We’re less than 100 days from kickoff to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the stakes are higher than ever — not just for soccer, but for the future of global events in the United States.

The World Cup will be the world’s most-watched sporting event, uniting billions of viewers and bringing millions of visitors to the U.S., and billions of dollars of economic impact. I’m proud to lead the team in New York-New Jersey, one of the 11 U.S. host cities tasked with hosting the games.

Unlike past mega-events, success here won’t be measured by attendance numbers or television ratings. This tournament is a showcase for sports and entertainment in America and will determine whether the United States remains the top destination for these events in the decade ahead.

The World Cup requires unprecedented coordination across federal, state, and local governments, private industry, and international governing bodies — all operating in real time across multiple markets. Transportation networks will need to move tens of thousands of fans within hours. Security operations will have to function seamlessly across jurisdictions. And every touchpoint, from airports to stadium gates, must meet the expectations of a global audience.

But what makes this moment different from other events is what follows. Over the next decade, the United States is positioned to host a historic run of global events, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City, as well as other major international competitions. This summer will set the tone, and the standard, for what comes next.

Our execution will define that outcome. For decades, the U.S. has led the world in how major sporting events are built, experienced, and broadcast. But hosting modern mega-events today requires something more: sustained public-private alignment, infrastructure investment and the ability to deliver seamlessly at scale. These events are now among the most sought-after assets in global business, with governments and private partners investing heavily to win them — which is exactly why this summer is so important to show that if you want to have the biggest event on the biggest stage, you need to do it in America.

In New York and New Jersey alone, we expect the World Cup to bring more than 1 million visitors, support more than 26,000 jobs, and generate more than $3 billion in regional economic impact. Across North America, the tournament is projected to produce tens of billions in economic activity. But the true return goes far beyond short-term spending. This is about long-term credibility for our country on a global stage.

As we head into this summer, we face challenges but also immense opportunity. Amid a complex political climate and global uncertainty, the world will be watching to see if we can meet this moment.

And when we deliver, we will set the tone for this “decade of sports.” We will create operational playbooks, ‘reinforce’ confidence among international partners deciding where to invest and solidify the United States as the world’s leading destination for sports and entertainment.

That is why this moment demands urgency, discipline, and unity from every host city, agency, and partner involved.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just a tournament. It is the defining test of whether the United States can lead the next era of global sports and entertainment.

Alex Lasry is CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee.

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