World Cup 2026 will be the biggest sporting spectacle in human history — with a projected 3.7 billion viewers for the final alone. In the Finance of Football season finale, Michael LoRé is joined by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy to explain what it really means to host the World Cup Final in New Jersey and the scale of what’s coming to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

They break down the reality behind hosting: fan zones like Liberty State Park, millions of visitors to the New York–New Jersey region, and how FIFA is turning the tournament into a month-long cultural takeover rather than just a series of matches.

The Murphys also share how soccer became central to their family life — from early fandom and time in Germany to investing in Gotham FC and backing women’s soccer long before it was fashionable — and why they see the NWSL’s rise as both a moral win and a long-term growth story.

The episode closes on what they hope 2026 leaves behind: more access, more participation, new community pitches, and a sport that continues to bring people together long after the final whistle.

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Asli - @brefootcontessa

Michael - @michale.lore

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On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod

On Facebook - /financeoffootball

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The Finance of Football, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is…

Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé

Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond

Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky

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