New York and New Jersey Hotel & Gaming Trades Council Members Recognized with FIFA World Cup 2026™ Match Experience
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Twenty-four Hospitality Workers from New York and New Jersey Will Attend FIFA World Cup 2026™ Matches as Guests of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee in Recognition of Their Role Welcoming Millions of Visitors to the Region
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY — Twenty-four hospitality workers from New York and New Jersey represented by the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO are attending today’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between England and Panama at New York New Jersey Stadium as guests of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, recognizing the workers who are helping welcome millions of visitors to the region this summer.
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.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is projected to generate $3.3 billion in economic impact, welcome more than 1.2 million visitors, support 26,000 jobs, and generate $432 million in tax revenue across the New York and New Jersey region. As the tournament continues, hospitality workers—including the 12 union members from New York and 12 from New Jersey being recognized today—are helping deliver the world-class visitor experience that is driving those economic benefits while showcasing one of the nation’s leading tourism destinations.
Representing the diversity and strength of New York and New Jersey’s hospitality workforce, the invited workers serve in positions including housekeeping, guest services, food and beverage, and banquet operations. The group includes longtime union members whose careers span decades and whose backgrounds reflect the global communities that make up the region.
“New York’s hospitality industry is unmatched and the state’s hospitality workers play a vital role in welcoming fans from across the globe to the World Cup,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Those who help keep our state’s tourism alive and help visitors take in what this great state has to offer deserve to experience this one-in-a-lifetime event and we’re happy to give these dedicated workers the opportunity to make life-changing memories watching the World Cup in person.”
“Hospitality workers are the backbone of our region’s tourism economy,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “After working to welcome the world to New Jersey, these 24 workers deserve a chance to experience the excitement of the World Cup as fans. I am thrilled to recognize the dedication of these hardworking men and women who help make our region a world-class destination every day.”
“The World Cup belongs to everyone — especially the working-class people who make New York City run. As more than one million visitors come to our city, hotel workers will be the ones welcoming them, and making this tournament possible. They deserve the chance to be part of this historic moment too. That’s why we’re making sure the World Cup isn’t reserved for the wealthy or the well-connected,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “From 1,000 affordable tickets for New Yorkers to free fan festivals in every borough and more than 100 watch parties across our city, we’re ensuring that the beautiful game is something every New Yorker can experience together.”
“New York’s hospitality workforce is one of our greatest strengths. Every day they deliver the kind of service and energy that keeps visitors coming back, so it’s only fitting that we recognize some of the people making this historic moment possible by giving them the chance to experience it themselves,” said Maya Handa, New York World Cup Czar.
“Hospitality workers are playing an essential role in helping our region realize the full economic impact of the World Cup,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. “Welcoming more than 1.2 million visitors and generating a projected $3.3 billion in economic activity depends on the people who greet guests, keep our hotels running and create memorable experiences for visitors from around the world. We’re proud to recognize these workers and thank them for helping showcase the very best of New York and New Jersey.”
“This World Cup, hundreds of thousands of visitors are seeing firsthand that hospitality workers are the heart, soul, and backbone of our city’s tourism industry,” said Rich Maroko, President of the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council. “Our members take tremendous pride in that responsibility every single day—especially throughout these games. We are thrilled that 24 of the dedicated workers who make this once-in-a-lifetime event possible will have the opportunity to share in its excitement, and we are grateful to Governor Hochul, Governor Sherrill, Mayor Mamdani and the New York New Jersey Host Committee for recognizing their essential role.”
The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO represents nearly 40,000 hotel, casino and gaming workers across New York and New Jersey. Its membership reflects the diversity of the region, with workers from across the globe who speak more than 50 first languages.
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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.
