The former Governor of New Jersey, PHIL MURPHY, visited Hamburg in February to talk about international cooperation, football, the FIFA World Cup 2026 – and the current political situation in the United States.
At an event in February hosted by the American Club of Hamburg at the Business Club, Phil Murphy – a leading figure in Democrat politics, former US Ambassador to Germany and Governor of the State of New Jersey Governor between 2018 and 2026 – spoke about the fast-moving political situation in the United States, but also focussed on the opportunities for strengthening international cooperation through sport. The event brought together members of Hamburg’s international community, business leaders, and transatlantic advocates for a conversation that spanned athletics and shared democratic values.
Murphy was accompanied by his wife, former First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, who serves as chair of the New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup Host Committee. In that capacity, she is helping to coordinate preparations for matches in the New York–New Jersey region, including events expected to draw global attention and millions of fans and, crucially, is the location for the final match. Her role places her at the center of preparations for one of the tournament’s key host regions, and the couple’s visit to Germany included meetings and talks related to international cooperation around the event.
Naturally, the discussion also touched on the broader political climate in the United States, with Murphy acknowledging that the country is navigating a complex, highly polarized and fast-moving period. Yet he also expressed a sense of cautious optimism, noting that the resilience of American institutions and the upcoming midterm elections offer opportunities for renewal and civic engagement. Murphy, who was chairman of the bipartisan National Governors Association, said he hoped that people could “disagree better, civilly and with respect.” Rediscovering common ground could be a way out of the present hyper-partisan impasse.
In this context, he is convinced that the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, the United States and Mexico could serve as a powerful unifying moment. Murphy argued that cooperation between Germany and the United States in athletics – whether through international competitions, youth exchanges, or shared event hosting – demonstrates how common passions can foster trust and collaboration across borders. In a world often defined by division, he suggested, the simple act of playing and celebrating sport together remains one of the most effective ways of building lasting partnerships.