The basics:

• 770 World Cup tickets will be offered to NJ residents for free
• Tickets cover five group-stage, two knockout-round matches
• Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health and Choose New Jersey will help fund distribution
• Community groups, healthcare workers and underserved youth will benefit

Gov. Mikie Sherrill and FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry announced plans Thursday to distribute more than 750 free tickets to New Jersey residents for World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium. The giveaway comes as part of an effort to broaden access to the world’s largest sporting event, which kicks off this week.

The initiative will provide 770 tickets across five group-stage matches and two knockout-round matches. Secured by the Host Committee, they will distribute the vouchers through partnerships with Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health and Choose New Jersey at no cost to taxpayers, according to officials.

The announcement took place June 9 at Hackensack University Medical Center. During the event, officials also unveiled a large-scale World Cup mural created by Richard Tu, the artist behind the official New York New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Poster.

The ticket giveaway follows a May announcement by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Host Committee that made 1,000 discounted World Cup tickets available to New York City residents. The program generated criticism from some New Jersey stakeholders, who argued that residents of the state hosting all eight matches – including the final – should also have access to a dedicated ticket allocation.

Accessibility and affordability

A partnership involving the Governor’s Office, the NYNJ Host Committee, Uber and Choose New Jersey will distribute the largest share of 500 tickets. The tickets will go to community groups across the state, including youth soccer players from underserved communities, families of New Jersey National Guard members deployed overseas, pediatric patients participating in the Make-A-Wish program and Bergen County first responders involved in World Cup operations.

A partnership between the Governor’s Office, the NYNJ Host Committee and Hackensack Meridian Health will also distribute another 200 ticket for frontline nurses, healthcare workers and pediatric patients.

The Host Committee’s Welcome World Rewards program will also make 70 additional tickets available. The initiative encourages residents to support participating small businesses and attend World Cup-related community events.

“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 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.”

The power of P3

Lasry said the ticket giveaway is the result of weeks of collaboration between the governor’s office, the Host Committee and private-sector partners.

“Over the past few weeks, we have worked closely with Gov. Sherrill and corporate partners to secure additional tickets for the people of New Jersey,” he said. “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.

“Working together through a public-private partnership, we are ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup flow to every corner of our region.”

Amy Herbold, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey, said the organization was proud to help distribute the tickets to community groups across the 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,” Herbold said.

The announcement follows a separate agreement under which the Host Committee is providing $3.6 million to the Sherrill administration to help cover transportation costs associated with the World Cup.

The World Cup is here – and I want as many New Jerseyans as possible to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Thank you to the Hackensack Meridian Health, Uber and the World Cup Host Committee for providing more than 750 free tickets to frontline health care workers, first… pic.twitter.com/4zNwRpFAH1

— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) June 9, 2026

Healthcare heroes

Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert Garrett said the ticket program recognizes both patients and healthcare workers as the hospital system prepares for the influx of visitors expected during the tournament.

“Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to support Gov. 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. “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.”

“New Jersey will be at the center of the world’s biggest sporting event, and Uber is proud to partner … to help make sure more residents can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment,” said Adam Blinick, Uber’s head of U.S. and Canada public policy and communications. “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.”