Tammy Murphy Named Board Chair for FIFA 2026 World Cup New York/New Jersey Host Committee

New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy has been named Chair of the 2026 FIFA World Cup New York/New Jersey Host Committee’s Board of Directors and Alex Lasry has been named chief executive officer to lead the committee on a day-to-day basis.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host eight matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the title match. The venue will also host five group stage matches in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup along with the fourth quarterfinal on July 5, the two semifinals on July 8-9 and championship on July 13.

Murphy will focus on oversight of the Host Committee’s overall planning and preparation as well as engaging individuals and corporations to support the Host Committee’s mission. Lasry will oversee the host committee as it transitions from planning mode to execution mode.

The Board also includes Fred Dixon, president and chief executive officer of Brand USA and Wesley Mathews, president and chief executive officer of Choose New Jersey, Inc. Co-Host City Managers Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman have been coordinating the region on planning efforts and ensuring the success of the world’s largest sporting event.

“This World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region to define itself to the world and will be an incredible economic engine for our entire region, generating over $2 billion and attracting over 1 million visitors,” said Murphy. “I am so grateful for the amazing team – led by Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman – that made it possible for our region to have this incredible opportunity and so excited to add Alex Lasry to the team as we move rapidly toward 2026.”

Lasry most recently served as the deputy assistant secretary for travel & tourism at the United States Department of Commerce from January 2023 to January 2025. Before that, Lasry was a longtime executive of the Milwaukee Bucks.

“With less than 500 days until the first match of the tournament, the urgency and excitement are palpable here in the NYNJ region and around the world,” said Lasry. “I am so impressed by the work that has already been done to prepare for this momentous occasion and I look forward to working with our dedicated team and our partners in public safety, hospitality, public transportation, tourism, and more to ensure the FIFA World Cup 2026 experience is remarkable for all residents of, and visitors to, this remarkable region.”

The joint effort between states ensures that both New York and New Jersey share responsibility for delivering the region’s eight matches, fan festivals, practice facilities, hotels, transportation, public safety and other infrastructure.