As the New York New Jersey (NYNJ) region continues extensive planning and coordination efforts to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final and seven other World Cup matches, the NYNJ Host Committee — the local organizing body responsible for delivering the matches — has expanded its leadership team.
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy has been named Chair of the Host Committee’s Board of Directors and former Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry has been named Chief Executive Officer. Lasry will lead the NYNJ Host Committee on a day-to-day basis.
Murphy’s Role as Board Chair
As Chair of the Board, Murphy will focus on oversight of the Host Committee’s overall planning and preparation as well as engaging individuals and corporations to support the Host Committee’s mission. Murphy will bring her deep knowledge about the region and her well-documented passion for soccer — as founder of the United States’ longest operating professional women’s soccer club and a founding member and Chair of one of the National Women’s Soccer League’s original clubs — to her role as Chair of the Host Committee Board.
“This World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region to define itself to the world and will be an incredible economic engine for our entire region, generating over $2 billion and attracting over 1 million visitors,” said incoming NYNJ Host Committee Chair Tammy Murphy.
“The biggest match of the biggest sporting event in history will be played right here in New Jersey while being viewed by billions of people across the globe. I am so grateful for the amazing team — led by Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman — that made it possible for our region to have this incredible opportunity and so excited to add Alex Lasry to the team as we move rapidly toward 2026,” Murphy added.
All Board positions, including that of the Chair, are volunteer positions. The Board also includes:
◾Fred Dixon, President & CEO, Brand USA
◾Joseph Kelley, Partner, CHA Partners
◾Wesley Mathews, President and CEO, Choose New Jersey, Inc.
◾Zakiya Smith Ellis, Principal, Education Counsel
Lasry’s Role
As Chief Executive Officer, Lasry will oversee the Host Committee as it transitions from planning mode to execution mode. Lasry most recently served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel & Tourism at the United States Department of Commerce from January 2023 to January 2025. Lasry was also a longtime executive with the Milwaukee Bucks.
“With less than 500 days until the first match of the tournament, the urgency and excitement are palpable here in the NYNJ region and around the world,” said incoming NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry.
“I am so impressed by the work that has already been done to prepare for this momentous occasion, and I look forward to working with our dedicated team and our partners in public safety, hospitality, public transportation, tourism, and more to ensure the FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience is remarkable for all residents of and visitors to this region,” Lasry added.
Lasry was born and raised in New York City before getting his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business. His experience in business, sports, government, fundraising, travel, tourism and community-building will be essential to the next phase of the Host Committee’s work.
The Host Committee
Co-Host City Managers Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman have been instrumental in coordinating the region on these monumental planning efforts and ensuring the success of the world’s largest sporting event. Going forward, Lasry, LaRusso, Revman and the rest of the Host Committee’s leadership team are keenly focused on engaging the region’s robust business community to ensure that businesses and individuals across the region all share the benefits of the largest sporting event in history.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches played in the region are projected to generate over $2 billion in economic impact and support over 14,000 jobs.
Joint Effort Between New Jersey and New York
Since 2017, New York and New Jersey have been working in lockstep to plan and coordinate the region’s role in hosting FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches, including efforts to earn the right to host the coveted Final match. This joint effort ensures that both New York and New Jersey share responsibility for delivering the region’s eight matches, fan festivals, practice facilities, hotels, transportation, public safety and other critical infrastructure.
The collaboration has been designed to ensure that the economic and community benefits of this historic event are felt by all residents of the NYNJ region. The Host Committee, officially established in 2023, continues to build on this foundation, working closely with city and state stakeholders, as well as FIFA, to create an engaging, accessible, and impactful World Cup experience for fans, athletes, partners, and local communities.
About FIFA World Cup 2026™
FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the biggest sporting event ever — three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches will unite an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. The event will culminate with the Final at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on July 19, 2026, complemented by unprecedented fan experiences throughout the NYNJ region.
Learn more about FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches being held in NYNJ via the Host Committee’s website, Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.
Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets at fifa.com/tickets. Pre-registrations for hospitality package information are also available at fifa.com/hospitality.
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 delivering eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the NYNJ region, including the Final match. The organization coordinates between key city and state stakeholders and FIFA to ensure world-class planning and delivery of infrastructure, facilities, and services. The committee’s goal is to create the most engaging, accessible, and impactful FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience for all fans, athletes, partners, and NYNJ communities.