Listen to this article

The basics:

• Welcome World Rewards Program launches June 1 statewide
• QR check-ins at businesses and World Cup events earn points
• Rewards include tickets, merch, concerts, fan experiences
• Tied to NJ World Cup Community Initiative across NJ’s 21 counties

Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced the Welcome World Rewards Program will launch June 1. The FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee’s statewide initiative aims to drive visitors to local businesses and community events during next month’s tournament.

Sherrill spoke Tuesday at The Chapped Cheese in Hackensack alongside Assemblywoman Ellen Park, D-37th District, and representatives from the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee.

She said the digital rewards platform will encourage residents and tourists to explore communities across New Jersey while supporting small businesses.

Participants will earn points by checking in at participating businesses and attending World Cup-related community events. Rewards include concert tickets, merchandise, fan experiences and opportunities to attend World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.

“The FIFA World Cup is an opportunity to showcase everything that makes New Jersey special — our communities, our culture, and our small businesses,” Sherrill said in a statement. “The Welcome World Rewards Program gives residents and visitors a fun, interactive way to experience the tournament beyond the stadium while supporting local businesses across our state.”

The rewards initiative was first unveiled in March during the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s ReNew Jersey Summit in Atlantic City. At that event, Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry said the free Welcome World Rewards Program would connect millions of visitors with neighborhood businesses across New Jersey and New York through digital check-ins and promotional offers.

Building community benefits

During the May 26 event, Sherrill said the state wanted to ensure the tournament would benefit communities well beyond the matches themselves.

“We are just 16 days away from the World Cup coming to New Jersey,” said Sherrill. “It’s going to be such a fantastic event for the world. But I wanted to make sure that it was a fantastic event for New Jerseyans, which is why we worked so hard on our 34 Fan Fests and also on this Welcome World Rewards Program. What this does is allows people from all over our state to go into different businesses and to go on their QR code.

“It’ll take them to a website. They’ll have an account – and they can get points,” said Sherrill. “Those points can allow you to be in a raffle system for concert tickets, for game tickets, and for other things across the state.”

LIVE NOW: Join me as I kick-off the Welcome World Rewards Program in preparation for the World Cup. https://t.co/XUdCkadADn

— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) May 26, 2026

Sherrill emphasized the global spotlight the state will receive during the tournament. “With the largest sporting event in the entire world, 3 billion people watching the Final, all eyes will be on New Jersey,” she said.

With the largest sporting event in the entire world, 3 billion people watching the Final, all eyes will be on New Jersey.
—Gov. Mikie Sherrill

Tuesday’s announcement builds on the state’s broader $5 million NJ World Cup Community Initiative, a partnership involving the state, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Choose New Jersey and the Host Committee aimed at supporting watch parties, cultural festivals and community events across all 21 counties during the tournament.

According to the NYNJ Host Committee, more than 550 New Jersey businesses have already signed up to participate.

“This was something we were very excited about in order to get people out of city centers and to really explore what is what we believe a celebration of our cities and our streets,” said Lauren LaRuss, co-host city manager & general counsel, NYNJ Host Committee.

Fans who reach participation milestones throughout the tournament will be eligible for raffles for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets – including the Final at MetLife Stadium – along with additional prizes tied to sporting and entertainment events throughout the region.

“The World Cup experience should extend far beyond matchday and we’re grateful to Gov. Sherrill for her leadership in helping bring that vision to communities across New Jersey,” said Lasry. “The Welcome World Rewards Program encourages fans to explore New Jersey communities, support local businesses, and experience the incredible energy building across our region during the tournament. Whether you’re attending a community watch party, grabbing a meal at a neighborhood restaurant, or discovering a new downtown, every interaction becomes part of the World Cup experience.”

Sherrill added, “By connecting this platform with community watch parties and neighborhood events, we’re creating more opportunities for New Jerseyans and tourists alike to participate in this historic moment.”