Boston, MA – (July 16, 2025) – The Boston Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 26™ today announced that Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO of Meet Boston, will join the Boston 26 Honorary Board.

The Board brings together notable business leaders in the public and private sectors to provide strategic guidance and vision to Boston 26, the non-profit organization responsible for the FIFA World Cup 26™ tournament preparations and celebrations in the Boston region.

Sports tourism is a major economic driver throughout the Greater Boston area and has been a key focus for Sheridan, who as a leading member of the Boston Soccer 2026 committee was instrumental in the successful bid to bring FIFA World Cup 26™ matches to Greater Boston.

“We are thrilled to welcome Martha to the Honorary Board,” said Ron O’Hanley, Chairman, Boston 26 Honorary Board and State Street Corporation Chairman and CEO. “Her experience and leadership in the hospitality and tourism industry, coupled with a keen understanding of sports marketing will strengthen our efforts as we gear up to host the most-watched international sporting event in the world, bringing millions of fans to our region.” 

Sheridan has played a vital role in bringing several major sporting events to Boston, including the first-ever Army-Navy Game to be held in Massachusetts, the first-ever WNBA regular season game at TD Garden, the Boston Supertri, the Six Invitational, and, most recently, the NHL/NHLPA Four Nations Face-Off and the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in the winter of 2025.

“Boston is world-renowned for sporting excellence and achievement. We are a city of champions,” said Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO of Meet Boston. “I look forward to working with the Honorary Board to ensure that the tens of thousands of visitors who travel to Greater Boston for the iconic World Cup games come to see why Boston is a premier global destination.”

A seasoned tourism leader, Sheridan provides strategic direction to the 1,000-plus partner organization in its mission to generate a robust visitor economy for the region while promoting Greater Boston to national and international audiences. Annually, the travel, tourism and hospitality sector generate more than $20 billion dollars for the greater Boston economy.

According to the latest data, the FIFA World Cup 26™ is expected to bring $1.3 billion in local economic impact, create over 9,000 jobs, and generate more than $67.6 million of tax revenue throughout the region. The projections forecast that more than two million visitors will come to New England throughout the tournament’s 39-day span staying in local hotels, eating in local restaurants, and enjoying all the region has to offer.