New Jersey’s largest hospital network will be in charge of providing medical services for the biggest sporting event in the world.
Hackensack Meridian Health announced Monday that it will serve as the official hometown hospital of the New Jersey-New York FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee. As part of the partnership, Hackensack Meridian will provide medical support for soccer matches and for the millions of visitors expected to be in the state for next year’s World Cup events.
“This partnership is about so much more than soccer. It’s about building a healthier future,” Hackensack Meridian CEO Robert C. Garrett said in a statement.
“From providing elite medical readiness for the event, and experience-based advice on combating human trafficking, to creating new spaces for our children to play and learn healthy habits, we are proud to help our region shine on the world stage and leave a meaningful impact that will last for years to come,” said Garrett, a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
New Jersey-New York was one of several host cities selected last year by FIFA for the World Cup games in June and July 2026. Eight matches will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
READ MORE: The inside story of how N.J. landed the World Cup final, the globe’s biggest sporting event
In addition to providing additional medical care for events surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026, Hackensack Meridian will teach regional partners how to spot the signs of human trafficking.
With millions of soccer fans expected to visit next summer, officials have warned that human traffickers may exploit the situation. Hackensack Meridian, which conducts thousands of screenings each year to identify and aid human trafficking victims, will share its expertise so other host committees and law enforcement agencies can root out bad actors.
The health network will also fund and develop three permanent “Legacy Fields” throughout New Jersey to promote youth sports as part of its partnership with FIFA.
“To deliver a world-class FIFA World Cup 2026, we are working with organizations with deep community roots and unparalleled expertise,” Alex Lasry, CEO of the New Jersey-New York Host Committee, said in a statement.
“Hackensack Meridian Health meets that standard in every way,” Lasry added. ”Their commitment to public health and their proven ability to manage complex medical operations make them indispensable to our mission of delivering a safe, memorable, and impactful tournament for all.”
Hackensack Meridian Health’s pediatric cancer initiative, Tackle Kids Cancer, was also designated Monday as an official charity of the New Jersey-New York FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee.
The program raises funds for the organization’s two children’s hospitals: Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, and K. Hovananian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.