HACKENSACK—Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III is urging organizers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to establish an affordable ticket access program for Bergen County residents, arguing that local communities will bear many of the burdens associated with hosting the global event.
In a May 22 letter to Alex Lasry shared with Pascack Press, Tedesco requested that the NYNJ FIFA World Cup Host Committee create a subsidized ticket initiative similar to a recently announced New York City program offering 1,000 discounted $50 tickets to city residents.
Bergen County will serve as the host county for eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, including the tournament final.
“Bergen County residents will experience the day-to-day impacts of hosting this tournament more directly than perhaps any other community in the region,” Tedesco wrote. “For that reason, I believe it is important that Bergen County residents also have a meaningful opportunity to share in this historic experience.”
Tedesco said Bergen County municipalities, first responders, transportation personnel, businesses and residents will play a major role in supporting tournament operations and regional logistics during the World Cup.
He also cited concerns including increased traffic congestion, strained local roadways and heightened public safety demands associated with the event.
“Providing affordable ticket access would ensure that the people helping host the world are not priced out of participating in the event taking place in their own backyard,” Tedesco wrote.
The county executive additionally pointed to Bergen County’s large and diverse soccer community, saying affordable access would help ensure local residents can participate in the excitement surrounding the tournament.
The letter was copied to numerous state and county officials, including Mikie Sherrill, members of Bergen County’s legislative delegation, and the Bergen County Board of Commissioners.
The Host Committee had not publicly responded to the request as of Friday afternoon.