NYC Mayor Eric Adams, NJ Gov. Phil Murphy Celebrate 2026 FIFA World Cup Coming To U.S.

Hey, good morning, everybody. It's exciting morning. Yes. Well, I'm excited to be here. I'm really thrilled to be here as New York in New Jersey kick off their 26 2026 World Cup efforts. Yes, and I'm going to unveil the host city brand and logo. Now, this is a this is a major milestone on the road to one of the biggest sporting events. And today is an amazing day as we showcase all that New York and New Jersey has to offer which we all know is a lot and what better place to unveil the New York, New Jersey World Cup Brandon right here in the historic Times Square in front of some of the most eager and passionate fans on the planet right here in New York. That's you cheer for yourself. Yeah, that's right. Now from the five boroughs to the New Jersey Shore. I spent time in every one of those places, New York and New Jersey has so much to offer. We all know about the diversity. We all know about the energy that is unmasked anywhere our world-renowned culture and of course the story sports history fortunate enough. I was a part of some of it. Yes, so I can't think of a better place for an event as prominent and as globally recognized and cherished as the World Cup. So the this launch is only the beginning because it's going to be dynamic is going to be exciting and for the next few years as we prepare to host in 2026. I cannot wait for us to welcome the world at MetLife Stadium and you know, this this is football. Okay, that thing I did is guys running around in tight pants running to each other. I don't know what you call it, but this is football everybody and you know what while we're at it, right? Let's only it's not only host matches. We want to host the final. All right. There is no better place to host the final than at MetLife Stadium in the New York, New Jersey area and let's show how proud we are of New York in New Jersey and how enthusiastic we are about the game everybody and about what is to come and now I'd like to introduce New York City's very own mayor Mayor Eric Adams. I missed you. Look at that fan right there. Like I'm blocking. He's jumping so high. Listen, we are so excited to play soccer with these great teams that are up here. Great fans. You're a good fan. Come on. Come on over here. You know, this is what it what is about. My son plays soccer at your age and you know, we saw the beginning. We saw the energy. We saw what soccer could do and it's more than what happens on the field, the camaraderie, the diversity, learning the sport and the fitness so you can continue as you go through life to make sure you maintain your health, your fitness, but by bringing the World Cup here, the biggest stage on the globe. There's no place like New York, New Jersey. We are going to bring it here eight games. We believe we're going to have we need the finals here. We're going to drop the ball in a few moments, but I cannot thank my partner enough Governor Murphy for really bringing bringing this together, showing how the top sport more people watch soccer than any other sport across the globe. We love it so much. This is going to be a great moment for us. You're going to have a good time, right? Yeah, tell them how much. Go soccer. Come on, Governor Murphy. Good job. What's your name? Let's hear it for Jamilo here. Eric Adams, America's Mayor, New York City is so lucky and we couldn't have a better partner in this whole process. Let's hear it one more time for Mayor Eric Adams. Come on, man. Michael Strahan, where are you, man? Thank you, man. Thank you for coming out and hosting us this morning. How exciting is this? The mayor just said it. We think we're going to get at least eight games. That's eight Super Bowls in six weeks. Right? Just extraordinary and every single ticket will be sold out. I guarantee you, no matter who's playing, this is going to be the biggest deal we've ever seen in this region. I want to acknowledge some folks up here with us. We got representatives and players from NYC FC. Yeah. Easy now, New York Red Bull and NJNY Gotham FC. I also want to remind everybody that this region, the mayor said it, this region is not just, didn't just wake up to soccer. The first professional league was started right across the Hudson in Kearney, New Jersey. And one of the greatest American soccer players of all time happens to be from Kearney, New Jersey, and he's right behind me. Let's hear for John Harkes. Mayor Adams mentioned this. It's not just about the games. It's about the legacy. It's about the excitement that will build, especially among young people, not just going into 2026, but from 26 on for decades to come. We saw, we hosted games in the men's World Cup in 94. We hosted them in the women's World Cup in 99. Wouldn't mind doing the women again in 2027, by the way, that would be a bad idea. Hold that thought. The mayor and I'll be back to you on that one, but we're incredibly honored to partner with US Soccer Foundation to make sure that the beautiful game gets into all corners of our great society here in the region, and I'm thrilled that its leader, Ed Foster Simeon, a dear friend, is with us. Ed, thanks, man, for everything you do. So I got a deal. Let's return here the morning of July 19th, 2026, kick it off in Times Square, and then head across to the Jersey side and witness the final game of the World Men's World Cup 2026. How's that sound? Mr. Mayor, with your blessing, I've been asked to say the following words. Let's kick off 2026. Let's kick off. 9, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.