New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced this Wednesday that the state will distribute 500 free tickets for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches among working families with children, first responders, and military families.
Each ticket will also include free round-trip transportation via shuttle buses to MetLife Stadium, the venue that will host several tournament matches and will be the site of the World Cup final.
“The World Cup is one of the biggest events on the planet, and it shouldn’t just be for those who can afford the most coveted ticket in town,” expressed Hochul.
Tickets will be distributed through the charitable organizations Alliance of New York State YMCAs and Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The initiative will benefit residents of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester and Rockland counties.
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For his part, Alex Lasry, executive director of the New York-New Jersey World Cup Host Committee, stated that it is important for New Yorkers to have the opportunity to be part of a historic event like the World Cup.
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The measure is in addition to other actions announced recently. A few weeks ago, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani organized raffles for 1,000 tickets for city residents, with tickets at 50 dollars and free transportation included.
Likewise, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that her state will provide 770 free tickets intended for youth soccer clubs, healthcare workers, sick children, and people who support local businesses.
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With these initiatives, the host states seek to ensure that the 2026 World Cup experience is not reserved solely for those who can afford the high ticket prices, but also reaches communities that traditionally have less access to these types of sporting events.
