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The basics:

• HMH named Official Hometown Hospital for the NYNJ World Cup 2026 Host Committee
• Network to provide medical readiness for New York New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium matches
• Partnership includes community health investments, legacy fields
• Tackle Kids Cancer spotlighted as an Official Charity of the NYNJ Host Committee

Hackensack Meridian Health is kicking off a monumental collaboration. On Dec. 8, the state’s largest health network revealed its role as an Official New York New Jersey World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter.

The announcement also includes Hackensack Meridian Health as the Official Hometown Hospital of the NYNJ 2026 World Cup Host Committee. HMH said the partnerships underscore its commitment to building healthier communities. The system will provide medical support for matches and for the millions of visitors expected to travel to the region for the games and other events.

The move comes in advance of the summer tournament, as excitement builds locally and worldwide. FIFA announced start times for the games over the weekend. The organization held the draw the day prior.

Generating buzz

In 2026, eight FIFA World Cup matches will take place in the region, including the Final at New York New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium July 19. Complimentary events include FIFA Fan Festival New York at Liberty State Park and Flag Cities 2026.

It also continues a streak of profile-raising announcements from Hackensack Meridian Health.

Over the summer, Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center became the first New Jersey hospital to rank among the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll. HUMC also marked three years as the No. 1 hospital in the state on that list in 2025. In the spring, HMH topped out the $200 million transit-oriented Hackensack Meridian Health and Wellness Center at Metropark in Woodbridge. Other recent Garden State investments include the debut of a $79 million health and wellness center in Clifton.

Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert Garrett said the partnership is about much more than soccer.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, not just to host a world-class event, but to invest in the health and well-being of the communities we serve every day. … It’s about building a healthier future.

“From providing elite medical readiness for the event, and experienced based advice on combating human trafficking, to creating new spaces for our children to play and learn healthy habits, we are proud to help our region shine on the world stage and leave a meaningful impact that will last for years to come.”

HMH shared five key pillars of the partnership as Official Hometown Hospital of the NYNJ Host Committee:

Ensuring world-class medical readiness

Hackensack Meridian noted HUMC is the closest Level 1 Trauma Center to MetLife Stadium. That uniquely positions it to support medical and safety operations for such a large event, HMH said.

It also highlighted Hackensack University Medical Center’s history servicing premier events, such as FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and Super Bowl XLVIII. The system also serves teams like the New York Giants and New York Red Bulls. HMH noted its urgent care network and health and wellness centers statewide will provide additional medical care for people visiting the region.

The provider has more than 500 patient care locations.

Share experience based learning on human trafficking for strategic planning

Given the series’ scale, HMH noted the heightened responsibility to remain vigilant against human trafficking, which it says affects 27.6 million people worldwide.

The system noted its experience with large-scale violence screenings for patients, which it plans to share. It says the information comes after screening more than 78,000 patients for human trafficking in 2025.

With support from the NYNJ Host Committee, Hackensack Meridian Health said it will provide regional partners valuable insight to arm health systems, other host committees and law enforcement to root out of traffickers and identify and assist human trafficking victims.

Investing in healthier communities

HMH will fund and develop three permanent “Legacy Fields” — mini-pitches — throughout New Jersey. These fields will provide safe, state-of-the-art spaces for youth to play soccer and other sports, promoting active lifestyles and fostering healthy habits and community connection.

Championing a cause

The partnership will spotlight Tackle Kids Cancer, a philanthropic initiative of the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health. It will establish the organization as an Official Charity of the NYNJ Host Committee. This global platform will raise critical awareness and funds to support pediatric cancer research and patient programs.

Engaging the team and community

HMH will empower its 38,000-plus team members to get involved through dedicated volunteer opportunities. It will also lead public health initiatives focused on keeping fans safe and healthy. Through its “How Healthy Happens” campaign, HMH will offer tips on hydration, sun safety and wellness at NYNJ Host Committee events.

“To deliver a world-class FIFA World Cup 2026, we are working with organizations with deep community roots and unparalleled expertise,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. “Hackensack Meridian Health meets that standard in every way.

“Their commitment to public health and their proven ability to manage complex medical operations make them indispensable to our mission of delivering a safe, memorable, and impactful tournament for all.”

In July, Onyx Equities came on board as the first official New York New Jersey World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter.