With less than a year to go before the FIFA World Cup Final lands at MetLife Stadium, the New York/New Jersey Host Committee marked the moment with a high-profile celebration at the New York Stock Exchange.
On July 21, members of the Host Committee—including Chair and New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy—rang the Opening Bell to spotlight the approaching global event. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final is set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed “NYNJ Stadium” during the tournament. The final match is just one of eight total games scheduled to be held at the venue.
Alongside the ceremonial ringing, Murphy unveiled a new Economic Impact Summary developed in partnership with Tourism Economics. The report outlines significant gains for the New York and New Jersey region during the tournament’s nearly 40-day run.
“The World Cup is not just a global sporting event – it’s a powerful economic engine that will deliver lasting benefits to our region,” Murphy said. “In less than one year from today, more than 1 billion people around the world will be watching as the FIFA World Cup Final kicks off at NYNJ Stadium.”
According to the new analysis, the tournament is projected to bring a $3.3 billion economic boost to the area through spending on tourism, accommodations, dining, entertainment, and related industries. The study also estimates:
- Over 1.2 million visitors will come to the region
- Over 26,000 jobs will be supported across New York and New Jersey
- Approximately $1.3 billion in labor income will be generated
- $1.7 billion in visitor spending from both match and non-match days
- $431.9 million in combined state and local tax revenue
The event’s impact is already being felt. Just last month, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, also hosted in East Rutherford, drew crowds across nine matches, including its final, serving as a high-energy preview of what’s to come.
“The countdown is on for this once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our region on the world stage,” Murphy added.
As excitement builds toward the summer of 2026, New York and New Jersey are positioning themselves not just as hosts, but as central players in one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.