests of the NYNJ Host Committee at no cost.
The announcement builds on initiatives led by Governors Hochul and Sherrill, and Mayor Mamdani, and the NYNJ Host Committee that have provided more than 2,500 New Yorkers and New Jerseyans with access to FIFA World Cup 2026™ match tickets. The 40 tickets to the Final will be provided by the NYNJ Host Committee.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup has always been about creating more opportunities for people across New York and New Jersey to experience the beautiful game,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. “Whether it was through free fan events, community programs or the chance to attend a match, our goal has been to bring the excitement of the World Cup to as many people as possible. We’re proud to welcome these New Yorkers and New Jerseyans to the Final and give them the opportunity to experience a moment that will inspire a lifelong love of the game.”
“From the beginning, we have worked alongside the NYNJ Host Committee and our local partners to ensure that the World Cup is accessible to all New Yorkers from statewide watch parties and activations to ticket giveaways to expanded hours for bars and restaurants,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “While tens of thousands of New Yorkers gather together to watch the Final, I’m thrilled that 20 people will now have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience it inside New York New Jersey Stadium. Together, we’ve provided New Yorkers from across the state opportunities to unite over the shared love of soccer.”
“This summer, we have witnessed soccer’s extraordinary ability to bring people together. From our fan zones and neighborhoods across New Jersey to the pitch the World Cup has united people of every background through a shared love of the game. These tickets will help ensure more New Jerseyans have the opportunity to experience one of the greatest sporting events in the world firsthand,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I’m proud to welcome athletes from Special Olympics New Jersey and individuals and families served by The Arc of New Jersey to the Final. Their stories reflect the spirit of inclusion, determination and community that this tournament has celebrated from day one.”
“The World Cup has reminded us that the beautiful game belongs to everyone, and our administration has worked to make sure every New Yorker could be part of this extraordinary moment,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “From free fan festivals and our affordable ticket program to the Final Watch Party in Central Park, we have created opportunities for New Yorkers across all five boroughs to celebrate together. I’m thrilled that 20 more New Yorkers will now have the chance to experience the World Cup Final from inside the stadium. Moments like these belong to everyone, not just those who can afford them.”
10 New Yorkers will be selected through the affordable ticket lottery to receive two free tickets each to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final at New York New Jersey Stadium, at no cost to the winners. These 20 Final tickets will be distributed using the same lottery already in place for the $50 group stage and knockout round seats. Entrants do not need to apply separately: everyone who entered the existing lottery and wasn’t selected in the initial drawing will automatically be considered for the Final ticket drawing. Winners will be notified directly and, as with the rest of the program, tickets will be nontransferable and distributed to winners at the official boarding location on the day of the match.
In New Jersey, 20 tickets will be distributed through Special Olympics New Jersey and The Arc of New Jersey, providing athletes, individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience the World Cup Final in person.
Additionally, two participants from the NYNJ Host Committee’s Welcome World Rewards Small Business Program have unlocked opportunities to attend the Final as guests of the Host Committee, each receiving two tickets. Throughout the tournament, participants earned points by checking in at participating small businesses and community events across New York and New Jersey. The Welcome World Rewards Program has generated over 10,000 small business visits in the region to date.
Throughout the tournament, the NYNJ Host Committee and its partners have expanded World Cup access through affordable and free match ticket programs, community ticket distributions, Welcome World Rewards Small Business Program, and a regional network of fan events. These efforts have included free programming across all five New York City boroughs and New Jersey, as well as the free FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party in Central Park, where up to 50,000 fans will gather to watch the championship match together.
“I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to surprise my dad with World Cup Final tickets,” said Lucas McCafferty, Welcome World Rewards Small Business Program Participant. “It has been a dream to attend a World Cup Final for both of us for our entire lives and one that neither of us thought we’d ever be able to.”
“Through the power of sport, Special Olympics New Jersey provides training, competition and health opportunities focused on inclusion for children and adults with intellectual disabilities across our great state. The World Cup brought people together from across the globe through the power of sport and a ball. Special Olympics New Jersey is proud and grateful for the opportunity to be included in World Cup festivities in New Jersey and on the pitch,” said Heather Andersen, President and CEO of Special Olympics New Jersey. “We thank Governor Sherrill and the NYNJ Host Committee for their support and for including our athletes in this amazing journey. It will be the dream of a lifetime for our athletes and their families to watch the World Cup Final in person this Sunday.”
“The Arc of New Jersey is honored to be nominated for Community Tickets to the World Cup. Attending a World Cup Final is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we know that the individuals and families we serve would be absolutely thrilled to attend the match,” said Céline R. Fortin, Executive Director of The Arc of New Jersey. “We are so thankful to Governor Sherrill and the Host Committee for making these tickets available to the population we serve, and for all of their support in making the 2026 World Cup an inclusive and accessible event for everyone.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final will be played on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium.
###
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.
