Editors’ Note

Alex Lasry is the Chief Executive Officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee (nynjfwc26.com) responsible for delivering eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in the NYNJ region, including the Final match. The organization coordinates between key city, state, and federal stakeholders and FIFA to ensure a world-class event. The committee’s goal is to create the most engaging, accessible, and impactful FIFA World Cup 2026 experience for all fans, athletes, partners, and NYNJ communities. In his role, Lasry oversees all facets of the committee’s work across the New York and New Jersey region, including coordination with local leaders, stadium operations, fan engagement, and legacy planning. Lasry brings a unique blend of experience in government, sports, and tourism to this role. He most recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism at the U.S. Department of Commerce (2023–2025), where he led national efforts to revitalize the tourism industry. Prior to that, he was a senior executive and part owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, helping to transform the franchise into an NBA champion and a model of sports business innovation. Lasry holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business.

Will you discuss your career journey?

I started my career in public service, working in strategic development roles during the Obama Administration and later serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism at the U.S. Department of Commerce during the Biden Administration. I then joined the Milwaukee Bucks, where I focused on community and economic development initiatives tied to the team and the broader Milwaukee region. Now, I have the opportunity to lead the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee as we prepare to welcome the world for the biggest sporting event in history.

What interested you in leading the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee?

I’ve always been drawn to opportunities that sit at the intersection of sports, economic development, tourism, and community impact. There is no bigger stage than the World Cup, and the chance to help bring this tournament to New York and New Jersey was incredibly exciting. This is about more than hosting matches – it’s about creating a lasting impact for the region, supporting local businesses, showcasing our communities to the world, and making sure this moment benefits residents long after the tournament ends.

How do you focus your efforts in the role?

As CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee, my focus is making sure we deliver an incredible experience for fans, residents, and visitors alike. We’re coordinating closely with local, state, federal, and FIFA partners to prepare for eight matches, including the Final, while also making sure the benefits of the tournament extend far beyond the stadium. A big part of that work is ensuring local communities and businesses are part of the experience. Programs like Welcome World Rewards are designed to encourage fans to explore neighborhoods across the region and support small businesses throughout New York and New Jersey.

Will you highlight the steps taken to prepare one of the largest venues in the tournament?

The NYNJ region is uniquely equipped for this moment – New York New Jersey is no stranger to high-profile sports and major global events. New York New Jersey Stadium has hosted over 600 major events, 3,000 special events, and 43 international soccer matches, turning out record-breaking crowds. That experience gives us a strong foundation as we prepare to welcome fans from across the globe for this historic tournament.

How will hosting the event generate billions in tourism, jobs, and investment across NYNJ?

With eight matches, including the Final at Metlife Stadium, the tournament is expected to generate more than $3.3 billion in economic impact across the region. The tournament is also expected to support over 26,000 jobs across the region. The Host Committee, along with our region’s government leaders, are committed to ensuring the impact of the tournament is long-lasting by closely coordinating with community groups and local businesses to ensure that tournament-related activities and economic opportunities are accessible and realized by all, particularly those in under-resourced communities.

What can visitors expect when they arrive to the NYNJ area, from cultural events to infrastructure upgrades?

Visitors can expect an experience that truly reflects the energy, diversity, and scale of the New York New Jersey region. Throughout the 39-day tournament, there will be official Fan Events, live match viewings, cultural celebrations, and community activations across both states. With more than 600 languages spoken across the region, every fan will be able to find a community that feels like home. From our airports and transit systems to our restaurants, hotels, and public spaces, this region is built to host global events, and we’re excited to showcase everything that makes New York and New Jersey special.

How are you engaging the community, from local businesses, volunteers, and residents, to be part of the World Cup experience?

To help engage with the community and local businesses, we launched the Welcome World Rewards program. The program will give visitors a reason to explore different neighborhoods – whether that’s trying a restaurant, visiting a shop, or discovering a new part of the region. As a bonus, people who engage in the program will have the opportunity to attend the World Cup Final. As part of our broader regional fan engagement strategy, we are hosting Fan Event experiences in New Jersey and across all five boroughs in New York City. Together, these sites will form a connected network of Fan Events, transforming the region into a 39-day celebration of the world’s game that reaches far beyond the stadium.

What are you most excited about when you look to the FIFA World Cup 2026?

I’m most excited to see the energy this tournament is going to bring to the entire region. The FIFA World Cup is one of the few events in the world that truly brings people together across cultures, languages, and backgrounds. For 39 days, New York and New Jersey will be at the center of the global sports world, and we have an incredible opportunity to showcase our communities, our diversity, and our ability to host on the world stage. We want every fan who visits to leave with unforgettable memories of the tournament and an even deeper connection to this region.