Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco joined New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, the NYNJ Host Committee, Hackensack Meridian Health, and community partners to announce that more than 750 free FIFA World Cup tickets will be made available to New Jersey residents for 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.
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
The governor thanked the Host Committee, Uber, and Hackensack Meridian Health for providing the tickets to residents “who deserve a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend these matches.”
Distribution, Recipients of the Free Tickets
“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 Garrett.
The free tickets were secured by the Host Committee, and 500 will be distributed to community groups via Choose New Jersey.
- 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
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.
“We are grateful that Bergen County first responders will be among those receiving tickets because in the days and weeks ahead, they will work around the clock to keep residents, visitors, and fans safe as Bergen County welcomes the world,” Tedesco said on social media.
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.
“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 our communities receive. It is a privilege to share the joy of the World Cup with our patients and team members.”