FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee Introduce Official NYNJ World Cup Ambassadors
Eli Manning, Midge Purce, and Josh Hart to Help Welcome the World to the Region
New York, NY (April 10, 2026) — Marking 100 days until the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final, the New York New Jersey Host Committee today announced the appointment of a distinguished group of athletes named as Official NYNJ World Cup 2026 Ambassadors. Two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning, two-time NWSL Champion, Gotham FC and U.S. Women’s National Team star Midge Purce, and NCAA National Champion and New York Knicks guard Josh Hart will represent the region on the global stage in the lead-up to and during the tournament.
As Official NYNJ World Cup 2026 Ambassadors, Manning, Purce, and Hart will help shape how New York and New Jersey welcome the world—bringing visibility, energy, and leadership to the region’s FIFA World Cup efforts ahead of and throughout the tournament. With championship pedigrees, cultural influence, and deep ties to the region, they will serve as powerful voices across the NYNJ region, championing the role of sport in uniting communities and driving lasting impact.
“Having played my entire football career here I’ve seen firsthand what makes New York and New Jersey special,” said Manning. “I know what it’s like to play on the biggest stage in American sports so to host the world for the FIFA World Cup, including the Final at MetLife Stadium, is an incredible honor. I’m looking forward to showcasing everything this area has to offer.”
“Soccer has a unique ability to connect people across every culture and community possible, to have the FIFA World Cup here in New York and New Jersey is incredibly special,” said Purce. “Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to grow the game by inspiring the next generation, and making sure people feel like they’re part of it, whether they’re in the stadium or playing in their own neighborhood.”
“As someone who’s long loved the beautiful game, it’s incredible to see the biggest tournament in the world coming right here to our backyard,” added Hart. “When you combine that global fandom with what’s already the best sports region in the world, it’s going to be something special.”
The NYNJ Host Committee serves as a central organizing body for the region’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ efforts, working alongside FIFA, local partners, and community organizations to deliver a tournament that leaves a lasting legacy across New York and New Jersey. In their role as NYNJ Ambassadors, Manning, Purce, and Hart will support fan engagement, community initiatives, and programming that brings the region’s one-of-a-kind energy and global influence to life. Additional NYNJ Ambassadors will be announced in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, building a broader group of leaders representing the region on the global stage.
“The FIFA World Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a global moment shaped by the people and communities who host it,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee. “Eli, Midge, and Josh represent the very best of our region and they will play an important role in helping us deliver a World Cup experience that is inclusive, impactful, and truly reflective of New York and New Jersey.”
In the lead-up to the tournament, the NYNJ Ambassadors will also support a series of community-driven initiatives, including efforts focused on engaging underserved youth across the region—ensuring the World Cup is experienced not only in stadiums, but in communities throughout New York and New Jersey.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will mark a historic moment for North America, with New York New Jersey hosting eight games throughout the tournament at New York New Jersey Stadium, including the Final on July 19, 2026.
For more information, visit www.nynjfwc26.com.
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About the New York New Jersey Host Committee
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee is the local organizing body responsible for delivering eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the NYNJ region, including the Final. The NYNJ Host Committee coordinates across city, state, and federal partners to ensure world-class planning, operations, and fan experiences, while maximizing economic impact and community engagement across the region.
