Host City
New York/New Jersey
MetLife Stadium • FIFA World Cup 2026
The City That Never Sleeps. Featuring the tournament final, offering unmatched multicultural energy and the biggest stage on earth.
All Matches In New York/New Jersey
Brazil
Morocco
Ecuador
Germany
France
Senegal
Norway
Panama
England
Sweden
Spain
ArgentinaStadium Details
- Venue
- MetLife Stadium
- Location
- East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Capacity
- ~82,500
- Opened
- 2010
- Home Teams
- New York Giants, New York Jets
- Atmosphere & Architecture
- Massive, towering, and imposing. As the host of the Final, expect an intensely corporate yet globally diverse crowd, providing a massive international stage.
Travel Utility
Airports
- ■Newark Liberty (EWR) - Best for stadium access
- ■John F. Kennedy (JFK)
- ■LaGuardia (LGA)
Transit & Metro Base
Take NJ Transit train from Penn Station (NYC) to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line directly to the stadium gates.
Where to Stay & Pre-Match
Top districts for fan zones and nightlife:
Manhattan (Classic NYC)Hoboken / Jersey City (Closer to Stadium)Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Local Advice & Safety
Use the official train system; it handles massive crowds safely. NYC requires standard large-city awareness.
★ Always account for at least 60-90 minutes of transit time from Manhattan to the stadium.
★ Staying in New Jersey (Hoboken/Jersey City) makes stadium transit significantly easier.
Fan Essentials
Traveling to the USA? Avoid expensive roaming and activate an eSIM before arrival.Get USA eSIM
Traveling abroad? Access your usual streaming services securely while following the tournament.Watch Safely Abroad
Fan City Guide
Why New York/New Jersey Matters
This is the "Finals" contender. MetLife Stadium sits in the Meadowlands, just across the river from the most famous skyline in the world. It is the ultimate global crossroads where every single nation competing will have a massive local diaspora cheering them on.
Best Areas To Stay
Near Stadium
Avoid. The hotels in East Rutherford are surrounded by highways and marshes.
Nightlife
Meatpacking District (Manhattan) or Williamsburg (Brooklyn).
First-Time Visitors
Midtown Manhattan. Close to Penn Station, which is your gateway to the stadium.
Premium / Luxury
Upper East Side or Central Park South. The Aman or The St. Regis.
Budget-Friendly
Jersey City (Exchange Place/Grove St). Great views of Manhattan and a faster commute to the stadium than from Brooklyn.
Fan Zones & Atmosphere
Fan Zones
Liberty State Park (with Statue of Liberty views) or Central Park.
Sports Bars
Smithfield Hall (Chelsea) is the premier soccer pub in NYC. Legends (Midtown) is another hub.
Authentic Vibe
The ironbound district in Newark (Portuguese/Brazilian influence) for the best pre-game football atmosphere and food.
Airport & Arrival
Main Airport
Newark (EWR) is closest; JFK and LGA serve the broader city.
EWR is closest to the stadium.
Best Route
From EWR, take the AirTrain to NJ Transit into Manhattan ($15).
Pro Tip
**DO NOT UBER TO THE STADIUM.** Traffic in the Lincoln Tunnel can take 2 hours. Use the train.
Flights to New York/New Jersey
Compare flight prices for this host city
Matchday Transport
Transit System
NJ Transit "Meadowlands Rail Line"
To Stadium
Take a train from NY Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the shuttle train to MetLife Stadium.
Arrival & Departure
The "Secaucus Shuffle" is the post-game wait for the train. It can take 60–90 minutes. To avoid this, book a table at the American Dream Mall (adjacent to the stadium) and wait for the crowds to thin.
Parking Warning
Massive lots but heavy congestion exiting.
City Experiences & Transfers
Book airport transfers, city experiences, and matchday transport
Local Intelligence
Safety
Port Authority Bus Terminal and Penn Station can be overwhelming; stay alert and keep your belongings close.
Common Mistake
The stadium is in New Jersey. If you tell an Uber "New York Stadium," you might end up in Queens at the wrong venue. Always specify MetLife.
Local Etiquette
Buy your NJ Transit tickets on the app before you get to the station to avoid massive kiosks lines.
Local Insider Secret
If the train queue is 2+ hours, look for the Coach USA (Bus 351) which runs from the stadium back to Port Authority (Manhattan). It’s often faster than the train.