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Governor Sherrill, in partnership with the NYNJ Host Committee, and with support from Uber, will provide 500 free tickets to New Jersey Communities

Governor Sherrill, in partnership with the NYNJ Host Committee, will provide 200 free tickets to New Jersey nurses and pediatric patients, with support from Hackensack Meridian Health, the Official Hometown Hospital of the NYNJ Host Committee

Governor Sherrill and Host Committee to Provide 70 Free Tickets for New Jerseyans Through the Welcome World Reward Program, Supporting Local Small Businesses and World Cup Grant Initiative Community Events

HACKENSACK – Governor Sherrill and FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee Chief Executive Officer Alex Lasry today announced more than 750 free tickets will be made available for New Jersey communities to matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The announcement was made at Hackensack University Medical Center, the Official Hometown Hospital of the NYNJ Host Committee. Governor Sherrill, U.S. Men's National Team legend and New Jersey native Tony Meola, NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry, Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett, Choose New Jersey CEO Amy Herbold, and representatives from Uber also unveiled a large-scale FIFA World Cup 2026™ mural commemorating the eight matches taking place in the New York New Jersey region, including the Final. The mural, displayed across from Hackensack University Medical Center's Helena Theurer Pavilion, was created by Richard Tu, artist of the official New York New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City Poster.

“We are excited to welcome the world to the Garden State for the World Cup starting this week and to be at the very center of the festivities, but we want the experience, first and foremost, to be accessible and affordable for as many New Jerseyans as possible,” said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I’d like to thank the Host Committee, Uber, and Hackensack Meridian Health for providing over 750 free tickets to New Jerseyans who deserve a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend these matches. I will always fight to ensure that no New Jerseyan is left behind.”  

“Over the past few weeks, we have worked closely with Governor Sherrill and corporate partners to secure additional tickets for the people of New Jersey,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee. “I’d like to thank the Governor for her leadership in ensuring that hundreds of New Jersey residents have the incredible opportunity to take part in this once-in-generation moment. And I’d like to thank Uber and Hackensack Meridian Health for stepping up to help us deliver these tickets. Working together through a public-private partnership, we are ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup flow to every corner of our region.”

“New Jersey will be at the center of the world’s biggest sporting event, and Uber is proud to partner with Governor Sherrill, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Choose New Jersey to help make sure more residents can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment,” said Adam Blinick, Heads of U.S. & Canada Public Policy and Communications at Uber. “These tickets will give families, young soccer players, service members’ loved ones, first responders, and patients the chance to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 firsthand — and we’re grateful to help open that door for communities across the Garden State.” 

"Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to support Governor Sherrill, New Jersey and the NYNJ Host Committee in bringing the excitement of the World Cup to fans, including some of our patients and team members,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.  “As the closest Level 1 trauma center to the stadium, our team members have been actively preparing to support the complex medical and safety operations for an event of this magnitude. Their expertise is the foundation of our medical readiness, and their compassion will ensure our communities and visitors are safe and cared for. We are proud to celebrate their commitment by providing them with an opportunity to enjoy the World Cup in person."

“Our doors are open, and our teams are ready,” said Lisa Tank, M.D., President and Chief Hospital Executive of Hackensack University Medical Center. “As an ACS verified Level 1 trauma center and one of the nation’s busiest emergency departments, the teams are always response and emergency preparedness ready.  On an ongoing basis the team is running drills, and looking at staffing and available interpreter services — to ensure that every World Cup visitor receives the high level expertise focused on safety, quality and compassionate care that all are communities receive. It is a privilege to share the joy of the World Cup with our patients and team members.”

“I’d like to thank Governor Sherrill for her leadership in ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup benefit our residents,” said Amy Herbold, President and CEO, Choose New Jersey. “Choose New Jersey is honored to partner with the Governor, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Uber to help distribute 500 free tickets to community groups throughout our state. These efforts will give New Jersey fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a match and take in all the World Cup has to offer."

Today’s announcement reflects a collaborative effort over the past few weeks between the Governor’s Office, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Choose New Jersey to ensure that New Jerseyans have access to the matches – at no cost to taxpayers. The announcement follows $3.6 million in funding that the Host Committee is providing the Sherrill Administration to support transportation costs associated with the World Cup.

The 770 tickets announced today will be distributed across five Group Stage matches and two Knockout Round matches hosted at New York New Jersey Stadium, ensuring that the benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ reach communities across New Jersey. The tickets were secured by the Host Committee and will be distributed to community groups via Choose New Jersey. 

As New Jersey prepares to welcome the world, this initiative helps ensure that the people who serve our communities, inspire our future generations, and represent the very best of the state have the opportunity to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026™ firsthand.

Supporting New Jersey Families and Communities

Through a collaboration between the Governor’s Office, the NYNJ Host Committee, Uber, and Choose New Jersey, 500 tickets will be distributed to New Jersey residents, including: >

• New Jersey Youth Soccer players from underserved communities across the state;
• Families of New Jersey National Guard service members currently deployed overseas;
• Hackensack Meridian Health patients currently in the Make-A-Wish program; and
• Bergen County first responders helping support World Cup operations

Recognizing Health Care Heroes and Inspiring Young Patients

Through a collaboration between the Governor’s Office, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Hackensack Meridian Health, 200 tickets will be provided to:

• Frontline nurses and health care team members who serve New Jersey communities every day; and
• Pediatric patients, including children facing serious illnesses and their families.

Creating Opportunity Through Local Small Businesses and Community Events

The NYNJ Host Committee will also provide 70 additional opportunities for New Jerseyans to attend matches through the Welcome World Rewards program. Participants can become eligible by supporting participating small businesses, visiting local establishments, and attending New Jersey World Cup Community Initiative events.

Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment by Governor Sherrill, the NYNJ Host Committee, and private-sector partners to ensure that the excitement and opportunity created by the FIFA World Cup 2026™ are accessible to communities across New Jersey.