The NY/NJ host committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has added N.J. first lady TAMMY MURPHY (the wife of Gov. PHIL MURPHY) as the chair of its BOD and longtime Bucks exec ALEX LASRY (son of former owner MARK LASRY) as its CEO. The committee will oversee the hosting of eight matches during the World Cup, culminating in the final. NY/NJ host city co-managers LAUREN LARUSSO and BRUCE REVMAN, who led the city’s bid effort and preparations to this point, will remain with the organization and report to Lasry.
Lasry will be responsible for leading day-to-day efforts for the host committee as it transitions from planning to execution of the event. A key responsibility will be fundraising, including by selling host city supporter packages to up to 10 brands. Category restrictions imposed by FIFA and a lack of compelling assets to sell have made this a challenge for many host cities up to this point.
“What we’re looking at right now is trying to make sure that we’re working with FIFA on the right packages, on what’s available, and making sure that the planning is all in place because we can’t sell what we don’t have,” Lasry said.
He added, “I’m not concerned about restrictions or categories or anything. This is the biggest global event that’s ever going to happen, and if you can’t sell that, you can’t sell anything.”
Another important task will be planning and setting up fan fests throughout the region. Murphy said that the main fan fest at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J., will be open for all 104 games. Other locations will be open more selectively during the tournament.
Other members of the Murphy-led board of directors include Brand USA President & CEO FRED DIXON, CHA Partners Partner JOSEPH KELLEY, Choose New Jersey President & CEO WESLEY MATHEWS and EducationCounse Principal ZAKIYA SMITH ELLIS.
