The basics:
- Eli Manning, Midge Purce, Josh Hart named NYNJ World Cup 2026 Ambassadors
- Star athletes will focus on fan engagement, community initiatives
- Ambassadors to promote region on global stage
- Trio will support fan engagement, community initiatives and programming
The FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee has named three high-profile athletes as official ambassadors. Eli Manning, Midge Purce and Josh Hart all three bring strong ties and success in the region.
Manning is a retired two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants. Purce is a two-time National Women’s Soccer League champion as well as U.S. Women’s National Team and Gotham FC standout. Hart is a NCAA National Champion and New York Knicks guard.
As NYNJ World Cup 2026 Ambassadors, the trio will help promote the region on a global stage ahead of and during the tournament. They will support fan engagement, community initiatives and programming tied to the event.
Organizers say the group will play a key role in shaping how New York and New Jersey welcome visitors while highlighting the unifying power of sports.
Showcasing the region
“Having played my entire football career here I’ve seen firsthand what makes New York and New Jersey special,” said Manning. “I know what it’s like to play on the biggest stage in American sports so to host the world for the FIFA World Cup, including the Final at MetLife Stadium, is an incredible honor. I’m looking forward to showcasing everything this area has to offer.”
“Soccer has a unique ability to connect people across every culture and community possible, to have the FIFA World Cup here in New York and New Jersey is incredibly special,” said Purce. “Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to grow the game by inspiring the next generation, and making sure people feel like they’re part of it, whether they’re in the stadium or playing in their own neighborhood.”
“As someone who’s long loved the beautiful game, it’s incredible to see the biggest tournament in the world coming right here to our backyard,” added Hart. “When you combine that global fandom with what’s already the best sports region in the world, it’s going to be something special.”
Stay tuned
The Host Committee said it will announce additional ambassadors ahead of the tournament. CEO Alex Lasry said the representatives will be central to delivering a successful World Cup experience.
“The FIFA World Cup is more than a tournament — it’s a global moment shaped by the people and communities who host it,” said Lasry. “Eli, Midge, and Josh represent the very best of our region and they will play an important role in helping us deliver a World Cup experience that is inclusive, impactful, and truly reflective of New York and New Jersey.”
Officials also noted the ambassadors will support community-driven efforts, including initiatives focused on engaging underserved youth across the region.
New York and New Jersey will host eight matches during the 2026 tournament, including the final at MetLife Stadium July 19.
The announcement builds on a flurry of developments this week, as preparations ramp up with just over 60 days before the tournament kicks off. That includes applications opening for New Jersey’s $5 million community grant program, the unveiling of the Jersey Fan Hub at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison and American Dream’s 39-day Dream Fan Fest.
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