Midge Purce Eager to Highlight NJ/NY as World Cup Host City Ambassador

The Gotham FC star will represent the region on the global stage as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a soccer match or competition, with overlapping planes of vibrant colors like electric blue, fiery orange, and deep purple, capturing the energy and diversity of the New York/New Jersey soccer community.As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the diverse soccer community of the New York/New Jersey region prepares to welcome the world to their backyard.NYC Today

With just over 60 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup hits North America, NJ/NY Gotham FC's Midge Purce is already getting to work on plans to highlight the New York/New Jersey area as a host city. Purce joins NFL legend Eli Manning and NBA player Josh Hart as official NYNJ World Cup 2026 ambassadors, representing the region on the global stage and using their voices and platforms to showcase the community and promote fan engagement.

Why it matters

As one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, the New York/New Jersey region has a unique opportunity to showcase its diversity, community, and passion for soccer on the global stage. Purce, a two-time NWSL champion, is eager to leverage her platform to promote the area and share the game with local residents who may not be as familiar with international football.

The details

Purce will work alongside fellow ambassadors Eli Manning and Josh Hart to highlight the best of the NY/NJ area, with a focus on the region's diverse soccer community. She plans to use her role to create community-driven initiatives that will allow local residents to engage with the World Cup in a meaningful way. Purce is also looking forward to Gotham FC's upcoming match at Citi Field, which is on track to break the record for attendance at a women's sports event in New York City.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will hit the shores of North America in just over 60 days.
  • On July 15, Gotham FC will take on the Washington Spirit in a one-time event at Citi Field, just days before the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

The players

Midge Purce

A two-time National Women's Soccer League champion who plays for NJ/NY Gotham FC and has been named an official NYNJ World Cup 2026 ambassador.

Eli Manning

A two-time Super Bowl champion who has joined Gotham FC's ownership group as a minority investor and is also an official NYNJ World Cup 2026 ambassador.

Josh Hart

An NCAA national champion and New York Knicks guard who is an official NYNJ World Cup 2026 ambassador.

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What they’re saying

“I've gotten the question of how does it feel to live in one of the host cities, but I'm living in the host city—this is where the final is, right in our backyard. I understand the historical significance of this, and I know I'll be telling my grandchildren that I lived in New York the year the World Cup final was at MetLife [Stadium] and I was there.”

— Midge Purce, NJ/NY Gotham FC Player

“I was really honored [to be asked]. Before they even told me what it entailed, I said, 'Yeah, I'll do it!' Being able to be part of one of the biggest tournaments in the world is insane to me, especially in a way that holds a lot of prestige. We really are welcoming the rest of the world to this part of of the country. That means a lot to me, and I take it very seriously.”

— Midge Purce, NJ/NY Gotham FC Player

“Eli [Manning] and I were talking about how important it is that even with the rest of the world coming here, we have people here who live here and want to make sure that this world stage moment is really shared with them.”

— Midge Purce, NJ/NY Gotham FC Player

What’s next

Just days before the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, Purce will be busy with a few games of her own. On July 15, Gotham will take on Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit in a one-time event at Citi Field, which is on track to break the record attendance for a women's sports event in New York City.

The takeaway

Midge Purce's role as a World Cup ambassador for the New York/New Jersey region highlights the area's diversity, passion for soccer, and commitment to sharing this global event with the local community. Her efforts, alongside those of fellow ambassadors Eli Manning and Josh Hart, will help showcase the best of the region to the world.