Return to Matador Network’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Travel Guide.

New York/New Jersey is one of 16 North American cities selected to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, serving as the venue. The stadium will stage eight games, including the tournament’s final, drawing fans from across the globe to the New York metropolitan area. MetLife Stadium is about 10 miles west of downtown Manhattan and is accessible via public transportation, including NJ Transit rail and bus services, as well as dedicated shuttle options on event days. It’s one of the most connected venues of the 16 cities, despite not technically being in New York, meaning visitors can stay in various parts of the city and still reach the stadium with relatively little hassle.

Venue: MetLife Stadium

Capacity: 82,500

Match dates

MetLife Stadium will host eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Times have not yet been announced.

• Saturday, June 13, 2026: Group Stage, Match 7
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026: Group Stage, Match 17
• Monday, June 22, 2026: Group Stage, Match 41
• Thursday, June 25, 2026: Group Stage, Match 56
• Saturday, June 27, 2026: Group Stage, Match 67
• Tuesday, June 30, 2026: Round of 32, Match 77
• Sunday, July 5, 2026: Round of 16, Match 91
• Sunday, July 19, 2026: Final, Match 104

Exact matchups and kickoff times will be finalized after the FIFA Final Draw in late 2025. In the meantime, you can pre-register for ticket alerts and hospitality package updates through FIFA’s official site.

How to get to MetLife Stadium from Midtown Manhattan

On event days, the most efficient way to reach MetLife stadium is via public transportation on the NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line, running between Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Station (adjacent to the stadium). If you’re coming from NYC, you’ll need to take the NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line. The entire trip typically takes about 45 minutes, though travel times may vary on event days.

Alternatively, Coach USA operates the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service between the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan and MetLife Stadium. This direct bus service is available on event days and provides a convenient option for attendees.

For those opting to drive, expect traffic. Parking is available on site, but spaces can fill quickly during major events. It’s advisable to purchase parking passes in advance through the MetLife Stadium parking portal. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have designated drop-off and pick-up zones near the stadium, usually in Lot E.

Official Fan Zones for the New York/New Jersey World Cup Matches

The official FIFA Fan Festival for the 2026 World Cup in the New York/New Jersey is at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. It’ll be free and open for all matches, not just the New York World Cup games. It has panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, and will likely have local food vendors, outdoor games, and family-friendly activities, too. It’s likely there will be extra events at Central Park in Manhattan, though nothing has been officially announced.

More up-to-date information will be announced soon on the New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup page.

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