Empire State Building Lights Up to Mark 100 Days Until 2026 World Cup

The iconic NYC landmark shines in the colors of the three host nations - the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially entered its final 100 days, marked by the stunning illumination of the Empire State Building in the colors of the host nations - the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This World Cup is the first to be jointly hosted by three countries, with New York and New Jersey poised to be a central hub, hosting eight matches including the final at MetLife Stadium.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup is expected to have a significant economic impact on the New York and New Jersey region, projecting over $2 billion in revenue and attracting more than 1 million visitors. This influx of tourism and investment will benefit various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and tourism.

The details

The New York New Jersey Host Committee has strengthened its leadership team to ensure a successful tournament, with Alex Lasry appointed as CEO and New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy chairing the Board of Directors. The illumination of the Empire State Building was a symbolic gesture, highlighting the building's role as a gathering place for people from around the world.

  • The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially entered its final 100 days.
  • The Empire State Building was illuminated in the host nations' colors on March 3, 2026.

The players

Alex Lasry

Chief Executive Officer of the New York New Jersey Host Committee, responsible for day-to-day operations.

Tammy Murphy

Chair of the Board of Directors for the New York New Jersey Host Committee and First Lady of New Jersey.

Tony Malkin

CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, which owns the Empire State Building.

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What they’re saying

“The Empire State Building has long been a gathering place for people from around the world, making it the perfect backdrop to celebrate the global nature of the World Cup.”

— Tony Malkin, CEO of Empire State Realty Trust (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The New York New Jersey Host Committee is collaborating with partners in public safety, hospitality, public transportation, and tourism to deliver a remarkable experience for both residents and visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The takeaway

The illumination of the iconic Empire State Building in the colors of the three host nations symbolizes the global excitement and anticipation surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is poised to have a significant economic impact on the New York and New Jersey region.