New York / New JerseyFIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Guide
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ hosts 8 matches including the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026 — the most watched sporting event on Earth. Here's everything you need to know.
Match Schedule
Group A Match 2
Group B Match 3
Group C Match 1
Group D Match 2
Group E Match 3
TBD vs TBD
TBD vs TBD
TBD vs TBD
The World Cup Final — July 19, 2026
The most watched sporting event on the planet. An estimated 1.5 billion people will watch the 2026 World Cup Final. You could be there.
Ticket Reality
World Cup Final tickets are the hardest sporting tickets on Earth to get. Face value will be $500–$3,000+ depending on category. Secondary market prices will be multiples of that. Apply through FIFA's official ticket ballot — it's the only legitimate way to get them at face value.
Fan Zones
New York City will have massive official FIFA Fan Zones in Central Park and other locations. These are free to attend and will have giant screens, entertainment, and food. An incredible experience even without a ticket.
The NYC Experience
Being in New York City on World Cup Final day — whether inside MetLife or watching in a bar in Manhattan — will be unlike anything you've experienced. The city will be electric. Plan to be there regardless of your team.
MetLife Stadium — What to Know
It's in New Jersey, Not New York
MetLife Stadium is technically in East Rutherford, NJ — about 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Don't let that fool you: it's easily accessible from NYC by NJ Transit train, and the "New York" experience is very much part of the deal.
Natural Grass Installation
MetLife normally uses artificial turf. FIFA requires natural grass for all World Cup matches, so a temporary grass system will be installed — the same approach used at other NFL stadiums hosting matches.
July Weather
New Jersey in July averages 85–90°F (29–32°C) with high humidity. The stadium is open-air (no dome), so dress accordingly. Bring sunscreen for afternoon matches.
Getting to MetLife Stadium
🚆 NJ Transit Train (Best Option)
- 1.From Penn Station (Midtown Manhattan)
- 2.Take NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line direct to MetLife
- 3.Special event service runs on match days only
- 4.Journey: ~20 minutes, ~$5 each way
- 5.Trains run frequently before/after matches
✈️ From JFK Airport
- 1.AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station (~15 min)
- 2.LIRR from Jamaica to Penn Station (~30 min)
- 3.NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail to MetLife (~20 min)
- 4.Total: ~75–90 minutes, ~$25–30
✈️ From Newark Airport (EWR)
- 1.AirTrain Newark to Newark Penn Station
- 2.NJ Transit Northeast Corridor to Secaucus Junction
- 3.Transfer to Meadowlands Rail Line to MetLife
- 4.Total: ~45–60 minutes, ~$15
🅿️ Driving & Parking
- 1.Address: 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ
- 2.Parking lots open 4 hours before kickoff
- 3.Parking: $40–$80 on match days
- 4.Traffic on Route 3 and NJ Turnpike will be extreme
- 5.Budget 2–3 hours for post-match exit
Where to Stay & Eat in New York
Midtown Manhattan
30 min to MetLife by NJ Transit · Tourist hub, Times Square, iconic NYC
Most international fans will stay here. Penn Station is your gateway to NJ Transit trains to MetLife. Book hotels 6–12 months out — prices will be astronomical.
East Village / Lower East Side
45 min to MetLife · Bars, diverse food, younger crowd
Best neighborhood for pre-match drinks and post-match celebrations. Tons of soccer bars that will be showing every match.
Hoboken / Jersey City
15–20 min to MetLife · Quieter than Manhattan, great skyline views
Stay in Hoboken or Jersey City to be closer to the stadium and pay significantly less for hotels. PATH train connects to Manhattan easily.
Brooklyn
50–60 min to MetLife · Local NYC feel, great food, diverse
If you want authentic NYC without tourist prices, Brooklyn is the move. Williamsburg and Park Slope have great bars and restaurants.
🗽 NYC Soccer Bars to Know
New York Matchday Survival Tips
Budget for NYC Prices
New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world. During the World Cup, prices will be even higher. Budget $200–$400/night for hotels, $20–$40 per meal, and $15–$20 for cocktails. Plan accordingly.
Final Tickets Are Rare
World Cup Final tickets are the hardest to get in all of sports. Register for FIFA's official ticket ballot at tickets.fifa.com — it's the only way to get face value. Secondary market prices will be $2,000–$10,000+.
Master the Subway
Get an OMNY card (tap-to-pay) for NYC subway and buses. Download the MTA app. The subway runs 24/7 and is the fastest way to move around Manhattan. NJ Transit is separate — different app and tickets.
Book Everything Early
Hotels in Manhattan for World Cup Final week will sell out 12+ months in advance. If you're planning to attend, book now. Cancellation policies vary — read carefully.
The Most International City
New York City has the largest population of every nationality in the US. Every match at MetLife will feel like a home game for multiple fan bases. The atmosphere will be unmatched.
Fan Zone Alternative
If you can't get tickets, FIFA Fan Zones in Central Park and other NYC locations will be free and massive. Being in NYC on Final day without a ticket is still an incredible experience.
Planning Your New York World Cup Trip?
Get our complete fan survival guide — packing lists, city-by-city tips, transit guides, and everything you need for the 2026 World Cup.