Sports Illustrated Named an Official New York New Jersey World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter

New York, N.Y. – (January 16, 2025) – The FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee (“NYNJ Host Committee”) today announced Sports Illustrated as an Official New York New Jersey World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter. Through this collaboration, Sports Illustrated will serve as the Official Fan Experience Supporter of the NYNJ Host Committee and will introduce a series of immersive fan activations at the FIFA Fan Festival™ NYNJ for over one million visitors expected at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J.

To bring the fan experience to life, from June 11 – July 19, 2026, Sports Illustrated will feature its SI Defining Moments experiential exhibit and signature SI Fan Cover activation at the tournament’s largest fan-facing celebration, the FIFA Fan Festival™ NYNJ. SI Defining Moments showcases 70 years of iconic Sports Illustrated covers, original storytelling, award-winning photography and more that celebrate the history of the world’s most beautiful game. The SI Fan Cover experience allows attendees to star in their own Sports Illustrated-style magazine cover, creating a personalized keepsake that blends fans’ favorite photos with SI’s hallmark design. Both activations will be featured within Sports Illustrated’s dedicated on-site footprint.

“Our partnership with the New York New Jersey World Cup 26 Host Committee underscores our commitment to delivering best-in-class fan experiences on one of the world’s largest stages – as only a Sports Illustrated company can,” said David Lane, CEO, Sports Illustrated Tickets. “FIFA World Cup 2026, together with the FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ, represents a once-in-a-generation moment, and we’re proud to help create a destination where fans from around the globe can unite and celebrate the world’s biggest soccer event.”

FIFA Fan Festival™ NYNJ is expected to be the tournament’s most expansive and spectacular fan destination. Produced by Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, in partnership with renowned event producer DPS, the 800,000-sq.-ft. space will feature live match broadcasts, world-class entertainment, diverse culinary offerings and interactive fan activations for tens of thousands of attendees each day.

“Sports Illustrated has shaped how generations of fans connect with the world’s biggest moments in sports, and their presence at the FIFA Fan Festival will elevate what is already set to be an unforgettable celebration,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. “As we prepare to welcome millions of visitors to our region, SI’s immersive experiences will help us showcase the energy, creativity, and global spirit that define New York New Jersey.”

Set along the waterfront, Liberty State Park is one of the region’s most celebrated public spaces, offering sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The park will serve as the vibrant backdrop to eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches – including the July 19 Final – taking place just miles away at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Beyond its activation footprint, SI will receive prominent branding across NYNJ Host Committee signage, digital platforms and select festival elements. The partnership also includes integration into the NYNJ Host Committee’s advertising and social media campaigns. SI will further be featured in NYNJ Host Committee events and initiatives throughout the lead-up to the tournament, ensuring consistent visibility and engagement across the region.

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About Sports Illustrated

For 70 years, Sports Illustrated (SI) has been recognized for shaping modern culture at the intersection of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. SI is a 360-degree platform that unites athletes, teams and fans worldwide through quality content, innovative digital experiences, unforgettable events, and original products. Its award-winning media arm brings powerful storytelling to life through probing profiles and up-to-date news on SI.com, across social media platforms, and through its renowned print magazine whose cover is widely regarded as the most coveted space in sports media. The most trusted name in sports transcends media through Sports Illustrated Tickets, a fan-first ticketing platform, SI Resorts, the ultimate destination for active lifestyles & sports enthusiasts, SI Studios, the brand’s home for film, TV, and long form podcasts, and more. SI brings its unique perspective to marquee events and captivating brand activations including: “SI The Party”, Club SI, the Sportsperson of the Year Awards, SI Swimsuit Launch Weekend, and the SI Circuit Series.

For more information, visit SI.com.

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About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee is the local organizing body responsible for delivering eight matches, including the Final, as well as the FIFA Fan Festival™ NYNJ at Liberty State Park. The NYNJ Host Committee coordinates between city and state stakeholders and FIFA to ensure world-class delivery of infrastructure, services, and fan experiences. Its mission: to create the most engaging, inclusive, and impactful World Cup experience for fans, athletes, partners, and communities.

Learn more about FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches being held in NYNJ via the Host Committee’s website, Instagram, X, Facebook and TikTok.

Media Contact

Matt Ciesluk, Sports Illustrated Tickets – matt.ciesluk@sportsillustratedtickets.com