New York / New Jersey World Cup 2026
Host of THE FINAL — July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium
🏆 HOME OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP FINAL 🏆
July 19, 2026 • MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford NJ • 82,500 capacity
⚽ Matches at MetLife Stadium
| Date | Match | Time (UTC) | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-13 | TBD vs TBD | TBD | Group Stage |
| 2026-06-16 | TBD vs TBD | TBD | Group Stage |
| 2026-06-22 | TBD vs TBD | TBD | Group Stage |
| 2026-06-25 | TBD vs TBD | TBD | Group Stage |
| 2026-06-27 | TBD vs TBD | TBD | Group Stage |
| 2026-07-06 | TBD vs TBD | TBD | Knockout Round |
| 2026-07-09 | TBD vs TBD | TBD | Knockout Round |
| 2026-07-19 | CHAMPION vs CHAMPION | 20:00 UTC | 🏆 THE FINAL |
⚠️ Final tickets are the most sought-after in tournament history. Only through FIFA official channels.
🏨 Hotels & Where to Stay
💡 Strategy: Stay in Midtown Manhattan for the best experience — Penn Station gives you NJ Transit directly to MetLife. Or stay in NJ (Jersey City, Newark) for better value and shorter stadium travel.
Marriott Marquis Times Square
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Upscale • Midtown Manhattan
📍 40 min to stadium from stadium
✨ Direct NJ Transit at Penn Station, Times Square central
The Westin New York at Times Square
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Upscale • Midtown Manhattan
📍 40 min to stadium from stadium
✨ Prime Midtown location, Penn Station 5 min walk
Hyatt Regency Jersey City
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Upscale • Jersey City, NJ
📍 25 min to stadium from stadium
✨ Stunning Manhattan skyline views, closer to MetLife
Doubletree by Hilton Newark Airport
⭐⭐⭐ Mid-Range • Newark, NJ
📍 20 min to stadium from stadium
✨ Near airport & NJ Transit, best value option
The Standard High Line
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Boutique Luxury • Chelsea, Manhattan
📍 45 min to stadium from stadium
✨ Trendy NYC neighborhood, Hudson River views
AC Hotel by Marriott Meadowlands
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Closest • East Rutherford, NJ
📍 5 min to stadium from stadium
✨ Closest hotel to MetLife Stadium — walk to games
🗽 Top Attractions in New York
Times Square
Icon 📍 Midtown Manhattan
The crossroads of the world. Neon lights, Broadway shows, restaurants. Best experienced at night.
Central Park
Park 📍 Upper Manhattan
843-acre urban park with concerts, bike rentals, rowboats, and iconic skyline views from Bethesda Fountain.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
UNESCO Landmark 📍 New York Harbor
Ferry from Battery Park. Book tickets weeks in advance. Crown access requires months of advance booking.
The High Line
Urban Park 📍 Chelsea
Elevated rail-turned-park with art installations, food vendors, and stunning Hudson River views.
Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
Landmark 📍 Brooklyn
Walk across the iconic bridge. DUMBO below has great views, galleries, and restaurants under the bridge.
Empire State Building
Observation Deck 📍 Midtown
86th-floor observation deck with 360° NYC panorama. Pre-book to skip queues.
Brooklyn Fan Zone
World Cup Fan Zone 📍 Brooklyn Bridge Park
Official FIFA Fan Zone June 13–July 19. Free entry, giant screens, music, food, daily programming.
Rockefeller Center Fan Village
World Cup Fan Zone 📍 Midtown Manhattan
Official FIFA Fan Village July 6–19. Perfect for Final Week celebrations in heart of NYC.
🚆 Getting to MetLife Stadium
⚠️ IMPORTANT: No public parking at MetLife for World Cup. NJ Transit train tickets must be purchased in advance — they sell out. Plan transport before you arrive!
1. NJ Transit from Penn Station
⏱️ 40 mins • 💰 $10-15 roundtrip
BEST option. Direct to Meadowlands Station at MetLife. Must pre-book — no day-of sales!
2. NJ Transit from Secaucus Junction
⏱️ 25 mins • 💰 $8-12 roundtrip
Change at Secaucus if coming from other NJ points. Pre-book required.
3. Driving + American Dream Mall parking
⏱️ Varies • 💰 $30-50 parking
No stadium parking for WC. Park at American Dream Mall next door and walk over.
4. Official Fan Bus (limited)
⏱️ Varies • 💰 TBD
Watch for FIFA-authorized shuttle services from fan zones in NYC.
💰 Daily Budget (NYC)
New York is one of the world's most expensive cities. Plan accordingly!
Budget Trip
Mid-Range
Luxury
📋 Pro Tips for New York
- Final tickets: Hardest tickets in all of sports in 2026. Only via FIFA official lottery — apply immediately
- Train tickets: Pre-book NJ Transit well in advance — day-of sales are NOT available for World Cup matches
- No stadium parking: Park at American Dream Mall or use transit only
- Stay in Manhattan vs NJ: Manhattan = better experience, NJ = closer to stadium, better value
- Fan zones: Brooklyn Bridge Park (June 13–July 19) and Rockefeller Center (July 6–19) are free
- Weather: NYC in July = hot & humid, 28-33°C. Stay hydrated, dress light
- Budget: NYC is expensive. Pre-book everything (hotels, attractions, restaurants) to save
- MetroCard: Get an NYC MetroCard for the subway — fastest way around Manhattan