Lucas McCafferty, a Montclair native and NYU sophomore, recently turned a lifelong soccer ambition into a reality for his father.
The tickets to the FIFA World Cup Final were not purchased on the open market but earned through the Welcome World Rewards Program, a partnership championed by the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee.
A Community‑Driven Path to the Final
Launched in May, the program has already linked more than 1,000 local businesses and cultural events across New York and New Jersey with fans eager to experience the tournament.
For Lucas, the opportunity was more than a personal milestone; it was a chance to share a cherished dream with the man who raised him on the sidelines of local pitches.
Beyond the Game
The initiative’s broader goal is to spotlight homegrown enterprises while fostering community pride ahead of the global showcase. By partnering with neighborhood retailers, arts groups and cultural festivals, the program seeks to weave the excitement of the World Cup into the fabric of everyday life in the region.
Local officials say the program not only provides fans with unforgettable experiences but also drives economic activity for small businesses that have embraced the partnership.