New York / New Jersey
The New York metro area hosts the World Cup Final and more matches than any other host city. A global city unlike any other, offering world-class dining, culture, and iconic landmarks across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond.
10
Total Matches
82,500
Capacity
Open
Roof
Warm and humid
June Weather
Match Schedule - MetLife Stadium
Group Stage
Knockout Rounds
Getting to New York / New Jersey
Airports near MetLife Stadium and how to get from each to the venue.
EWR - Newark Liberty International
13 km / 25-40 minClosest to MetLife. Take NJ Transit AirTrain to Newark Penn Station, then transfer to NJ Transit Meadowlands rail (match-day service direct to MetLife).
JFK - John F. Kennedy International
40 km / 60-90 minAirTrain to Jamaica, LIRR to Penn Station NYC, then NJ Transit Meadowlands match-day train. Plan 2 hours including transfers.
LGA - LaGuardia
30 km / 45-75 minQ70 bus to Jackson Hts subway, then E/M to Penn Station, then match-day train. Or rideshare for $50-90.
Stadium
MetLife Stadium
Full guide →MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hosts the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026 - the most-watched single sporting event on the planet. Shared home of the New York Giants and New York Jets, the stadium sits just 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan and will draw the biggest crowd in World Cup Final history.
Capacity
82,500
Surface
Natural grass (hybrid)
Roof
Open
Opened
2010
Address
1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA
Getting Around New York / New Jersey
NJ Transit Rail
Direct trains to MetLife on match days from Penn Station - easiest option
NYC Subway
Extensive network across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens. Use the MTA app
PATH Train
Links midtown Manhattan to Jersey City and Hoboken, 24/7 service
Rideshare
Uber/Lyft widely available but surges heavily around match times - plan ahead
To the Stadium
NJ Transit direct trains run to MetLife Stadium on match days from Penn Station (NYC) and Secaucus Junction. Journey takes about 30 minutes from Penn Station.
Where to Stay in New York / New Jersey
Three price tiers across New York / New Jersey. Book early - World Cup tournament dates push prices 2-5x higher than normal.
Budget
$120-200Jersey City / Hoboken / Newark
PATH train links to Manhattan in 10-15 min. Newark is also close to MetLife via NJ Transit.
Mid
$280-450Midtown Manhattan / Long Island City
Walking distance to Penn Station (the match-day rail hub) plus easy subway access to all of NYC.
Luxury
$650-1500+Tribeca / SoHo / Upper East Side
Premium hotels (Four Seasons, Aman, The Mark). Concierge can book restaurants and arrange Final transport.
Midtown Manhattan
Most central - Penn Station, Times Square, and subway access all nearby
Brooklyn (Williamsburg/DUMBO)
Cooler vibe, cheaper than Manhattan, great food and nightlife
Jersey City/Hoboken
Budget-friendly, 10 min from Manhattan by PATH train
Queens (Astoria/LIC)
Affordable with great food diversity and easy subway to Manhattan
Hotels for the World Cup
Compare New York / New Jersey hotel deals
Live rooms + prices for the tournament window. New York / New Jersey sells out fast . book before group draw.
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Fan Zones & Where to Watch in New York / New Jersey
FIFA Fan Festival expected at Liberty State Park (Jersey City) with views of Lower Manhattan. Free entry, big screens, food, and live entertainment between matches.
Official Fan Zones
- •Liberty State Park (Jersey City) - expected primary fan festival
- •Times Square big-screen viewings
- •Hudson Yards plaza
Football Pubs
- •The Football Factory at Legends - midtown, dedicated football pub with international supporters
- •Smithfield Hall - Hell's Kitchen, multiple screens
- •Banc Cafe - midtown, popular with European fans
- •Mary O's - East Village, Irish pub with strong football scene
Where to Eat in New York / New Jersey
Peter Luger Steak House
legendary Brooklyn steakhouse, book weeks ahead
Xi'an Famous Foods
incredible hand-pulled noodles, multiple Manhattan locations
Katz's Delicatessen
iconic Lower East Side deli since 1888
Joe's Pizza or Di Fara
New York's best pizza by the slice
Money, Tipping & Tax in New York / New Jersey
Currency
USD ($)
Cards accepted nearly everywhere including subway turnstiles. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely supported. Carry $40-60 cash for small vendors and tips.
Tipping
18-20% at restaurants; $1-2 per drink at bars; 15-20% for taxis/rideshare; $1-2 per bag for hotel porters.
Tax notes
NY sales tax 8.875%. NJ sales tax 6.625%. Restaurant menu prices do not include tax or tip - expect ~30% added to your bill total.
What to Pack for New York / New Jersey
Warm and humid, 22–28 °C. Occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
- ✓Light layers - June can swing 60-90°F (15-32°C)
- ✓Compact umbrella - thunderstorms are common
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk 15-25k steps/day)
- ✓Sunglasses + sunscreen
- ✓Stadium-approved clear bag (12"x6"x12") for MetLife
- ✓Portable phone charger - long match days drain batteries
Connectivity & Emergency Numbers
Phone & WiFi
5G is excellent across all carriers. Buy a US prepaid eSIM (Mint, US Mobile, T-Mobile prepaid) on arrival - $30-50 for 1 month unlimited. Free WiFi at airports, most cafes, and on most subway stations.
Emergency
911
Police, fire, medical
Is New York / New Jersey Safe? - Safety Notes for World Cup Visitors
Manhattan is generally safe day and night. Subway is safe but stay alert late at night. Avoid empty subway cars. East New York, parts of the South Bronx and Newark's Central Ward are not tourist areas - use rideshare to/from MetLife rather than walking.
Areas to avoid
- ×Brownsville (Brooklyn) at night
- ×Hunts Point (Bronx)
- ×Newark Central Ward at night
Quick Tips
MetLife Stadium is in East Rutherford, NJ - take NJ Transit train directly from Penn Station
Book accommodation early - this is the priciest host city by a wide margin
Use the NYC subway to explore Manhattan between match days
The PATH train links Manhattan to Jersey City and Newark for budget hotels
MetLife Stadium Facts
Hosts the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026
Shared by two NFL teams - Giants and Jets - a unique arrangement
Cost $1.6 billion to build, one of the most expensive stadiums ever
Just 8 miles from Times Square via direct train from Penn Station
FIFA World Cup capacity: 78,576 (lower than regular NFL capacity)
New York / New Jersey World Cup FAQ
How do I get from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium on match day?+
Take an NJ Transit train from Penn Station NY directly to the Meadowlands Rail Station at MetLife. Service runs frequently on match days starting ~3 hours before kickoff. Journey takes 25-30 minutes. Round-trip ticket is around $13.
Which airport is closest to MetLife Stadium?+
Newark (EWR) is the closest at about 13 km. JFK and LaGuardia are further but better connected to Manhattan, where most fans stay. If you're flying internationally and prioritize stadium proximity, choose Newark.
Is the New York subway safe at night during the World Cup?+
Yes, the subway is generally safe. Stay alert in less-busy stations late at night and avoid empty cars. After matches at MetLife, use the official NJ Transit return train rather than walking - the area around the stadium is industrial and not pedestrian-friendly.
Where is the best place to watch the World Cup Final in New York if I don't have a ticket?+
FIFA's Fan Festival is expected at Liberty State Park with a giant screen and full hospitality. Times Square will host an outdoor screening. Football-dedicated pubs (Football Factory at Legends, Smithfield Hall, Banc Cafe) offer a more intimate atmosphere.
Do I need to tip in New York?+
Yes - tipping is standard. 18-20% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis. Quick-service places have tip prompts on card readers but tipping there is optional.