There were miniature soccer balls from BCB Bank on the Walk to Washington train.
There were autographed hats — and an appearance by Pele’s daughter, Kely Christina Arantes do Nascimento — courtesy of the N.J. Diverse Business Advisory Council.
There was a display of scarves and other World Cup trinkets at the banquet session of the Walk, courtesy of riders Lauren LaRusso, the co-host city manager of the FIFA 2026 World Cup New York and New Jersey host committee, and her chief of staff, Brady O’Connor.
Simply put, you couldn’t escape the fact that New Jersey will host the final of the world’s biggest sporting event during the state’s biggest networking event.
Gov. Phil Murphy certainly made sure of it.
At the tail end of a speech regaling his efforts in the business community during his administration, Murphy grabbed a World Cup postcard — one that has a QR code to the World Cup resource guide — and waived it to the crowd, screaming with joy.
“You all have these cards in your place,” he said. “Keep this in mind. The World Cup is coming to New Jersey next year. The first-ever World Club Cup is coming to New Jersey this year.”
No one is happier than Murphy. A huge soccer fan, landing the World Cup final (and seven other matches) is one of the crowning achievements of his administration.
Of course, landing the final did not come by accident. It was the result of a strong effort by Choose New Jersey and others. And it will take a strong effort by the N.J. business community to truly make it a success for all.
The resource guide, created by a coalition, is a reminder that it’s never too soon for companies and communities to get ready. The 9-page PDF guide, which can be found on the website of the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council, is the brainchild of Luis De La Hoz, Gus Penaranda and Elisa Charters — and is sponsored by the NJDBAC, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Evolvere Consulting and the Juego.Juegos social scheduling app.
The aim, De La Hoz, Penaranda and Charters said, is for the guide to start conversations among businesses, municipalities and counties about preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
“This guide is designed for businesses, organizations and individuals looking to draw attention, generate revenue, and engage with the local and global audience that the World Cup brings,” Penaranda said.
It’s release on Jan. 9 has had the intended effect as De La Hoz and Penaranda already have had numerous meetings with municipalities on how they can prepare.
They are ready, willing and eager to have more.
Pele’s daughter has unofficially joined the effort, becoming a frequent visitor around the state — where she regales stories about her famous father and eventgoers recall times when he played at Giants Stadium with the Cosmos.
More meetings — more matches — are coming.
Both the semifinal and the final of the inaugural Club World Cup will be in New Jersey. It will be a test run for the state to be sure. A state that needs to get ready.
“The World Cup will be here sooner than you think,” De La Hoz said. “Communities need to get ready. We are eager to help in any way we can.”
