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NYC Marks 100 Days Until FIFA World Cup 2026
Officials celebrate the milestone with events and preparations across the city.
Mar. 3, 2026 at 11:21pm
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New York City is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the first time the tournament is hosted across three nations - the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. On Tuesday, officials marked 100 days until the kickoff by lighting up the Empire State Building, unveiling the tournament poster, and setting up a countdown clock. The FIFA World Cup 2026 New York-New Jersey Host Committee is finalizing plans to welcome millions of visitors and expects over $3 billion in economic impact.
Why it matters
The 2026 World Cup will be a historic event as it expands to three host countries for the first time. New York City, as one of the host cities, is preparing to welcome a massive influx of soccer fans and capitalize on the economic opportunities the tournament will bring.
The details
Along with mascots, World Cup officials gathered to mark the 100-day milestone, including Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York-New Jersey Host Committee, and JT Batson, CEO and secretary general of the U.S. Soccer Federation. The Federal Transit Administration is investing $100 million in transit systems for host cities. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host eight matches, including the final on July 19.
- On Tuesday morning, FIFA officials marked 100 days until the World Cup 2026 kickoff.
- The roster will be announced at an open-to-the-public launch party on May 26 in New York City.
- Team USA will play its first game in Los Angeles on June 12.
- The first match, Brazil vs. Morocco, kicks off on June 13.
The players
Alex Lasry
CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York-New Jersey Host Committee.
JT Batson
CEO and secretary general of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Peter Augruso
President of Canada Soccer.
Zaid Hakim
Sales associate at Pele Soccer Times Square.
What they’re saying
“A few million people coming here over the course of 40 days, and we're expecting over $3 billion of economic impact.”
— Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York-New Jersey Host Committee
“Seventy percent of Americans call themselves soccer fans, and 20% say they're obsessed.”
— JT Batson, CEO and secretary general of the U.S. Soccer Federation
“I'm so looking forward to it because I think together, the three nations can show how united we can be, irrespective of whatever else is going on in the world.”
— Peter Augruso, President of Canada Soccer
“Portugal because I love Ronaldo.”
— Zaid Hakim, Sales associate
What’s next
The roster for Team USA will be announced at an open-to-the-public launch party on May 26 in New York City. Team USA will play its first game in Los Angeles on June 12.
The takeaway
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic event as it expands to three host countries for the first time. New York City, as one of the host cities, is preparing to welcome millions of soccer fans and capitalize on the economic opportunities the tournament will bring, showcasing the unity of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
