Airbnb helps NJ surpass 1,000 free World Cup tickets

The basics:

• NJ secures 1,020 free FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets
• Airbnb donated 250 tickets to expand access for underserved youth
• Tickets will go to community groups, military families, frontline workers
• MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, including the final

Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced June 12 New Jersey has secured more than 1,000 free tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Airbnb donated the additional 250 tickets to a statewide distribution effort aimed at expanding access for children and underserved communities.

The latest contribution brings the state’s total ticket allocation to 1,020. Earlier this week, Sherrill and the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee announced it would distribute 770 complimentary tickets to the games through partnerships with Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health and Choose New Jersey.

Combined, the ticket programs will provide access to youth soccer players from underserved communities, families of deployed National Guard members, Make-A-Wish participants, first responders, frontline healthcare workers, pediatric patients and other community groups across the state.

The Raritan Bay Area YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey and Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey will distribute the 250 Airbnb-funded tickets.

Part of a ‘once-in-a-generation event’

“As of today, we have secured over 1,000 free tickets to the World Cup for New Jersey,” said Sherrill. “As we prepare to welcome the world, we are committed to ensuring that the excitement and opportunities of the World Cup are accessible to everyone — not just those who can afford the price of a ticket.

“That’s why I’m grateful to Airbnb for helping make this once-in-a-generation event available to community organizations and families across our state.”

The announcement builds on the administration’s broader effort to ensure New Jersey residents share in the benefits of hosting the world’s largest sporting event. MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup matches in 2026, including the championship final July 19.

Airbnb’s ticket donation comes as part of a larger World Cup commitment that also includes a $1 million investment to build soccer mini-pitches across New York and New Jersey, as well as to support community celebrations during the tournament.

“We’re honored to play a small role in helping the biggest sporting event on the planet reach New Jersey youth this summer,” said Jay Carney, global head of policy and communications for Airbnb. “With these tickets, some of New Jersey’s youngest soccer players will get a front row to history, happening right in their backyard.”

Broadening horizons

“Our YMCA is beyond excited to partner with Gov. Sherrill, Airbnb and the City of Perth Amboy to give New Jersey children this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the World Cup,” saidSteve Jobin of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. “At the Y, we believe every child deserves access to experiences that inspire, connect and broaden their horizons.

“Thanks to their generosity, our youth will have the chance to experience the excitement of the game firsthand and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

“Exposure to new experiences can expand a young person’s sense of what’s possible,” said William Salcedo, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey. “We’re grateful to Gov. Sherrill and Airbnb for enabling our youth to be part of this extraordinary event and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.”

“Hosting the World Cup is a tremendous opportunity for New York and New Jersey, and we want communities across our region to be part of it,” said Alex Lasry, CEO, FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee. “We’re proud to work with Airbnb to help connect local organizations and residents to this historic event and create opportunities for more people to experience it firsthand.”