Hackensack Meridian Health, based in Edison, N.J., has been named an Official New York New Jersey World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter and the Official Hometown Hospital of the NY/NJ Host Committee.
As part of the partnership, the health system will oversee medical readiness for eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in the region, including the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival at Liberty State Park. Hackensack University Medical Center — the closest Level 1 trauma center to the stadium — will lead operations, according to a Dec. 8 news release.
Hackensack Meridian Health has previously provided medical services for large-scale events, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and Super Bowl XLVIII. The health system also delivers care for professional teams such as the New York Giants and New York Red Bulls. Its network of urgent care and health and wellness centers across New Jersey will support visitors during the tournament.
Key initiatives of the partnership include:
- Health campaigns: The health system will lead public wellness efforts — including hydration, sun safety and overall well-being — through its “How Healthy Happens” campaign.
- Public safety support: The health system will share experience-based insights from its screening of more than 78,000 patients for human trafficking in 2025. These findings aim to support law enforcement, health systems and host committees during the tournament.
- Youth sports investment: Hackensack Meridian Health will fund and build three permanent “Legacy Fields” — mini-pitches across New Jersey to promote youth sports and healthy habits.
- Pediatric cancer awareness: It will promote its Tackle Kids Cancer initiative, a program of the Children’s Cancer Institute, as an official charity of the host committee.
- Volunteer engagement: More than 38,000 team members will be offered opportunities to volunteer at official events.
