FLIGHT + HOTEL
2026 World Cup in New York
MetLife Stadium New Jersey
Plan your World Cup 2026 travel to New York
The world’s eyes are on New York and New Jersey for the World Cup 2026 Final at MetLife Stadium. The metropolitan area will be the tournament’s beating heart, with flagship fan zones at Rockefeller Center and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. From rooftop watch parties in Manhattan to local fan hubs in Queens, the city offers a 24/7 football celebration. Whether you’re attending the final or enjoying the festivities in the city’s countless fan parks, the atmosphere will be historic.
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Our New York/New Jersey World Cup travel guide
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Where to stay in New York for the World Cup
For the sheer scale of the World Cup 2026, staying in Midtown Manhattan offers the most iconic experience. You’ll be steps away from the Fan Festival at Rockefeller Center and have the easiest access to the transport hubs that lead to the stadium.
However, for a more direct tournament experience, stay in Jersey City or Hoboken. These New Jersey cities sit right across the river from Manhattan and offer the best of both worlds: lower prices than NYC and a direct, high-speed connection to MetLife Stadium via the PATH train and NJ Transit.
For airport access, staying in Long Island City (Queens) or near Penn Station provides easy links to JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR).
Budget hotels near Newark Liberty Airport can also provide significant savings, with a 25-minute train ride taking you right into the heart of the Manhattan festivities.
If you are trying to find cheap hotels, look at the Journal Square area in Jersey City or parts of Astoria in Queens. These neighbourhoods are safe, vibrant, and well-connected by the 24-hour subway and PATH systems, allowing you to reach the primary fan zones in under 20 minutes.
Which FIFA World Cup matches will be played in New York?
All around the globe, eyes will be on MetLife Stadium as the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions are crowned at the World Cup Final on Sunday, 19 July 2026.
New York & New Jersey will also host 7 matches leading up to the final:
Group matches
- 13 June 2026 - Brazil v Morocco (Group C)
- 6 June 2026 - France v Senegal (Group I)
- 2 June 2026 - Norway v Senegal (Group I)
- 25 June 2026 - Ecuador v Germany (Group E)
- 27 June 2026 - Panama v England (Group L)
Round of 32
- 30 June 2026 - TBC
Round of 16
- 5 July 2026 - TBC
2026 World Cup Final
- 19 July 2026 - TBC
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Navigating the New York/New Jersey area during the World Cup requires some tactical planning. MetLife Stadium is located in the Meadowlands, New Jersey - about nine miles outside of Manhattan. You will need to take a train from NYC to New Jersey. On match days, a special train service runs from New York and Secaucus Junction directly to the stadium gates.
Transport to MetLife Stadium
The most reliable way to reach MetLife Stadium is via the NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line. On match days, this service runs directly from New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station straight to the MetLife stadium.
If you are starting in New York City, you can use the extensive 24/7 NYC Subway network to reach Penn Station, then switch to the NJ Transit line. Dedicated shuttle buses will also operate from Midtown Manhattan, but be aware that match-day traffic through the Lincoln Tunnel is likely to be severe.
Tickets
For the Subway, the easiest way to pay is "tap and go" using any contactless bank card or phone (Apple/Google Pay) via the OMNY system. However, for NJ Transit trains, you will need to purchase a specific ticket for match days. Download the NJ Transit app in advance to buy tickets digitally. The MTA TrainTime app is also handy for the LIRR.
Note that rail fares for the World Cup will be higher than standard commuter prices, so check the official NJ Transit portal before you travel.
Airport travel
Most British fans will fly into JFK or Newark (EWR) airports.
From JFK: the quickest route to the city centre is the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, followed by a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train which whisks you into Manhattan in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, the Subway is a cheaper, hour-long journey.
From Newark: take the AirTrain to the airport’s rail station for a direct 25-minute NJ Transit train into Penn Station.
Taxis are plentiful, but traffic can easily double your travel time - especially in busy periods, like during the World Cup tournament. Public transport is the fastest and cheapest way to beat the notorious bridge and tunnel traffic heading into Manhattan.
Frequently asked questions about World Cup 2026 travel
FAQs: New York World Cup
No, it’s in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but it’s very close to Manhattan. Public transport from NYC and New Jersey can get you directly to the stadium. This is an established route for New Yorkers attending events at MetLife.
Take the NJ Transit 'Meadowlands Rail' from Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. You get a train to Secaucus Junction and then a quick shuttle train directly to the stadium. It's a well-oiled machine on match days.
Traffic on match days will be immense, whatever mode of transport you choose, so allow at least two to three hours of extra travel time beyond the standard journey. Expect higher security at the stadium too, so don't cut it fine getting to your seat before kick-off.
Liberty State Park in New Jersey and Rockefeller Center in New York City will host the main fan festivals. However, every single bar in the five boroughs will be showing the matches. For a proper atmosphere with fellow fans, head to the football pubs in Manhattan or Astoria.
Stay in Manhattan or Jersey City. There is absolutely nothing around the stadium except car parks and marshland. Staying in Manhattan gives you the full NYC experience, while Jersey City is often cheaper and provides easier access to the stadium via local trains.
Hot, humid, and hazy. Expect temperatures around 30°C in July. The city can feel quite "stuffy" in summer, so it's a good idea to seek out the waterfront parks for a refreshing breeze.
Between the World Cup Final and general NYC prices, this is never going to be a cheap trip. To stretch your budget as far as possible, get everything you can - hotels, restaurants, attractions - booked far in advance.
Consider staying in Long Island City or Brooklyn to save on hotel costs. You’ll get more for your money than booking accommodation in Midtown, and you’re still only a 10-minute subway ride from the centre of the action.
Yes, NYC is safe - just use your street smarts as you would in any other major city. Manhattan is used to big crowds, but New Jersey will also be packed during the World Cup, especially on match days. Stick to the subways, main train stations and well-populated areas and you’ll be fine.
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