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Free for businesses, region-wide program to drive foot traffic, connect fans with local shops and restaurants, and unlock once-in-a-lifetime FIFA World Cup\u2122 match experiences<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Free for businesses, region-wide program to drive foot traffic, connect fans with local shops and restaurants, and unlock once-in-a-lifetime FIFA World Cup\u2122 match experiences<\/p>\n
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Opportunity for two fans to attend FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122 Final<\/p>\n
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NY\/NJ \u2013 (April 1, 2026)\u00a0\u2014 With less than 100 days until the FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122 kicks off on June 11, the New York New Jersey Host Committee announced the launch of the\u00a0Welcome World Rewards Program, a region-wide initiative designed to connect millions of fans with local small businesses and help drive economic activity across communities throughout the region.<\/p>\n
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The Welcome World Rewards Program will connect residents and visitors with participating small businesses through a digital experience that rewards neighborhood exploration, drives foot traffic, and highlights the diverse commercial corridors that define communities across New York and New Jersey.<\/p>\n
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“New Jersey\u2019s small businesses are the backbone of our economy,\u201d said\u00a0New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill.\u00a0\u201cAs we prepare to host visitors from around the country and the world for the World Cup, the Welcome World Rewards Program ensures they engage directly with our local shops, restaurants, and entrepreneurs. This innovative platform will help small businesses benefit from increased economic activity while giving fans an authentic taste of everything that New Jersey and the region have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u201cWorking New Yorkers should benefit from the World Cup \u2014 whether or not they ever set foot in a stadium. That means driving foot traffic to our small businesses and local restaurants, and making sure this moment delivers for the people who make this city what it is,\u201d said\u00a0New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.\u00a0\u201cThe Welcome World Rewards Program is about connecting fans and visitors to every borough so that the gains from hosting this tournament are felt in every neighborhood across our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
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FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122 NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry made the announcement today at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce\u2019s\u00a0ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo\u00a0in Atlantic City:<\/p>\n
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\u201cSmall businesses are at the heart of our region\u2019s economy and identity,\u201d said\u00a0Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee. \u201cThe Welcome World Rewards Program creates a fun, interactive way for local fans and the millions of visitors coming to our region to engage with local businesses and experience everything New York and New Jersey have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
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How It Works:<\/p>\n
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The Welcome World Rewards Program is free and easy to use for both businesses and fans:<\/p>\n
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\n\tSmall businesses opt in at no cost\u00a0through a simple application process, which will open on March 31 and can be accessed via the NYNJ Host Committee\u2019s website
\n\tFans engage with participating businesses\u00a0through digital check-ins and collect points in a digital wallet that are redeemable for prizes
\n\tBusinesses may extend fan-friendly promotions such as discounts\u00a0or tournament-themed specials, or other offers.
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Through a web-based platform, the Welcome World Rewards Program will launch on May 25, and fans will be able to explore a directory of participating small businesses across the region and discover available promotions. As fans visit and check in at participating locations, they will earn points and unlock exclusive games and interactive experiences \u2014 creating a dynamic, engaging way to explore neighborhoods and connect with local businesses throughout the FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n
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To drive participation and regional exploration, the NYNJ Host Committee will offer up to eight opportunities for participants to win an invite to attend FIFA World Cup matches as guests of the NYNJ Host Committee\u2014 including the Final match at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Fans who reach defined participation milestones by visiting businesses across both New Jersey\u2019s 21 counties and New York City\u2019s five boroughs will be eligible for match experiences and additional prizes, including tickets to various sporting and entertainment events, FIFA World Cup merchandise, and access to official New York New Jersey Host Committee fan experiences.<\/p>\n
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Driving Regional Economic Impact<\/p>\n
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The Welcome World Rewards Program is a key component of the NYNJ Host Committee\u2019s broader strategy to ensure the FIFA World Cup\u2019s projected $3.3 billion economic impact reaches local businesses across the region. By encouraging fans to explore beyond traditional tourist destinations, the program is designed to distribute visitor spending more broadly and create lasting visibility for neighborhood commercial districts.<\/p>\n
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This consumer-facing program complements a range of state and civic initiatives designed to expand community participation and drive local economic impact, including the NJ Economic Development Authority\u2019s World Cup Community Initiative, Empire State Development\u2019s Community World Cup Grant Program supporting locally led viewing events, and the Association for a Better New York Foundation\u2019s \u201cWorld Cup for All\u201d Community Grant Program, providing funding to nonprofit organizations for free or low-cost fan engagement activities and youth programming across New York City\u2019s five boroughs.<\/p>\n
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