Every World Cup talks about its legacy – how the global event impacted where it was
held.
That conversation will be unique in the U.S. There will be no discussion about what to
do with newly built stadiums – they already were built. And unlike 1994, there will be no
discussion about a house league, as MLS is stronger than ever.
The legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be more about social issues: Did the event
help foster discussions about greater acceptance? Did it address issues of human
trafficking? Can it be a unifying event during a time of global turmoil?
And, in New Jersey, where the final will take place on July 19, did the event bring in the
much-ballyhooed billions of dollars of economic impact to the area. And, if so, how
much went to local businesses as opposed to global and national corporations?
On March 10 (Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.) at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, BINJE editor Tom
Bergeron will lead a discussion during a panel presentation: After the Applause: The
Impact of a World Cup.
Registration information is here.
The event is being hosted by hosted by St. Benedict’s Prep in partnership with Latina
Surge National, UNITY/Evolvere Chamber and the New Jersey Small Business Growth
Council.
Here are the panelists:
- Lauren LaRusso, NY/NJ World Cup Host Committee
- State Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark)
- Luis De La Hoz, PNC Bank, Statewide Hispanic Chamber
- Jim Wandling, St. Benedict’s Prep boys soccer coach
- Baye Adofo-Wilson, owner, NY Cosmos
- Eric Stover, NY Cosmos
Gus Penaranda, the founder and CEO of the UNITY/Evolvere Chamber and the co-creator
of the event, said setting the stage for the moment is important.
“This is one of the very rare moments where the world sits together and can have
conversations that normally would never take place face to face,” he said. “It’s important
that we are ready for the talk.”
Charters, the president of Latina Surge, said having the event at St. Benedict’s Prep – the top high school soccer team in the nation for decades, is meaningful.
“Recognizing the state’s huge tradition in soccer is so important,” she said. “The World Cup will only add to that legacy.”
